Is It Illegal If the Trunk Won't Close?

[Tom]

Driving with an unclosed trunk is considered a traffic violation. Here are the consequences of driving with an open trunk: 1. During braking or acceleration: Loaded goods may be thrown out of the vehicle, potentially causing property loss for the owner or, in severe cases, hitting following vehicles and triggering traffic accidents. 2. Items falling from the vehicle: This can create road debris, obstructing following vehicles and potentially causing traffic congestion. 3. On bumpy roads: The entire trunk lid may lift up, blocking the rear windshield and impairing the driver's visibility of rear traffic conditions, increasing the risk of accidents.

[Cheyenne]

I've been driving for over 20 years and have encountered many instances where the trunk wouldn't close properly, which is not only annoying but also illegal. Once, while transporting goods on the highway, the trunk latch was broken and didn't close tightly. As a result, I was pulled over by traffic police, who said my vehicle had defective parts in operation, violating the safety law's requirement that vehicle components must be secured. I was fined 200 yuan and received penalty points, mainly because an open trunk could fling out items, endangering both myself and others, especially in bad weather. It's essential to develop a habit of checking daily; before starting the car, take a quick look to ensure the trunk door is securely locked. If there's any issue, get it fixed immediately—don't delay. If absolutely necessary, pulling over and temporarily securing it with a rope is better than taking the risk. In short, leaving the trunk unclosed may lead to fines and accidents, with the severity of the violation depending on local regulations, but safety should always come first.

[OKaylee]

As a new driver who just got my license last year, I was curious whether an unsecured trunk counts as a traffic violation. After consulting experienced drivers and researching, I learned that traffic regulations require all doors and trunks to be securely fastened to prevent accidents, such as items falling out and hitting following vehicles or being blown away by wind, potentially causing hazards. Police may issue a ticket for unsafe driving if spotted, with fines varying by city but typically ranging from 100 to 500 yuan. From personal experience—once after shopping, my trunk didn’t latch properly and flapped alarmingly while driving; luckily, I stopped in time to fix it without incident. So the answer depends: brief slow driving might warrant just a warning, but at high speeds, it’s more likely illegal. I’d advise new drivers to keep a simple emergency toolkit handy—safety first, no risks.

[StEloise]

Common issues with car trunks not closing properly often stem from causes like a stuck lock mechanism, rusted hinges, or failed springs. Driving with an open trunk is undoubtedly illegal, as traffic regulations mandate all vehicle parts to be secured to prevent hazards. For instance, spilled cargo could cause accidents, justifying police fines. Simply put, the trunk door must be securely closed; otherwise, it's considered driving a defective vehicle. The inspection method is straightforward: manually pull the door to check for proper engagement, and stop to repair if issues are found. Never overlook this detail, as negligence could lead to significant liability.