Is it mandatory to equip a fire extinguisher in the car?
4 Answers
The Road Traffic Safety Law, Article 21 stipulates that before driving a motor vehicle on the road, the driver should carefully inspect the safety technical performance of the vehicle; it is prohibited to drive a motor vehicle with incomplete safety facilities or components that do not meet technical standards, which may pose safety hazards. According to the 'Safety Technical Conditions for Motor Vehicle Operation' (GB7258-2012), vehicles (excluding three-wheeled vehicles without a cab) should be equipped with a triangular warning sign. Passenger vehicles (those carrying more than 9 people) and school buses must be equipped with fire extinguishers. From this, it can be seen that school buses and passenger vehicles are required to have on-board fire extinguishers, while private cars are not mandated. However, it is still recommended that car owners keep a fire extinguisher in their vehicles as a precaution. The usage method of an on-board fire extinguisher is as follows: 1. In case of a car fire, the first priority is to stay calm, not panic, analyze the situation, and then make a quick judgment. 2. When holding the fire extinguisher, stand at the upwind side of the fire to avoid being scalded, ensuring your own safety before attempting to put out the fire. 3. Pull out the safety pin, hold the nozzle, and grip the pressure handle with the other hand. Aim the nozzle at the base of the flame to quickly extinguish the fire.
Let's talk about whether to keep a fire extinguisher in the car. I think it mainly depends on balancing legal requirements and safety. In many countries, such as China, private cars are not strictly required to carry a fire extinguisher, nor is it mandatory to check during annual inspections. But that doesn't mean you can be careless—safety comes first. I've witnessed a few minor accidents on the road where initial flames could be controlled with a fire extinguisher, saving the car before the fire brigade arrived. I strongly recommend keeping a small dry powder fire extinguisher, choosing a high-quality one and placing it in an easily accessible front seat location—don't stash it deep in the trunk. Regularly check the pressure gauge and expiration date, typically replacing it every year or two. In the long run, some regions like Europe have stricter requirements, and the trend may be tightening—better to prepare early than regret later. Safety investments are priceless; a little prevention is always better than panicking in an emergency.
As someone who commutes by car every day, I think this comes down to personal habits. Legally, there's no mandatory requirement to carry a fire extinguisher in the car, but I keep a small one under my driver's seat—a cheap Taobao purchase for just a few dozen yuan. Why? Once during an outing, a friend's car engine started smoking, and luckily, my extinguisher put out the initial flames, earning me the nickname 'Lifesaver of the Day.' That experience taught me that small preparations can make a big difference. I recommend getting a car-specific dry powder type—easy to operate and less prone to misuse. Check it annually to ensure it's not expired, and make sure its placement doesn't obstruct foot space. Driving comes with unpredictable risks, and a little extra preparedness makes life more secure and stable.
Novice drivers might wonder if a fire extinguisher is necessary in the car. While it's not legally required, it's highly practical. Why is it recommended? Vehicles have oil and electrical circuits that could malfunction and cause a fire. Having a fire extinguisher on hand allows you to quickly put out small fires, protecting both lives and the car. Purchase a compact one and place it near the front seat for easy access. Remember to replace it regularly to ensure it doesn't expire and become unusable. Safety comes first, and preventive measures while driving are essential.
