Is it mandatory to have someone in the front passenger seat?
2 Answers
It is not mandatory to have someone in the front passenger seat, but there are situations where it is required: 1. When driving on highways during the probationary period, someone must sit in the front passenger seat to provide guidance; 2. When driving in high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, someone must occupy the front passenger seat, as these lanes are designated for vehicles carrying multiple passengers; 3. For small and micro passenger vehicles with a seating capacity of 9 or fewer people, the vehicle must carry at least 2 passengers, one of whom must occupy the front passenger seat. However, children under 12 years old are not allowed to sit in the front passenger seat. A car is a non-track vehicle powered by an engine, equipped with four or more wheels, primarily used for transporting people and goods.
It's really unnecessary to force someone to sit in the front passenger seat while driving. I often commute alone, leaving the passenger seat empty or just placing a bag or umbrella there. But here's an important safety warning: If someone does sit in the front passenger seat, they must wear a seatbelt. Otherwise, in case of an accident, the airbag deployment could cause additional injuries. Children's bodies are particularly fragile, and the force of an airbag is too strong, making them highly susceptible to injury. Therefore, always place children in rear child safety seats. Additionally, keeping the passenger seat empty during long drives makes the car feel more spacious and helps maintain a relaxed mood. Occasionally placing light items there is fine, but avoid heavy objects that might slide around during braking and distract the driver. In summary, safety always comes first, and having no one in the front passenger seat is quite common.
