Why is loading a bicycle in the trunk penalized with 12 points?
2 Answers
Loading a bicycle in the trunk is penalized with 12 points because the owner installed a bicycle rack in the trunk area and did not position it correctly during installation, thereby obstructing the rear license plate number. This constitutes intentional concealment of the license plate, which, according to regulations, results in an immediate 12-point deduction. The Implementation Regulations of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulate provisions regarding "driving with doors or compartments not properly closed": Since February 26, 2005, for small passenger vehicles loading wheelchairs in the trunk within the city, as long as they are secured in a certain manner and do not obstruct the rear window view, traffic police will no longer impose penalties. It is important to note that when small passenger vehicles transport bicycles or wheelchairs, there must be no obstruction of the license plate; otherwise, penalties will still apply.
I've been driving for over a decade, and it's truly dangerous to drive with a bicycle sticking out of the trunk. Imagine the bicycle blocking the rear windshield—completely obscuring your view of the traffic behind. Even a slight turn could lead to an accident. Traffic police would definitely penalize this situation because it violates traffic rules: obstructing visibility equates to dangerous driving, and an overloaded trunk might also obscure the license plate. A 12-point penalty is a severe punishment, highlighting how serious this violation is. I recommend friends who need to transport bicycles to use proper bike racks, securely mounted on the roof or rear frame, ensuring they don’t obstruct driving visibility. Safety comes first—even a small oversight on the road can lead to disaster. Regular vehicle maintenance should include checks on proper load specifications.
