Will lying flat in the co-pilot seat result in penalty points?
2 Answers
Lying flat in the co-pilot seat will not result in penalty points. Below are the regulations for riding in the co-pilot seat and the hazards of reclining the co-pilot seat: Regulations for riding in the co-pilot seat: There are no explicit legal requirements regarding how to sit in the co-pilot seat, so it is permissible to lie flat. However, passengers in the co-pilot seat must not interfere with driving, extend any part of their body outside the vehicle, or jump out of the car. Hazards of reclining the co-pilot seat: The passenger in the co-pilot seat may be thrown from the seat, leading to secondary collisions with parts of the car such as the glass, roof, B-pillar, and doors. Additionally, the passenger may slide forward due to inertia, resulting in shattered knee fractures or tragic injuries from the seatbelt tightening around the neck.
As a seasoned driver with over a decade of experience, I must emphasize that lying flat in the front passenger seat is absolutely unacceptable. Traffic regulations clearly state that seat belts must be properly fastened in the front passenger seat, and lying down makes it impossible to secure the belt properly. If caught by traffic police, the driver will be penalized with a 2-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine. Beyond being a violation, this poses significant safety hazards. In the event of sudden braking or an accident while the vehicle is in motion, a lying passenger can easily be thrown forward into the windshield. Moreover, if the airbag deploys, the incorrect posture can cause more severe injuries to the face or chest. I recall a recent report where a passenger lying flat suffered broken ribs even in a minor collision. That's why I always advise friends who want to relax in the car to sit upright or, better yet, move to the back seat to rest.
