Will lying in the co-pilot seat result in penalty points?
3 Answers
Lying flat in the co-pilot seat will not result in penalty points. There are no explicit regulations prohibiting co-pilots from reclining their seats and lying down during the journey, but doing so is relatively dangerous, and passengers are required to wear seat belts. When riding in a motor vehicle, one must not interfere with driving, extend any part of the body outside the vehicle, or jump from the vehicle. Relevant details are as follows: Regulations: According to Article 77 of the "Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," the following rules must be observed when riding in a motor vehicle: do not hail a motor vehicle on the motorway; do not get on or off a motor vehicle from the left side on the motorway. Precautions: Do not open or close doors in a way that obstructs other vehicles or pedestrians; while the vehicle is in motion, do not interfere with driving, extend any part of the body outside the vehicle, or jump from the vehicle; when riding a two-wheeled motorcycle, one must sit facing forward.
I used to wonder about this question when driving. Generally, a passenger lying down in the front seat won’t directly result in penalty points, as points are usually only deducted for the driver’s direct violations, such as speeding or drunk driving. However, a passenger lying down might lead to other issues. For example, they may be more likely to not wear a seatbelt. If the police check and find the seatbelt isn’t properly fastened during a roadside inspection, the driver could be fined or even receive penalty points, typically 1 to 2 points. Additionally, lying down could obstruct the view and affect safety during emergency braking, increasing the risk of accidents. If the passenger isn’t seated securely, they might roll out of position when the car turns or hits a bump, which would be even more dangerous. I think it’s best to have the passenger sit upright and fasten their seatbelt properly. This not only complies with traffic rules but also ensures a smoother ride. Long-term habits of lying down could also damage the seat, affecting the car’s condition—hardly worth the trouble.
As a parent, I often remind my children to behave properly in the car—lying down in the front passenger seat is definitely not acceptable. While this may seem like a minor issue, it poses significant safety risks. Seatbelts only work effectively when properly fastened, and lying down often prevents them from being secured tightly. In the event of sudden braking, the person could be thrown forward and injured. Although traffic regulations don’t explicitly state "lying down will result in penalty points," not wearing a seatbelt or distracting the driver can lead to police intervention, potentially resulting in fines and demerit points for the driver. Moreover, lying down increases the likelihood of dozing off or playing with a phone, which can distract the driver and heighten the risk of accidents. During normal driving, it’s important to cultivate good habits—sitting upright in the front passenger seat not only protects oneself but also avoids causing trouble for others.
