Will lying in the co-pilot seat result in penalty points?
2 Answers
Lying flat in the co-pilot seat will not result in penalty points. Additional information is as follows: 1. Lying flat in the co-pilot seat is relatively dangerous: There are no clear legal requirements regarding the sitting posture in the co-pilot seat, so it is permissible to lie flat. However, from a safety perspective, lying flat in the co-pilot seat is relatively hazardous. 2. Passengers must not interfere with driving: Passengers must not interfere with driving, extend any part of their body outside the vehicle, or jump out of the vehicle. The following situations may occur when the seat is reclined: 1. Being thrown off the seat: The co-pilot may be thrown off the seat, leading to secondary collisions with parts such as the windshield, roof, B-pillar, or door. 2. Sliding forward due to inertia: There is a possibility of sliding forward due to inertia, resulting in knee collisions and comminuted fractures. 3. Being strangled by the seatbelt: There is a risk of being strangled by the seatbelt around the neck, leading to tragic consequences.
I have worked in the traffic management department for nearly thirty years and often encounter such inquiries. Lying down in the passenger seat does pose safety hazards, as it may prevent the seatbelt from properly securing the body. Although traffic regulations do not explicitly penalize reclining postures with demerit points, according to Article 90 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, police have the authority to penalize passengers if they obstruct the driver’s view or interfere with driving. In practice, most cases result in warnings or fines ranging from 20 to 50 yuan, with direct demerit points for drivers being rare. The key issue lies in safe driving—crash tests show that the fatality rate in accidents is 80% higher in a semi-reclined position compared to a normal sitting posture. It is strongly recommended to wear the seatbelt properly at all times.
