
Points will not be deducted for not having a fire extinguisher in the car. Currently, only special-purpose vehicles such as school buses, passenger buses, trucks, and buses are required to be equipped with on-board fire extinguishers. For private cars, there is no mandatory requirement, so no points will be deducted. However, for safety reasons, it is recommended that car owners always keep a fire extinguisher in their vehicles. Regarding the usage specifications of dry powder fire extinguishers: 1. Before use, shake the extinguisher thoroughly several times to ensure the dry powder inside is loosened; 2. Pull out the safety pin, hold the nozzle with your hand (or hold the bottom of the bottle if it is a tubeless fire extinguisher), and aim the nozzle at the base of the flame; 3. Press the handle of the extinguisher firmly, and the dry powder will then be sprayed from the nozzle.

I usually pay close attention to these details when driving and have specifically checked the regulations. Private vehicles are not currently required to carry a fire extinguisher by law, and no points will be deducted for not having one. However, commercial vehicles like buses and trucks must be equipped with one, otherwise, they risk being fined and penalized with points if caught. I always keep a small fire extinguisher in my car for peace of mind. Last time, I saw my neighbor's car smoking from the front, and since he didn't have a fire extinguisher, he could only stand there helpless. I used mine to help control the fire. I recommend you also keep one, preferably a 1-kilogram water-based type, and regularly check the pressure gauge. Replace it immediately if it's expired—it can truly be a lifesaver in critical moments.

Having driven for over twenty years, I pay special attention to safety equipment in cars. Although the law doesn't deduct points for small cars without fire extinguishers, I always remind new drivers that it's best to have one. This thing costs just a few dozen yuan and takes up hardly any space whether placed under the driver's seat or in a corner of the trunk. Last month at a highway rest stop, I saw an SUV smoking, and the owner was frantically borrowing a fire extinguisher—in the end, the hood was burned out of shape. That's why I always keep a valid fire extinguisher in my car and have even taught my wife how to use it. Safety isn't something to leave to chance; after all, no one can predict emergencies.

A colleague was once checked while driving a seven-seater business van. His vehicle was for commercial use, and he was penalized with a deduction of points and a fine of 200 yuan for not having a fire extinguisher. Later, I also looked up the regulations and found that ordinary family cars are indeed not penalized for lacking a fire extinguisher. However, I always keep a dry powder fire extinguisher in my car, mainly because I once witnessed a vehicle self-ignition scene, which was truly horrifying. Remember to choose products with 3C certification and avoid cheap, low-quality ones. It's convenient to keep it in the door storage compartment. Every year before summer, I check the pressure gauge. It's better to have a fire extinguisher and never need it than to need it and not have one.

I asked the inspection station staff about it during the annual vehicle inspection two years ago. He said passenger cars don't need to carry fire extinguishers for the test - they only check lights, brakes, etc. I drive a 5-seater sedan, and indeed nobody checked for this during inspection. But after seeing an EV spontaneously combust in our underground garage last time (flames engulfed it within minutes), I bought a compact fire extinguisher anyway. I keep it in the glove compartment now, and chose one with a built-in thermometer display to monitor cabin temperature. I'd recommend all new drivers to carry one, especially for frequent long-distance trips or older vehicles.

After researching automotive accessories, I found there are three types of fire extinguishers on the market: dry powder ones tend to clump and need annual replacement, water-based ones have a longer shelf life but are more expensive, while gas extinguishers are the priciest but most effective. Ordinary cars won't be penalized for not having one, but I believe this is money well spent. My car carries a 2kg water-based extinguisher secured under the passenger seat. Once when a friend's car had smoking AC wiring, I extinguished the flames in two minutes, preventing total loss. Always check manufacturing dates when purchasing - avoid online knockoffs with poor safety performance. I recommend units with safety pins and pressure gauges for easier operation.


