Will points be deducted if there is no fire extinguisher in the car?
3 Answers
Not having a fire extinguisher in the car will indeed result in point deductions, but it depends on the type of vehicle being driven. Point deductions mainly apply to vehicles such as buses, school buses, and trucks. Below is relevant information about vehicle fire extinguishers: 1. Fire extinguisher pressure gauge: During the warranty period, it is necessary to assess whether the fire extinguisher is truly effective. Not only should the manufacturing date be checked, but also the pressure gauge of the fire extinguisher. If the pointer is in the green zone, it indicates the fire extinguisher is functioning normally. If it is in the yellow zone, it means the pressure is too high, and if it is in the red zone, it indicates insufficient pressure, requiring the fire extinguisher to be pressurized. 2. Factory maintenance: Fire extinguishers should undergo maintenance once every 5 years after leaving the factory. This timeframe should be noted carefully. If the fire extinguisher is ineffective, it will be useless during use, making regular inspections extremely important. 3. Replacing the fire extinguisher: Generally, the warranty period for portable carbon dioxide fire extinguishers is 10 years. After this period, the fire extinguisher should be replaced promptly.
Seeing this topic reminds me of my own experience. Will you get penalty points for not having a fire extinguisher in your car? In most regions, private cars usually won’t face point deductions—for example, many provinces in China don’t explicitly require one. However, I once encountered a dangerous situation where the dashboard started smoking on the highway. Luckily, I had a small fire extinguisher, which prevented a major disaster. Since then, I’ve made it a habit to keep one in my car. Regulations vary by region—big cities like Beijing or Shanghai may enforce stricter checks during annual inspections, where missing equipment could result in a fine but no point deductions. In the long run, safety shouldn’t rely solely on legal requirements. I recommend spending a few dozen yuan to buy a compact extinguisher and placing it under the driver’s seat—it doesn’t take up much space but can be a lifesaver in emergencies. After all, accidents on the road are inevitable, and prevention is always better than regret. Don’t wait until a fire breaks out to wish you’d been prepared.
From a professional perspective, fire extinguishers are not mandatory for all vehicles. Ordinary private cars generally won't receive penalty points for lacking one, but during annual inspections or traffic spot checks, drivers may face warnings or fines if caught. I'm familiar with inspection procedures—some provinces impose stricter requirements on buses or trucks, where missing equipment directly affects pass rates. I strongly recommend every car owner equip their vehicle with a dry powder fire extinguisher, placed in an easily accessible location. The cost is minimal (under 100 yuan), and this safety investment never goes out of style. In case of fire, it can quickly control flames and prevent spreading. Remember, vehicle safety is a comprehensive system—don't just focus on penalty point regulations.
