Will the co-driver be penalized for not wearing a seat belt?
2 Answers
The co-driver will not be penalized for not wearing a seat belt, but may be fined. Only the driver will be penalized with 2 points deduction and a fine for not wearing a seat belt when driving on highways and urban expressways. Below are the relevant details: 1. When driving on urban expressways, if the driver fails to wear a seat belt as required, a fine will be imposed and 2 points will be deducted; 2. When driving on roads other than highways or urban expressways, if the driver fails to wear a seat belt as required, a fine will be imposed but no points will be deducted; 3. Article 51 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' stipulates that when a motor vehicle is in motion, the driver and passengers must wear seat belts as required, and motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear safety helmets as required.
I've been driving a taxi for over ten years and have encountered many cases where the front passenger didn't fasten their seatbelt. According to the latest traffic regulations, if a front-seat passenger fails to wear a seatbelt, the driver will be penalized with a deduction of 2 points and a fine of around 200 yuan. This is no small matter. Once, I picked up a passenger who refused to buckle up, and we were caught by a traffic camera, resulting in a 2-point deduction and a 200-yuan fine for me. Drivers are responsible for reminding passengers. If we fail to remind them or the passengers refuse to cooperate, we have to bear the consequences. Considering the risks—an unrestrained front passenger could be thrown forward during sudden braking, leading to severe injury or even death—I now verbally confirm that the front passenger has fastened their seatbelt before driving. Developing this habit can save a lot of trouble.
