In Chile, traffic regulations require drivers to comply with a series of provisions to guarantee safety on the roads and prevent incidents. The Traffic Law establishes that each vehicle must have certain safety elements, among which the extinguisher fire is mandatory. This device is not only necessary to act in an emergency, but its absence can imply financial penalties for drivers who do not wear it properly.
Article 75 of the Traffic Law regulates this aspect and details that all vehicles in circulation must carry a fire extinguisher with a current date, certified and in good condition. In addition, it must be in an easily accessible place, so that it can be used quickly in case of emergency. The lack of a fire extinguisher in the vehicle is considered a minor infraction, but still punishable, which can be avoided simply by keeping this safety equipment in order.
In the event that a driver is caught without a fire extinguisher or with an expired one, the regulations establish a fine economical. The penalties for not carrying this safety element in the car range between 0.2 and 0.5 Monthly Tax Units (UTM), depending on the circumstances. With the value of the UTM of October 2024, this violation represents a cost ranging from approximately $13,312 to $33,280 Chilean pesos.
To avoid this penalty, drivers must periodically check the status of their extinguishermaking sure it is in optimal condition. A key aspect is to verify that the extinguisher’s charge indicator is in the green zone, since this certifies that it is ready to be used in the event of a fire. Likewise, it must be confirmed that it has not expired, since an expired extinguisher can be ineffective in risk situations.
Beyond the finethe presence of a functional fire extinguisher in the vehicle is essential for the safety of both the driver and passengers. In an emergency, having this element can make a difference and help control the fire, avoiding further damage or serious accidents. In this way, complying with the regulations not only allows you to avoid an infringement, but also contributes to safer and more responsible driving.
