Installation of fire extinguishers will be mandatory from Dec. 1 in all vehicles with passenger capacity of five or more. (iclickart) *[Unauthorized reproduction and redistribution of the above photo is strictly prohibited under copyright laws and regulations.]

By Koh Hyunjeong

Installation of fire extinguishers from Dec. 1 will be mandatory in all vehicles with passenger capacity of five or more.

The National Fire Agency (NFA) on Nov. 20 also said the new rule will not apply retroactively to registered vehicles but to new or used ones registered after purchase. Confirmation of installation will be checked during vehicle inspection.

The recommended location is near the driver's seat. One extinguisher weighing 0.7 kg or more should be stored in an easily accessible spot. 

The only available fire extinguishers for vehicles are powder based and come in 0.7-, 1.5- and 3.3-kg types.

The agency said, "Standard powder- or aerosol-based fire extinguishers without the 'For vehicle use' sticker are not legal for use in vehicles, so please be aware of this when buying them."

hjkoh@korea.kr