Is prostration (sujud) while reciting the Qur'an obligatory, and what should one do if they are reciting the Qur'an in a car and reach a verse of prostration?

The jurists differed on the ruling concerning prostration of recitation (Sujud al-Tilawah) into two opinions: 1. The first opinion (the majority): It is Sunnah (recommended) and not obligatory. They cited as evidence the narrations of Zayd ibn Thabit and Umar ibn al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with them both, which indicate its non-obligatory nature. 2. The second opinion (the Hanafis and a narration from Ahmad): It is absolutely obligatory. They cited as evidence verses that command prostration and condemn those who do not prostrate.

The preponderant view is that of the majority, stating that it is Sunnah, due to the strength of their evidence.

As for the ruling on performing prostration of recitation by gesturing (Imaa') when prostrating on the ground is difficult (such as for someone in a car or an airplane), gesturing for it is permissible, similar to voluntary prayers, because prostration of recitation is Sunnah and not obligatory.