Can a Private Car Carry 6 People?
2 Answers
No, it is considered overloading. If a private car with a rated capacity of 5 people carries 6 people, it will be penalized with 6 demerit points and a fine. A vehicle limited to 5 passengers carrying 6 people is already considered overloaded. Overloading refers to the actual load of a transportation vehicle exceeding the maximum allowable limit. Freight overloading usually refers to the cargo transported by a motor vehicle exceeding its loading capacity. Relevant information about overloading is as follows: Penalties for overloading: According to the interpretation of the new traffic regulations, any vehicle exceeding 20% of the rated capacity is considered overloaded and will be penalized under the new regulations. Overloading of commercial passenger vehicles: Driving a commercial passenger vehicle exceeding 20% of the rated capacity will result in 12 demerit points. Driving a commercial passenger vehicle exceeding the rated capacity by less than 20%, or driving other passenger vehicles exceeding the rated capacity by 20%, will result in 6 demerit points. Overloading of other vehicles: Driving passenger vehicles other than commercial vehicles or school buses exceeding the rated capacity by less than 20% will result in 3 demerit points.
As an experienced driver, I must remind everyone that whether a private car can accommodate six people depends on the vehicle's design. Standard sedans like the Toyota Corolla typically have only five seats. Forcing six people in not only makes the back seat uncomfortably cramped but also significantly increases safety risks. With twenty years of driving experience, I've seen too many accidents caused by overloading—people falling into the front seats during braking or kids hitting doors when turning are common occurrences. The vehicle manual clearly states the rated capacity, and overloading is both illegal and subject to fines. Safety first—if you have more people, rent an MPV or take two cars instead of cutting corners. When buying a car, pay attention to the seating layout; SUVs or MPVs with seven seats are more practical choices to avoid potential safety hazards down the road.
