Can a sedan accommodate 4 adults and 2 children (6 people in total)?
2 Answers
No, it cannot carry six people as it constitutes overloading. Here are the relevant details: 1. Overloading: Refers to when a transportation vehicle's actual load exceeds the maximum permitted limit. Freight overloading typically means the cargo transported by motor vehicles exceeds the vehicle's loading capacity. 2. Penalties for overloading: Any vehicle exceeding 20% of the approved passenger capacity is considered overloaded and will be penalized under new traffic regulations. The new regulations have increased penalty points for serious overloading violations by drivers of key vehicle types: Operating a commercial passenger vehicle exceeding 20% of approved capacity results in 12 penalty points; operating a commercial passenger vehicle exceeding capacity by less than 20%, or operating other passenger vehicles exceeding 20% of approved capacity results in 6 penalty points. Operating passenger vehicles (excluding commercial buses and school buses) exceeding capacity by less than 20% results in 3 penalty points.
Sedans are generally designed with 5 seats, including the driver's seat, so it's not feasible to fit 4 adults and 2 children, totaling 6 people. With over a decade of driving experience, I often encounter friends asking this question. Forcing extra passengers in not only makes it cramped and uncomfortable but also poses significant safety risks. Children require safety seats, and squeezing an extra person in the back leaves no room for a seat, putting kids at risk of injury during sudden braking or accidents. Traffic regulations clearly state that overloading is illegal, leading to fines, penalty points, or even severe consequences if caught. Additionally, increased vehicle load affects braking performance and handling, especially dangerous on highways. For family trips, I recommend switching to an SUV or MPV with 7 seats for more space, safety, and comfort. Remember, safety comes first—don’t take risks to save trouble.
