Can motorcycles carry passengers on national highways?
3 Answers
Motorcycles can carry one passenger on national highways. The regulation only prohibits carrying passengers when riding on expressways; on other roads including national highways, carrying passengers is permitted. Two-wheeled motorcycles can carry passengers: However, the rear seat must not carry minors under 12 years old. Sidecar motorcycles: In addition to the driver, the main seat can carry one person, and the fixed sidecar seat can carry one person. Three-wheeled motorcycles with fixed seating: If the total engine displacement does not exceed 250 cubic centimeters, the approved passenger capacity is no more than 2 people; if the total engine displacement exceeds 250 cubic centimeters, the approved passenger capacity is no more than 4 people.
I have deep personal experience with carrying passengers on national highways while riding a motorcycle. Having ridden for over a decade, I frequently take long-distance trips with passengers on highways. Generally, this is permitted but requires strict adherence to regulations. For instance, passengers must sit firmly on the rear seat and wear helmets—these are the most basic requirements. Overloading is prohibited; only one passenger is allowed. Once on a rainy highway, my friend nearly slipped off because he didn’t secure himself properly. Since then, I’ve prioritized safety preparations: checking the bike beforehand, ensuring responsive brakes and proper tire pressure, and keeping speed under 60 km/h. Highways have many large vehicles, and turns pose significant risks, so I recommend avoiding peak hours and choosing smoother sections. Beginners should practice solo rides first to familiarize themselves with road conditions before attempting to carry passengers. Safety is paramount—fines are minor compared to the severe consequences of accidents. Regular maintenance, like lubricating the chain and checking lights, also helps prevent sudden breakdowns. In short, carrying passengers is feasible, but act wisely—don’t take reckless risks.
From a safety perspective, carrying passengers on a motorcycle on national highways requires extreme caution. I've been paying attention to this issue for a long time. According to traffic laws, it's generally permitted to carry a passenger, provided the passenger wears a helmet and sits on the rear seat while keeping their body stable. However, the risks are significant—high speeds on national highways, strong wind resistance, and loud noise can easily cause imbalance if the passenger moves around. Personally, I recommend installing rearview mirrors and passenger handrails to enhance stability. It's also crucial to pay attention to the load limit to avoid overburdening the engine. Choosing good weather and daytime travel can reduce the probability of accidents. I've seen numerous news reports about collisions involving motorcycles carrying passengers, where injuries and fatalities tend to be more severe. Therefore, educating the passenger is essential—communicate in advance how to sit firmly and avoid shifting their center of gravity randomly. Vehicle maintenance should not be neglected either; regularly check the braking system and suspension to ensure overall safety. If possible, switching to other means of transportation is a safer option, but for short-distance rides with passengers, being well-prepared should suffice.
