Does a Child Count as Overloading?
2 Answers
Does a Child Count as Overloading? The following is expanded information on penalties for overloading various types of motor vehicles: 1. Motor vehicle drivers committing any of the following violations will be penalized with 6 demerit points: Driving a commercial passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with passengers exceeding the approved capacity by less than 20%, or driving a passenger vehicle with passengers exceeding the approved capacity by 20% or more. 2. Motor vehicle drivers committing any of the following violations will be penalized with 3 demerit points: Driving a passenger vehicle other than a commercial passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with passengers exceeding the approved capacity by less than 20%.
Having driven for many years, I've seen too many drivers mistakenly believe that children don't count towards overloading. This is a major misconception, as traffic regulations clearly state that passenger capacity is calculated by headcount—each child occupies one seat position. When vehicles are designed, their seating and seatbelt systems are optimized for a specific number of occupants. Overloading affects balance, increases braking distance, and raises the risk of rollovers. I always remind my friends that no matter how small the child is, they should never be held on someone's lap or allow six people in a five-seater car. Safety comes first. Teach children to buckle up properly to avoid fines or accidents—this habit can save lives. Simply put, load passengers according to the number of seats, and don't take risks.
