Does carrying an extra baby count as overloading in a car?
2 Answers
Carrying an extra baby in a car is considered overloading for the following reasons: According to relevant regulations, children are also counted as one passenger. Therefore, an adult holding a child in one seat is also considered overloading and is subject to the same penalties as private car overloading violations. The regulations stipulate that for passenger vehicles other than commercial buses and school buses, carrying passengers exceeding the approved number by less than 20% will result in a fine and 3 penalty points, while exceeding the approved number by 20% or more will result in a fine and 6 penalty points. Below are the relevant regulations on vehicle overloading: 1. Highway Law, Article 77: Vehicles that violate the provisions of Article 46, causing damage or pollution to the road surface or affecting the smooth flow of traffic, or vehicles that violate the provisions of Article 51 by using the highway as a test driving site, shall be ordered by the transportation authorities to cease the illegal activity and may be fined up to 5,000 yuan. 2. Road Traffic Safety Law, Article 48: The loading of goods by motor vehicles shall comply with the approved load capacity, and overloading is strictly prohibited. The length, width, and height of the loaded goods shall not violate loading requirements, and the goods shall not be spilled or scattered. Motor vehicles transporting oversized indivisible items that affect traffic safety shall operate at the time, route, and speed designated by the traffic management department of the public security authorities, with clear signage displayed. The transportation of oversized indivisible items on highways shall also comply with the provisions of the Highway Law. Motor vehicles transporting explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic, radioactive, or other hazardous materials shall obtain approval from the public security authorities and operate at the designated time, route, and speed, with warning signs displayed and necessary safety measures taken.
Carrying an extra baby in a car is definitely considered overloading. In automotive design, the approved passenger capacity of a vehicle is limited, with each seat corresponding to one person. Although infants are small, they still require a safety seat fixed to a seat, occupying one position. If this is not counted, it exceeds the passenger limit. Overloading can cause imbalance in the car's weight, affecting braking performance and handling stability, especially during sharp turns or emergency braking, where the infant could be thrown out and injured. Legally, it is clearly stipulated that during traffic police inspections, infants are counted as one passenger, and overloading will result in fines and demerit points. It is recommended to count all passengers, including infants, before traveling and use an appropriate infant safety seat to ensure safety. Never take risks for the sake of convenience—family safety is paramount. I strictly adhere to this rule every time I drive.
