Does carrying children count as overloading?

[DelDerek]

Carrying children counts as overloading. Here are specific details about overloading: 1. Definition: Overload refers to the actual load of a transportation vehicle exceeding the maximum allowable limit. Freight overload typically means the goods transported by a motor vehicle exceed the total load capacity of the freight vehicle. 2. Penalties: Driving an operational passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with passengers exceeding the approved number by less than 20%, or driving other passenger vehicles with passengers exceeding the approved number by more than 20% will result in a 6-point penalty. Driving a passenger vehicle other than an operational passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with passengers exceeding the approved number by less than 20% will result in a 3-point penalty.

[SanEsther]

When I usually drive my children out, I pay special attention to the issue of overloading because it directly relates to safety. Overloading is defined as having more passengers in the car than the number of seats approved for the vehicle, and regardless of the size of the child, each must be counted. Every seat must be equipped with a seatbelt. If an extra child is squeezed in the back, in the event of an accident, the unbelted person could be thrown out and seriously injured. I have personally witnessed similar accidents, and they are terrifying. At the same time, traffic laws stipulate that overloading can result in demerit points and fines, generally ranging from 200 to 2000 yuan, and may also be recorded by traffic police. I suggest parents plan seating arrangements in advance. If there are too many children, drive two cars or make multiple trips—never take risks for the sake of convenience. Following the rules is not only legal but can also save lives.

[AnnieAnn]

I used to think it's fine to take an extra child in the car, but in reality, overloading is overloading. Traffic regulations clearly state that every passenger, including children, must have their own seat. The number of seats in a vehicle is designed with safety in mind, and exceeding that means safety systems won't function as intended—like an unbuckled child hitting the front seat during sudden braking. A friend told me about a case where someone got caught, and while a fine of a few hundred bucks is minor, the safety risks are the real concern. Even if the kids are small, squeezing them in isn't reliable. It's best to make a habit of checking seating arrangements and counting heads before trips. Rules exist to protect everyone, so don't make the same mistake I did by being careless and causing trouble.

[AndrewFitz]

As someone with twenty years of driving experience, I can tell you that overloading is extremely dangerous, even when carrying children. The number of seats in a vehicle isn't just for show—each seat corresponds to a seatbelt, and adding one extra child means reducing safety assurance. Unsecured passengers have higher fatality rates in accidents, and children are even more vulnerable. Traffic police frequently conduct vehicle checks, and overloading can easily lead to point deductions, fines, and affect insurance claims. Don't underestimate the risks—sticking to one seat per person is the bottom line.

[OMason]

I always think about safety when traveling with my children, and overloading is no small matter. According to regulations, exceeding the passenger limit in a car constitutes overloading, and this includes children in the count. Everyone has the right to protection in the event of an accident, and children without seats or seatbelts are more vulnerable to injury. The police enforce the law strictly, with fines of at least 200 yuan for overloading, and points can also be deducted. My neighbor was once caught carrying an extra child, and the whole family was unsettled as a result. It's advisable to always check the number of passengers before driving to avoid taking chances—this is being responsible for your family.