Does carrying one extra child count as overloading?

[StAriana]

Carrying one extra child does count as overloading. Here is relevant information about overloading: 1. Hazards of overloading: (1) It can easily induce traffic accidents: Overloaded vehicles operate under excessive load for prolonged periods, resulting in lower braking and operational safety performance. Risks such as tire blowouts, brake failure, broken leaf springs, and axle fractures may occur, posing serious traffic safety hazards. (2) It significantly shortens road service life: The load of overloaded vehicles generally far exceeds the designed load capacity of roads and bridges. Their frequent travel causes road surface damage and bridge fractures, greatly reducing the normal service life of roads and necessitating early major repairs. 2. Overloading regulations: (1) Article 49 of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates: Motor vehicles must not carry more passengers than the approved number, and passenger vehicles must not carry cargo in violation of regulations. (2) Article 48 of the Road Traffic Safety Law stipulates: The load carried by motor vehicles must comply with the approved load capacity, and overloading is strictly prohibited. The length, width, and height of the cargo must not violate loading requirements, and the cargo must not spill or scatter during transport.

[Parker]

Yes, overloading with one small child definitely counts as overloading, because a child occupies a seat in the car and is counted in the total number of passengers just like an adult. The vehicle's designed passenger capacity is a strict standard; for example, in a five-seater car, having a sixth person is considered overloading, regardless of whether it's a child. I drove a taxi for over ten years and encountered many such cases; carrying an extra child can affect braking performance, increase the risk of rollover during sharp turns, and I've even been fined 200 yuan by traffic police for it. The airbag coverage is also insufficient, putting the child at greater risk of injury in an accident. It's advisable to always count the number of passengers before getting in the car, avoid taking chances, and rather take an extra taxi than risk it. Regularly checking seat and seatbelt settings can also reduce the chance of accidents. Overloading is not only illegal but also endangers everyone's life, including the child's.

[Pete]

Carrying one extra child definitely counts as overloading, which stems from the clear definition in traffic regulations: every passenger counts, regardless of age. As a parent, I often struggle with this issue. Once, when taking my kids out, I squeezed in one more child, and during a turn, the car swayed violently, causing the child to hit the door—fortunately, no one was hurt. Later, after studying the vehicle manual, I learned that overloading increases fuel consumption, wears out the suspension, and can even cause excessive tire pressure. In reality, if caught by traffic police, you’ll face point deductions and fines, and insurance companies may deny accident claims. I recommend families prioritize vehicles with larger seating capacity or plan ahead for the number of passengers. Remember, every life in the car deserves protection—don’t sacrifice safety for momentary convenience. Regular maintenance and vehicle checks can help prevent such risks.

[McKimberly]

Yes, overloading even one child is considered overloading because the vehicle's design accounts for a maximum total number of passengers. Although a child is light, occupying a seat affects the overall balance. As a friend who frequently repairs cars, I've seen data: adding one more person increases braking distance by 20%, making it even more dangerous at high speeds. The law is clear—the number of people allowed is the number of seats available. I recommend checking the vehicle manual to confirm the passenger limit; frequent overloading can accelerate wear and shorten the lifespan of drivetrain components. Avoid this practice in daily use—safety first.