Does having a child in the car count as overloading?
2 Answers
Having one extra child in the car counts as overloading. Here is the relevant information: 1. The traffic regulations regarding "overcrowding" do not specify the height, weight, or age of the passengers but only the "number." Therefore, in a car with a capacity of five people, having one extra child (even an infant held in a parent's arms) is considered overcrowding. 2. Overcrowding does not differentiate between adults and children; as long as they are born, they count as one member. A five-seater car can only accommodate five people, including children. For example, if there are three adults in a five-seater car, having three children would count as overcrowding, even if they are held in arms, because current laws require children to use safety seats.
I often drive my kids to and from school, so this issue is particularly important to me. Children do count towards overloading in a car, because traffic regulations stipulate that the number of passengers in a vehicle must not exceed the rated capacity, including all passengers regardless of age. Overloading doesn't just refer to adults—every child must occupy a standard seat. I've personally seen many cases where parents think it's fine to squeeze in a small child, but in reality, it increases risks: in the event of sudden braking or a collision, a child not properly secured with a seatbelt could be thrown out, doubling the chance of an accident. Overloading a vehicle can also lead to hazards like brake failure or tire blowouts. I recommend parents check the vehicle manual for the rated passenger capacity before traveling—better to make an extra trip or use public transport. Safety comes first; don't take risks just to save time. Developing good habits is the best way to protect your family.
