Does Having One Extra Child in the Car Count as Overloading?

[DiHenry]

Having one extra child in the car counts as overloading. Here is some information about overloading: 1. Legal Basis: According to the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China," passenger vehicles exceeding the rated passenger capacity will be fined and receive 3 penalty points; exceeding the rated passenger capacity by 20% or carrying goods in violation of regulations will result in a fine and 6 penalty points. 2. Reason: Whether it is an adult or a child, each counts as an independent individual, so it will be considered an overloading offense. Overloading can easily lead to traffic accidents. If an accident occurs and overloading is involved, not only will the responsible party be held accountable, but subsequent insurance claims may also face issues.

[VonReese]

As a seasoned driver with twenty years of experience, I've seen too many people think holding a child doesn't count as overloading. That's completely wrong! Traffic regulations clearly state that overcapacity in a vehicle is determined by the number of people relative to the number of seats, regardless of age. Even the smallest child counts as one person and must occupy a seat with a seatbelt. I remember when I was younger, I learned this the hard way—I squeezed in an extra child for a friend, and the police immediately issued a fine of two hundred yuan and deducted three points. Safety comes first. Overloading makes the car unstable, and during braking, an unsecured child can easily be thrown and injured. As elders, let's not take risks for convenience. It's better to plan ahead for the number of passengers or switch to a larger vehicle to ensure everyone has a seat.

[StRuby]

I always prioritize safety when driving. When I first learned to drive, my instructor emphasized that traffic regulations define overloading as any additional passenger, including infants. Having one extra child exceeds the seating limit, affecting the vehicle's balance and increasing the risk of accidents. From a safety perspective, every seat should have a seatbelt, and children should use dedicated car seats to protect their necks. If caught, the fine starts at 300 yuan plus penalty points, and insurance premiums may also increase. I have a friend who was severely fined for overloading, so now, whether it's for outings or gatherings, I always check the seating capacity in advance to ensure compliance. Don't let small things cause big trouble.

[RicardoLynn]

In the past, driving regulations were not as strict as they are now, and people would often squeeze in. However, current laws are different—any child occupying a seat counts toward overcapacity. The reason is that each seat in a vehicle is designed to bear a limited amount of force, and overloading can damage the car and endanger safety. I learned this the hard way: once, I took an extra niece in the car and nearly had an accident, which made me realize that overloading should never be taken lightly. A simple check of the seating chart or consulting a traffic regulation app beforehand is recommended to prevent such risks.