Does Overloading Include Infants?

[AllieMarie]

Private car passenger capacity is determined by the number of occupants specified on the vehicle registration certificate. Traffic regulations regarding overloading do not specify requirements for passengers' height, weight, or age, but only regulate the 'quantity'. Therefore, in a 5-seat car, having one additional child (even an infant held in parents' arms) constitutes overloading. Here are relevant details: 1. According to the 'Ministry of Public Security Decision on Amending the Regulations for Applying and Using Motor Vehicle Driving Licenses', carrying one extra child in a 5-seat private vehicle is considered overloading, which at 20% over capacity results in a 6-point penalty. 2. Under new traffic regulations, for passenger vehicles other than commercial transport vehicles (excluding buses) and school buses, overloading below 20% incurs a 3-point penalty, while exceeding 20% results in a 6-point penalty.

[StJack]

When traveling with a small baby, we must strictly calculate the weight. Although the baby is small, both their weight and position count toward the total load, and vehicle overload can be dangerous. Last time I was driving passengers in the city, a mother holding her child didn't account for the extra weight, and the rear of the car sagged so much that the brakes responded slower. Experts say overloading increases the risk of accidents, such as longer braking distances or tire blowouts. I always teach others: use a scale to weigh all passengers plus luggage, and don’t forget the weight of the infant seat. Regularly check tire pressure and the suspension system to prevent issues. Safety first—don’t gamble with luck; a few extra checks can save lives.

[LaBeckett]

After driving for so many years, I've learned that overloading must include the weight of infants. Babies are living passengers, and not counting their weight means ignoring the actual load. For example, when taking the whole family to the park on weekends, the child plus the car seat adds about 20 pounds. Overloading worsens vehicle handling and spikes fuel consumption. Police stopping and weighing the car may issue fines and deduct points because infants count as passengers. I pay more attention to proper weight distribution: placing the infant seat in the middle and avoiding overloading the trunk. Overloading not only endangers safety but also accelerates vehicle wear, leading to costly repairs.

[Edwards]

From a road safety perspective, overload calculations must include infant weight. Though small, their presence doubles injury risks in accidents. When vehicles are overloaded, the suspension becomes overtaxed, increasing loss-of-control risks. I weigh all family members before every trip, infants included. Staying within load limits is fundamental protection that effectively prevents rollovers and other tragedies.