How is a passenger vehicle penalized for overloading by 20%?
2 Answers
Driving a commercial passenger vehicle with an overload exceeding 20% of the approved capacity results in a 12-point penalty; driving a commercial passenger vehicle with an overload below 20% or driving any other passenger vehicle with an overload exceeding 20% results in a 6-point penalty. Below are the hazards of overloading: 1. Shortens vehicle lifespan and accelerates component aging: Overloading alters the original design parameters, leading to issues like loose rivets, detached fastening screws, broken welds, and deformed frames. It reduces the vehicle's service life and hastens the aging of rubber and plastic parts. 2. Accelerates tire wear and deformation: Tires are designed with the vehicle's total weight in mind, including a safety margin. Overloading causes excessive tire deformation and friction, shortening tire life. Tests show that a 20% overload reduces tire life by 30%, and a 40% overload cuts it by 50%. 3. Accelerates engine damage: Overloading strains the engine, increasing load and reducing power. Prolonged low-speed operation leads to overheating and accelerated component wear, also raising fuel consumption and transport costs. 4. Increases steering effort and centrifugal force, impairing handling: Overloading raises centrifugal force during turns, reducing stability and increasing accident risks. 5. Reduces braking performance and extends stopping distance: Many factors affect braking distance, with vehicle load being a direct influence. During braking, the load shifts forward, increasing front wheel load and decreasing rear wheel load, altering ground adhesion and braking distance. A loaded vehicle decelerates slower than an unloaded one. 6. Shortens leaf spring lifespan and reduces vehicle clearance: Overloading stresses leaf springs, causing excessive rebound and shortening their life. The heavy load also lowers the vehicle's body, reducing ground clearance and limiting passage capability.
I've been in the passenger transport business for many years, and a 20% overload on passenger vehicles is no joke. The penalties are strict—according to traffic regulations, fines start at at least 2,000 yuan, and 6 points are deducted from the driver's license, which is half the total allowance. If the situation is severe, the vehicle may be temporarily impounded, and the driver will have to attend safety training. Even worse, in the event of an accident, one could end up in jail with a criminal sentence. I've seen fellow drivers fined so heavily for overloading that they were financially ruined, and it cost them an entire business deal. The safety risks are also significant—overloading increases braking distance and makes high-speed turns more likely to result in a rollover, endangering both the driver and passengers. My advice is to always count passengers before departure, use a counter, or make multiple trips to ensure safety and peace of mind. Don’t cut corners for temporary convenience—it’s not worth the risk. In short, following the rules is the key to long-term success in this business.
