How many people in a 7-seater vehicle will result in a 12-point penalty for overloading?
3 Answers
Driving an operational passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with passengers exceeding 20% of the approved capacity will result in a 12-point penalty. Below is an introduction to overloading: 1. Introduction: Overloading refers to the actual load of a transportation vehicle exceeding the approved maximum allowable limit, mostly referring to freight overloading, which is illegal. 2. Hazards: Overloading poses significant hazards, leading to numerous traffic accidents that endanger lives and property, and also causing damage to the roads on which overloaded vehicles travel. 3. Phenomenon: The destruction and losses caused by overloading in freight transportation are shocking. Relevant authorities continuously emphasize strict management, but the problem persists without fundamental improvement. To this day, overloading has not seen a fundamental turnaround, and in some cities, it has even worsened, becoming a 'cancer' in road transportation.
We drive a 7-seater SUV to take the kids to school. When there are many people, we sometimes want to squeeze in more, but a friend warned us that overloading is extremely dangerous—if caught by traffic police, it could result in an immediate 12-point deduction! The regulation for 7-seater vehicles allows only 7 passengers. Exceeding the limit by 20% or more (which is 1.4 people) means a 12-point penalty. So, carrying 2 or more extra passengers (totaling 9 or more people) crosses the red line. I checked the laws—not only does this lead to a full-point deduction, but the driver’s license could also be revoked for six months, requiring a retake of the theoretical exam. From a safety perspective, overloading increases the vehicle’s weight, slows braking, makes the car unstable when turning, and raises the risk of more injuries in an accident. Every time we go on a family trip, I do a headcount to ensure we never exceed 7 passengers—paying attention to small details avoids big risks and keeps our family safe.
Having driven long distances for decades, I've witnessed frequent accidents caused by overloading. The penalty rules for 7-seater vehicles are clear: exceeding 20% of the rated capacity (7 people) results in 12 demerit points - meaning carrying 2+ extra passengers. Why such strict regulations? Each additional passenger increases risks - exceeding vehicle weight limits, accelerating tire wear, and reducing crash buffer space. My old neighbor was fined for overloading (9 people total): 12 demerit points plus ¥2000 fine, with insurance refusing accident claims. My advice: calculate passenger numbers carefully - carrying 1 extra incurs lighter penalties (~6 points) which can be avoided, but never compromise on 2+ extras. Regular vehicle maintenance matters too - don't lose big by skimping small. Drive safely and worry-free by following the rules.
