How Many Points Are Deducted for Overloading a 7-Seater Vehicle?
2 Answers
7-seater vehicles carrying 9 people constitute overloading. According to relevant laws and regulations, this offense is subject to fines and a deduction of 6 points from the driver's license. For passenger vehicles other than commercial buses (excluding public buses) and school buses that carry passengers exceeding the approved number by less than 20%, 3 points are deducted for each violation. For commercial buses (excluding public buses) and school buses that carry passengers exceeding the approved number by less than 20%, or for other passenger vehicles that carry passengers exceeding the approved number by more than 20%, 6 points are deducted for each violation. Hazards of Overloading: Tire Wear and Blowouts: The most immediate effect of overloading is on the tires. Overweight causes tires to deform under pressure, increasing friction and accelerating wear. Additionally, the increased pressure on tires raises the risk of blowouts. Reduced Vehicle Lifespan: Overloading doesn't just harm the tires; internal components like the engine also suffer from reduced lifespan. Excessive weight strains the engine, leading to overheating and faster wear of parts, thereby shortening the vehicle's overall lifespan. Increased Fuel Consumption: Higher vehicle load not only damages components but also requires more power, leading to increased fuel consumption. Impaired Vehicle Handling: Overloaded vehicles experience greater centrifugal force during turns, affecting stability and increasing safety risks. Reduced Braking Performance: Overloading directly impacts braking distance. Increased inertia shortens the safe stopping distance, elevating the risk of accidents.
I got fined for this just last month on the highway! Adding one more person to a 7-seater means overloading—don’t think holding a child doesn’t count. If caught with less than 20% overload (e.g., 8 people), traffic police will deduct 3 points and fine you 500 yuan. Adding two or more extra people is worse: 6 points deducted plus a 1,000–2,000 yuan fine. The worst part? My neighbor rear-ended someone last year while overloaded, and the insurer refused coverage—he had to pay 50,000 yuan out of pocket for repairs. Remember, stuffing people in the trunk also counts as overloading. If you’ve ever been checked, you know the danger of squeezing four people in the back—the brakes just can’t handle it.
