How many points will be deducted for overloading 2 people in a 5-seater car?
2 Answers
A 5-seater car overloaded with 2 people is considered to exceed 20% of the capacity, resulting in 3 penalty points and a fine. For non-commercial small passenger vehicles, exceeding the approved passenger capacity by less than 20% results in 2 penalty points and a fine, while exceeding 20% or more results in 3 penalty points and a fine. Below are the hazards of overloading: Shortens the vehicle's lifespan and accelerates component aging: Overloading alters the original design specifications. For example, it can cause rivets to loosen, fastening screws to fall off, welding points to break, and the overall frame to deform. Overloading reduces the vehicle's lifespan and accelerates the aging of rubber and plastic components. Accelerates tire wear and deformation: Car tires are designed and manufactured based on the vehicle's total weight, with a considerable safety margin. However, when the vehicle is overloaded, the tires bear excessive weight and deform. Increased friction also shortens tire lifespan. Tests show that overloading by 20% reduces tire lifespan by 30%, while overloading by 40% reduces it by 50%. Accelerates engine damage: Overloading causes significant damage to the engine. The increased load leads to insufficient power. Prolonged low-speed driving causes the engine to overheat, exacerbating component damage. It also increases fuel consumption and transportation costs. Heavier steering and increased centrifugal force affect vehicle handling: Overloading increases centrifugal force during turns, reducing driving stability and increasing the risk of accidents. Reduces braking performance and increases unsafe stopping distance: Many factors affect braking distance, and changes in vehicle load directly influence it. When a loaded vehicle brakes, the load shifts forward, increasing the load on the front wheels and reducing it on the rear wheels. This alters ground adhesion and consequently changes the braking distance. A fully loaded vehicle decelerates slower than an empty one. Shortens leaf spring lifespan and reduces vehicle maneuverability: Overloading places excessive stress on leaf springs, causing continuous rebound during operation, which shortens their lifespan. Excessive load also lowers the vehicle body, reducing ground clearance and the vehicle's ability to pass obstacles.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered similar situations. Once, a friend took a 5-seater car for an outing but squeezed in 7 people. They got stopped by traffic police on the road, resulting in 6 demerit points and a 300 yuan fine. This is no trivial matter - overloading by 40% makes the car unstable and prone to accidents. If a tire bursts or the car skids, the consequences could be unthinkable. Since then, we always remind everyone to strictly follow the seating capacity. Having two extra people crammed in the car isn't comfortable anyway - it's really not worth taking this risk. Remember, safety comes first, and following the rules can save you a lot of trouble.
