How Much Can a Private Car Carry Before It's Considered Freight Transport?
3 Answers
Passenger cars can carry items, but the loaded goods must not exceed the vehicle's dimensions or affect normal driving. Here are the specific details: 1. According to Article 48 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' motor vehicles carrying goods must comply with the approved load capacity, and overloading is strictly prohibited. The length, width, and height of the goods must not violate loading requirements, and the cargo must not spill or scatter. 2. If a motor vehicle transports oversized, indivisible items that affect traffic safety, it must travel at the time, route, and speed designated by the traffic management department of the public security authority, with clear signage displayed. For transporting such items on highways, the provisions of the Highway Law must also be followed. 3. Motor vehicles transporting explosives, flammable and explosive chemicals, highly toxic, radioactive, or other hazardous materials must obtain approval from the public security authority, travel at the designated time, route, and speed, display warning signs, and take necessary safety measures.
Personally, I think whether private cars carrying items are considered as transporting goods depends mainly on commercial use or safety impact. For example, when I helped a friend move, loading furniture and boxes is generally fine as long as it doesn’t block the rearview mirror or exceed the vehicle’s rated load capacity. However, if you load a full car of goods for sale or frequently transport large quantities, the police may determine you’re engaged in commercial operations, which counts as illegal hauling. Vehicle modifications like adding cargo racks or securing heavy loads may also cause trouble. Remember to control the loading volume and maintain a normal travel feel. I usually measure the weight to avoid overloading and refrain from stacking items too high—safety first. If caught, penalties range from warnings and fines to affecting vehicle registration—it’s not worth the risk. It’s best to check the manual’s load limits and avoid taking shortcuts for temporary convenience.
According to traffic regulations, private cars are often considered as cargo vehicles due to changes in the nature of their load. For example, if you transport a large quantity of goods or merchandise for profit, exceeding the scope of personal items, you may be deemed to be engaged in illegal operation. The key points are whether the items are for personal use rather than trade, and whether the loading method is safe, ensuring that the view is not obstructed or the vehicle is not overloaded. I have driven a few times to help relatives transport agricultural products, being careful not to stack them too high to avoid inspection. Traffic police usually impose penalties based on the "Road Traffic Safety Law," emphasizing that vehicles must comply with their approved purposes. It is recommended to distribute the weight evenly when loading and avoid using professional tools for fixation. Regularly check your driver's license and vehicle registration certificate, and anticipate risks in advance. This way, you can encounter fewer troubles.
