How to Handle 6 People in a 5-Seater SUV?
4 Answers
5-seater sedan carrying 6 people is considered illegal overloading, which will be penalized as 20% overloading, resulting in 6 demerit points and a fine. For private vehicles, overloading is calculated based on "number of people" as the unit, regardless of the passengers' age. As long as the number exceeds 20%, it is considered overloading.
I've personally experienced a similar situation, and overloading an SUV is truly dangerous. A 5-seater SUV is designed to carry only five people, and adding even one more puts it over capacity. If the brakes fail or the vehicle rolls over during a turn, the consequences could be disastrous. There won't be enough seat belts to go around, and children sitting on laps are more likely to get injured. I always emphasize that 'safety first' isn't just an empty slogan—especially during rainy weather or long trips when the tires are under extra stress, which could lead to a blowout. The solution is simple: either borrow a 6- or 7-seater vehicle in advance or split up, with some people taking public transport or ride-sharing. Remember, life is precious—never take risks just to save a little trouble. For every family trip, my family and I discuss and plan ahead to ensure everyone has a proper seat, and this has become our standard practice. Handling it this way not only avoids risks but also fosters a sense of responsibility.
After years of driving, I've learned to arrange transportation wisely. Squeezing 6 people into a 5-seater SUV? No way—it's both uncomfortable and illegal. From practical experience, my most common solution is traveling in batches: for example, having one adult take the kids in another private car or calling a ride-hailing vehicle to follow. If the distance isn't far, I can also plan the trip—only five people board the car, while the sixth person takes a taxi or rides a shared bike to the destination in advance. This approach is efficient and avoids congestion fines; experience tells me that one overload fine can save several trips' worth of fares! During regular outings with friends, we've developed the habit of checking in advance who drives which car, making everything smooth and enjoyable.
From a safety perspective, I strongly oppose overloading. A 5-seater SUV is designed for five passengers only—where does the sixth person sit? Squeezing in affects the suspension system and increases braking distance by over 50% in emergencies. I’ve witnessed accidents caused by overloading; now, every time I drive, I ensure passenger count complies with regulations and all seatbelts are fastened. If caught overloading, fines and penalty points come swiftly. As an ordinary citizen, I urge everyone to respect the rules—consider alternatives like public transport or carpooling in larger vehicles, which are low-cost and low-risk. In short, following regulations means protecting yourself.
