How to Handle 7 People in a 5-Seater SUV?
4 Answers
Having 7 people in a 5-seater car is considered illegal overloading, which will result in a penalty for exceeding the load capacity by 20%, including 6 demerit points and a fine. For private vehicles, overloading is calculated based on the "number of people," with each person counted as a unit. Regardless of the passengers' age, as long as the number exceeds 20%, it is considered overloading.
As a parent who frequently travels with the whole family, I remember one weekend outing when we had to squeeze seven people into a 5-seater SUV—I was driving, my wife sat in the front passenger seat, and the back row was packed with three kids and two elderly relatives. For safety, we had the younger children sit on adults' laps with pillows for padding, but it felt unstable during bumps along the way, and we were worried about getting pulled over for overloading. In reality, overloading is extremely dangerous—during sudden braking, passengers in the back could be thrown forward, and seatbelts won’t provide full protection. So I strongly advise avoiding such situations whenever possible; it’s better to make two trips or rent a larger vehicle. Always plan for the right number of passengers—don’t cut corners and take risks, as it affects everyone’s safety, especially children’s. If it’s an emergency, at least ensure the car moves slowly, avoids highways, and that tires and brakes are in good condition. Safety comes first—family health is more important than anything else.
From years of driving experience, I've learned that cramming 7 people into a 5-seat SUV is both illegal and dangerous. The law requires each seat to have a seatbelt, and overloading can result in fines of several hundred yuan, with insurance possibly refusing to pay in case of an accident. When driving, I must ensure everyone is properly secured, but with too many people, this becomes impossible. The solution is to first assess necessity—avoid risks unless it's an emergency. Otherwise, temporarily let lighter individuals sit on the floor of the trunk (with padding), but don't close the trunk door tightly to ensure ventilation and prevent suffocation. This is only suitable for short, slow trips and affects handling, increases braking distance, and makes skidding more likely. It's advisable to develop a habit of checking passenger numbers in advance, borrowing a friend's car or using ride-hailing services when needed. Keep some portable folding chairs in the car for emergencies, but remember not to use them regularly. Safety is a big responsibility—protect yourself and others.
In such situations, my approach is simple and practical: First check the car's interior space – can the rear seat accommodate three people with seatbelts? Put one person in the front passenger seat, and place the rest in the trunk while leaving space for ventilation. For short distances, drive slowly and avoid sharp turns. I always keep a soft cushion for people to sit on the floor, but make sure it doesn't obstruct the driver's view. Remind everyone not to move around to reduce rollover risks. For long distances or highways, firmly refuse to overload the car – either change plans or call an additional vehicle. The extra cost is far better than accident losses. Stay informed about regulations – overloading isn't just about fines, the driver bears full responsibility in accidents. Protecting lives is most important.
