Is it allowed to carry items on the car roof while driving?
2 Answers
It is permissible to carry items on the car roof while driving, but there are limitations. Below is the relevant information: 1. Function of car roof racks: Car roof racks serve both aesthetic and practical purposes. They can carry items that do not fit in the trunk, provided the cargo is properly secured, especially with the addition of cargo nets, allowing for more items to be transported. However, not all vehicles are allowed to carry items on the roof, and traffic police will issue fines if they see violations. 2. According to Article 54 of the 'Regulations for the Implementation of the Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China,' the load carried by a motor vehicle must not exceed the approved load capacity specified in the vehicle's registration certificate. The length and width of the load must not exceed the dimensions of the vehicle body, and the following regulations must be observed: (1) For heavy and medium-duty trucks and semi-trailers, the height of the load from the ground must not exceed 4 meters, and for vehicles carrying containers, it must not exceed 4.2 meters. (2) For other motor vehicles carrying goods, the height of the load from the ground must not exceed 2.5 meters. (3) For motorcycles, the height of the load from the ground must not exceed 1.5 meters, and the length must not exceed the body by 0.2 meters. For two-wheeled motorcycles, the width of the load must not exceed the handlebars by 0.15 meters on each side, and for three-wheeled motorcycles, the width must not exceed the body.
It's feasible to carry items on the roof of your car, but you must comply with regulations and ensure safety. I've seen many friends do this—the key is to check local laws. For example, most areas in China allow it, but there are height restrictions; the load can't exceed a certain number of centimeters above the roof to avoid obstructing the driver's view or causing accidents. There are also weight limits for roof loads—exceeding them can damage the vehicle's structure or even cause a rollover. It's best to install a professional roof rack and avoid haphazard stacking. For my own trips, I always use sturdy straps to secure items, avoid placing overly heavy objects, and check periodically to prevent loosening. Remember, safe driving comes first—getting fined is the least of your worries compared to the risk of causing harm in an accident.
