Is it considered overloading for a sedan to carry 5 adults and 1 child?
2 Answers
A sedan carrying 5 adults and 1 child is considered overloading. Below is relevant information about passenger capacity in sedans: 1. Legal knowledge: According to Article 49 of the "Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China": Motor vehicles shall not carry more passengers than the approved number, and passenger vehicles shall not carry goods in violation of regulations. Driving a passenger vehicle (excluding buses) or school bus with more passengers than the approved number but less than 20% will result in a fine and 3 penalty points, while exceeding the approved number by 20% or more will result in a fine and 6 penalty points. 2. Precautions: The traffic law stipulates that the approved passenger capacity is based on the number indicated on the vehicle's registration certificate, without specifying requirements for passengers' height, weight, age, etc. For example: A standard sedan is approved for 5 passengers, while an MPV business vehicle is approved for 7 passengers (as indicated on the registration certificate).
As a veteran driver with over a decade of experience, I often see similar situations. Sedans are typically designed for 5 seats, including the driver, and should not exceed 5 passengers. Last week, my relative took our family on a trip with five adults and a child squeezed into the back seat, and we were stopped by traffic police for overloading, resulting in a 200-yuan fine and 3 penalty points. The officer explained that both adults and children count as one seat each, and overloading isn't just about fines—it can also lead to injuries during sudden braking or unsafe conditions. Overloading can also affect braking performance and increase accident risks. I recommend checking your car's registered passenger capacity—most sedans are limited to 5 people, and carrying 6 is illegal. Don't overlook this like I did. It's best to plan the number of passengers in advance or opt for a larger vehicle model for safety.
