Is it considered overloading for an SUV to carry 6 people?

[DiHenry]

No, it is considered overloading. Below is relevant information about overloading: Hazards: Research has found that when a vehicle's axle load exceeds the standard load by one time, driving on the highway once is equivalent to a standard vehicle driving on asphalt pavement 256 times or on cement concrete pavement 65,536 times. Moreover, the larger the vehicle's approved load capacity, the more severe the damage to the road caused by overloading. The maximum single rear axle load monitored in China reached 24 tons. One trip by such a vehicle on a cement highway is equivalent to 1.21 million trips by a standard vehicle. Negative impacts: Overloading has caused significant harm to the healthy development of the transportation market. Overloading leads to market chaos, completely disrupting the basic pricing system of the transportation market. Under normal circumstances, transportation pricing is based on the cubic meters and weight of the cargo. Overloaded vehicles severely pollute the atmospheric environment. To obtain greater traction power, overloaded vehicles often drive at low gears with high throttle, causing incomplete combustion of engine fuel, resulting in excessive exhaust emissions, excessive noise, and severe pollution of the atmospheric environment.

[BrooklynAnn]

As a long-time enthusiast who pays close attention to automotive safety, I must emphasize that whether an SUV carrying six people is overloaded depends on the specific model. Most five-seat SUVs are designed to accommodate only five passengers. If you force six people into such a vehicle, that constitutes overloading. Overloading is not only illegal but also poses serious safety hazards: the vehicle's center of gravity becomes too high, making it more prone to skidding or rolling during emergency braking; the braking distance may increase by several meters; excessive tire load can lead to rapid wear, damage, or even blowouts. Airbags are designed to protect only the specified seating positions, so those crammed into the back may have no protection. I've witnessed tragedies where overloading doubled the fatality rate in accidents. For safety's sake, always check the vehicle manual for the approved passenger capacity before setting out. It's better to rent a larger vehicle or call a taxi than to take unnecessary risks. Develop good habits by ensuring each passenger has adequate seating space—this not only avoids fines but also guarantees a safe journey.

[DiRachel]

I've been driving an SUV for several years. Once, during a family trip, I squeezed six people into my five-seater, thinking it wouldn't matter for a short distance. However, halfway through, I was pulled over by traffic police. After checking my documents, they fined me 300 yuan for overloading and warned me about the increased accident risks. That lesson was profound—the car felt unstable, and everyone was uncomfortable. Since then, I've learned: the vehicle’s nameplate clearly states the passenger limit—typically five for a five-seat SUV and seven for a seven-seater. Now, I always ensure the number of passengers doesn’t exceed the limit or use ride-sharing services. Safe driving is our responsibility. A fine for overloading is minor compared to the severe consequences of an accident. Don’t cut corners—always check seating capacity.

[AriannaLynn]

According to traffic regulations, whether an SUV carrying six people is overloaded depends on the approved seating capacity. The vehicle registration certificate clearly states that a 5-seater can carry a maximum of five people, and exceeding this limit is illegal, potentially resulting in a fine of 200-500 RMB and penalty points. If six people are seated in a 5-seater, it still counts as overloading. From a safety perspective, overloading causes the vehicle to operate beyond its capacity, increasing the risk of losing control. Vehicle owners must verify their vehicle's specifications and drive in compliance with regulations for safety.