What are the penalties for mixing passengers and cargo in a van?
2 Answers
Mixing passengers and cargo in a van results in a deduction of 6 points, a fine ranging from 500 to 2000 yuan, and the vehicle will be detained by traffic police until the illegal status is rectified. Below are relevant details: Definition of mixing passengers and cargo: This generally refers to using a truck to carry passengers or using a passenger vehicle to transport goods. If only the trunk or roof rack of the van is used to carry goods, this does not constitute mixing passengers and cargo. However, if goods are piled up on the rear seats or even the front seats, this is considered mixing passengers and cargo and is illegal. Traffic police can enforce penalties, and offenders will face point deductions and fines if caught.
When I first started driving, I made this mistake and ended up with a 500-yuan fine plus 6 penalty points, which was quite embarrassing. It turns out that mixing passengers and cargo in a van is a serious violation—the law prohibits placing goods in the passenger area, such as stacking items on seats or cramming people into the trunk. If caught by the police, the minimum fine is 200 yuan, but it can go up to 2,000 yuan plus penalty points, or even a three-month license suspension. The reason behind this is safety—for example, sudden braking could send cargo flying and injure people, and an unstable center of gravity increases the risk of rollovers. I learned my lesson that time. Now, I either transport goods in batches or simply rent a small truck, which is safer and more convenient. Remember to check the seating area before driving—don’t cut corners and risk a major disaster.
