What are the penalties for overloading a 5-seater car with 2 extra passengers?
3 Answers
Overloading a 5-seater sedan with two extra passengers constitutes illegal overloading. It will be penalized as 20% overloading, resulting in 6 demerit points and a fine. For private vehicles, overloading is calculated by "number of people" - counting each individual regardless of age. Exceeding the seating capacity by 20% or more is considered overloading.
I remember last summer when I took my family on an outing, we crammed 7 people into a 5-seater car. As soon as we exited the highway, we were caught by the traffic police. Without hesitation, the officer fined us 500 yuan and deducted 6 points, also issuing us a warning ticket. That day, it took us 2 hours to settle the matter before we could leave—truly regretful! Overloading isn’t just about the money; the car was so cramped, and it wobbled dangerously around corners. In case of sudden braking or a collision, the people in the back without seatbelts could have faced unimaginable consequences. Now, whenever someone suggests squeezing in, I recall this incident and would rather make two trips or call an extra taxi—safety first! Regularly checking your vehicle’s seating capacity is also crucial—don’t wait for a ticket to regret it.
As a newly licensed driver, I once carpooled with friends to a party—seven young people squeezed into a five-seater, thinking it was no big deal. Unexpectedly, we got pulled over by a patrol car. My friend was fined 300 yuan and penalized 6 points on the spot, complaining that the 'unjust money' could’ve bought a feast! Many young drivers assume overloaded cars slip under the radar, but the rules are clear: hitting 12 penalty points means license revocation, possibly even retesting. I’ve learned my lesson—now I check seat counts before boarding and opt for ride-hailing apps for hassle-free compliance. Time wasted on fines is better spent enjoying life. Staying road-legal is what truly matters.
