What is the penalty for overloading one person in a five-seater vehicle?
3 Answers
For private vehicles, overloading by one person results in a 2-point deduction and a fine. For passenger vehicles, overloading by one person leads to a 6-point deduction. Generally, exceeding 50% capacity incurs a fine and license suspension. For commercial passenger vehicles (excluding buses) and school buses, carrying passengers exceeding the approved capacity by less than 20% results in a 6-point penalty per violation.
Last time I drove my friends out for fun, there were six people in a five-seater car, and I got caught by the traffic police. I was fined 500 yuan and had 3 points deducted from my driving license. This kind of thing is quite common. Many people think squeezing in one more person is no big deal, but in case of an accident, the limited space inside the car makes it harder to escape, and the braking distance also increases. I regret it so much. Now I always count the number of people before getting in the car and never overload. Also, the fine amount may vary depending on the location, with stricter checks in urban areas. I suggest everyone plan the number of passengers in advance, especially during holiday trips when traffic police checks are frequent. Safety first—don’t risk a momentary convenience that could cost you hundreds of yuan and leave a record on your file.
I think the penalty for overloading is quite reasonable. Having one extra passenger is not a trivial matter. Under normal circumstances, you could be fined 200-600 RMB and receive at least 2 demerit points. If it causes an accident, you might face even higher penalties or even have your driver's license revoked. I always pay attention when driving, as the vehicle is designed for five seats. Overloading increases the burden on the tires and the risk of damage to the suspension system, leading to higher repair costs over time. I remember seeing a news story about a family trip where overloading caused a rollover—it was terrifying. So, it's better to call an extra taxi or split the group before heading out. It saves money and gives peace of mind.
