Will I be fined for filling the back seat of a sedan with items?
2 Answers
Filling the back seat of a sedan with items will not result in a fine as long as it does not obstruct the rearview mirror. However, if the items in the back seat are too large or too numerous, causing obstruction of the rearview mirror, this constitutes a violation. While this does not breach operational laws, it violates one of the 'three excess' principles, leading to penalties. For a 5-seat private car, placing luggage or other items in the back seat under normal circumstances is not considered a violation and will not be penalized. However, if the items block the interior rearview mirror, it becomes illegal. According to traffic regulations, passenger vehicles are not allowed to carry cargo except on external roof racks or in built-in luggage compartments. Violating this rule may result in fines. Legal cargo requirements: Article 49 of the 'Road Traffic Safety Law of the People's Republic of China' states that passenger vehicles must not carry cargo in violation of regulations; Article 54, Section 2 specifies that passenger vehicles may not carry cargo except on external roof racks or in built-in luggage compartments. Cargo on roof racks must not exceed 0.5 meters in height from the roof or 4 meters from the ground. Penalties for mixed passenger and cargo transport: If caught by traffic police, mixed passenger and cargo transport will be penalized. Removing the back seats will result in more severe penalties, including possible point deductions. Private sedans, being non-commercial passenger vehicles, are subject to enforcement not only by traffic police but also by road administration authorities.
As an experienced driver for many years, I know that filling the back seat of a sedan with items does carry the risk of being fined. This is because stacking cargo too high can easily block the view through the rear or side windows, making it difficult for the driver to see vehicles or pedestrians behind them, which can lead to accidents in emergencies. Chinese traffic regulations clearly state that vehicles must not obstruct safe visibility. If caught by traffic police, obstructing visibility can result in a fine ranging from 200 to 500 yuan. If the cargo is too heavy and exceeds the load limit, the penalty is even higher, up to 2,000 yuan, along with demerit points. I always advise my friends not to be lazy—try to use the trunk for storage and leave the back seat for passengers. If you must place items in the back seat, make sure the height does not exceed the top of the seatbacks and secure them tightly to prevent rolling. Develop good habits by regularly checking the safety inside and outside the car, as safe driving is always the top priority.
