Regulations on the number of people in a car: How many people are allowed to carry?

Regulations on the number of people in a car is a traffic rule that limits the maximum number of people allowed in each type of car, helping to prevent overloading, reduce the risk of accidents and ensure passenger comfort.

Since 1/1/2025, follow Decree 168 / 2024 / ND-CP, the regulations on the number of people in a car have had important changes.

For non-commercial vehicles:

• Vehicles are only allowed to carry the number of people registered.
• There is no longer a regulation allowing overtaking as before.

For commercial transport vehicles:

• Strictly apply the number of seats according to registration
• Especially strict control for vehicles running routes over 300km

Carrying more than the prescribed number of people in a car is a violation of traffic laws, poses a potential safety risk and causes many serious consequences. In addition to possibly leading to accidents, carrying too many people can also cause vehicle owners and drivers to face legal penalties.

This behavior not only endangers traffic participants but also affects the reputation and economy of drivers and vehicle owners.

To learn more about regulations on the number of people allowed on a car, let's explore through the following article!

Why Are There Regulations on the Number of People in a Car?

Regulations on the number of people in cars help ensure traffic safety and people sitting in the car. At the same time, it helps the car operate smoothly and last longer by meeting automotive technical standards.

1. Traffic safety

Limiting the number of people in a car is to ensure safety when participating in traffic. When carrying more than the prescribed number of people, the vehicle will become heavier and difficult to control, especially when cornering, braking suddenly or when encountering unexpected situations. This increases the risk of losing control, colliding and causing an accident.

2. Safety for passengers

Regulations limit the number of people in the vehicle to protect the safety of those traveling in the vehicle, especially vulnerable people such as children and the elderly.

Overcrowding in a vehicle not only affects passenger comfort but can make evacuation or rescue difficult if an accident occurs.

3. Ensure vehicle technical standards

Each type of car is designed to carry a certain number of people. Frequent overloading will reduce the life of the engine, brake system and other vehicle components, leading to damage and high repair costs.

Not only that, tires that are subjected to too much load will wear out quickly, reducing traction and increasing the risk of tire explosion.

Specific Regulations on the Number of People in a Car in Vietnam

Since 1/1/2025, according to Decree 168 / 2024 / ND-CP, the regulations on the number of people in a car have changed significantly.

For non-business vehicles:

• Vehicles are only allowed to carry the number of people registered, there is no longer a regulation allowing for excess passengers as before.
• Applies to all types of vehicles, including 7-seater vehicles that are not allowed to carry 8 people as before.

For commercial transport vehicles:

• Must strictly adhere to the number of seats as registered.
• Special control for vehicles running routes over 300km.

There are some exceptions and special rules:

• Cars carrying children and the elderly: Must have appropriate seats, seat belts and accompanying guardian.
• Cars transporting people with disabilities: Must ensure safety and comfort standards for people with disabilities.
• Cars in case of emergency, rescue, rescue: Are allowed to carry more than the prescribed number of people but must ensure safety and report to the authorities.

How much is the fine for carrying more than the prescribed number of people?

According to Decree 168 / 2024 / ND-CP According to the Law on Road Traffic Order and Safety 2024, effective from January 1, 1, the fine for carrying more people than the prescribed number in a car is prescribed as follows:

Penalties for drivers

Non-commercial vehicles:

• Fine 400.000-600.000 VND for each person exceeding the regulations.
• The total maximum fine shall not exceed 75 million VND.

Vehicles operating on routes over 300km:

• Fine of 1-2 million VND for each person exceeding the regulations.
• The total maximum fine shall not exceed 75 million VND.

Penalties for vehicle owners

Private car owner:

• Non-business vehicles: 800.000-1.200.000 VND/person in excess.
• Business vehicles over 300km: 2-4 million VND/person in excess.
• Total maximum fine: 75 million VND

Car owner organizes:

• Non-business vehicles: 1,6-2,4 million VND/person in excess.
• Business vehicles over 300km: 4-8 million VND/person in excess.
• Total maximum fine: 150 million VND.

Additional Penalties

Driving license deduction points:

• Minus 4 points: Carrying 50-100% more people than the prescribed number.
• Minus 10 points: Carrying more than 100% of the prescribed number of people.

Stripped of badge:

• Badge revocation for 1-3 months when carrying more than 50% of the prescribed number of people.

Note:

• The above fine only applies to passenger cars and passenger vehicles (except buses).
• For buses, the fines will be different and are specifically regulated in the Decree.
• In addition to fines, drivers may also have their driver's license revoked or their vehicle impounded.

Common Risks When Cars Carry Too Many People

Carrying more than the prescribed number of people in a car can cause traffic insecurity, and the car owner and driver will be subject to legal sanctions. In addition, in the event of an accident, carrying more than the prescribed number of people can also lead to economic and reputational losses for the driver and vehicle owner.

1. Risk of losing traffic safety

When overloaded, the car will become heavy, difficult to control and easily cause incidents such as tire explosion, brake failure, vehicle rollover, and collision.

Passengers will not have enough space and safety equipment such as seat belts and headrests, increasing the risk of injury and death in a collision.

2. Legal consequences for drivers and vehicle owners

Drivers and vehicle owners who violate regulations on the number of people in the vehicle will be subject to administrative sanctions and their vehicles may be impounded.

If the violation causes a serious accident, the driver and vehicle owner may also be held criminally responsible for violating road traffic regulations.

3. Economic and reputational damage

When an accident occurs due to carrying too many people, the driver and vehicle owner must compensate the victim for damage to health, life and property, and bear the costs of repair and remediation.

For transport businesses, if overloading occurs, it will seriously affect the reputation, image and trust of customers.

Questions Related to Regulations on Number of People in Cars

1. Are children counted in the number of people in the car?

Regulations on the number of people allowed to be carried in a car apply to all subjects and include children. So, when carrying children in a car, what safety principles need to be ensured? See the article link immediately: https://thanhphongauto.com/nguyen-tac-an-toan-khi-cho-tre-em-tren-o-to/.

2. Do electric cars have to comply with regulations on maximum occupancy?

According to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, the regulations on the number of people allowed to carry apply to all types of cars, including electric cars. Electric cars must strictly comply with the number of people registered like other types of cars. Read the article now: Buy electric car – Top 10+ things to know & benefits you shouldn't miss.

3. Are cars allowed to carry goods in the same compartment as passengers?

No, according to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, passenger cars are not allowed to carry goods or bulky luggage in the same compartment as passengers. Goods must be placed separately in the cargo compartment and must not exceed the vehicle's permitted weight.

Carrying cargo in the passenger compartment can block emergency exits and increase the risk of injury in a collision.

4. Are ambulance cars exempt from regulations on maximum number of people?

Yes, according to Decree 168/2024/ND-CP, ambulances are exempt from the regulations on the maximum number of people when performing emergency tasks and transporting patients. However, ambulances must still ensure technical safety conditions, medical equipment and accompanying medical staff to care for patients during transportation.

5. Are there any different regulations for cars carrying foreigners regarding the number of people they can carry?

Basically, the regulation on the maximum number of people on a car applies to all passengers, regardless of nationality. However, when transporting foreigners, drivers and operators need to note the following points:

• Provide safety information and instructions in English or appropriate language.
• Assist foreign passengers in arranging luggage and moving on the bus.
• Respect and meet the special needs of food and cultural practices of foreign passengers (if any).

6. Are car drivers included in the maximum number of people in the vehicle?

No, according to current regulations, the car operator (driver) is not included in the maximum number of people allowed to carry. For example, a 5-seat car, in addition to the driver, is only allowed to carry a maximum of 4 passengers. Similarly, a 47-seat bus can only carry a maximum of 46 passengers and 1 driver.

7. Which address should I choose for car maintenance and repair in HCM?

With many years of experience in the industry, Thanh Phong Auto proud to be Car maintenance and repair address Professional, reputable in Ho Chi Minh. We have the ability to fix problems from the most basic to the most complex.

Thanh Phong Auto's commitment:

• Catch the right disease, correct the right error.
• Use genuine spare parts for replacement, do not use fake or poor quality goods.
• Consulting solutions and quotes for maintenance and repairs before implementation.
• Fast implementation time, accurate results.

Contact now with Thanh Phong Auto If you need car repair and maintenance!