Overloading — Passenger Vehicle
Carrying more passengers than the vehicle's registered seating capacity.
Fine (1st)
₹200 per excess passenger
What the Law Says
Every vehicle has a registered seating capacity stated in its RC. Carrying passengers beyond this capacity is illegal and dangerous. This applies to all vehicles including private cars, auto-rickshaws, buses, and taxis. Overloading passenger vehicles reduces stability, impairs braking, and increases injury severity in crashes. School bus and tempo-traveller overloading is a particular concern.
"Whoever drives a transport vehicle or causes or allows a transport vehicle to be driven while carrying more passengers than is authorised in the registration certificate of such transport vehicle or the permit conditions applicable to such transport vehicle shall be punishable with a fine of two hundred rupees per excess passenger: Provided that such transport vehicle shall not be allowed to move before the excess passengers are off-loaded..." — Sec. 194A, inserted by the MV (Amendment) Act, 2019
Consequences
- ₹200 per excess passenger carried
- Vehicle detained
- Operator also liable
- School vehicles face additional penalties under separate guidelines
How to Avoid This Violation
- ✓Know your vehicle's seating capacity from the RC
- ✓For commercial operators: have a seat count protocol before departure
What to Do If Caught
- 1.Excess passengers must disembark before vehicle can proceed
- 2.Pay fine per excess passenger via e-challan
Legal Reference
Section 194A, MV Act
Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 194A; MV (Amendment) Act, 2019
Information sourced from Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 — Section 194A; MV (Amendment) Act, 2019. For awareness only — consult a legal professional for specific advice.