Family trips, outings with friends, and commuting together often put us in situations where we want to carry more people than the car allows. At first glance, it seems harmless – “one more person won’t hurt” – but the law is clear: carrying more passengers than permitted by the manufacturer is considered a violation.
In the following sections, we will cover:
What the law says about the number of passengers.
Fines and penalties for this violation.
Risks of exceeding the vehicle’s capacity.
How insurance may be affected in incidents involving extra passengers.
What Does the Law Say About Extra Passengers in a Car?
Every vehicle has a passenger capacity listed in its registration certificate and certified by the manufacturer. This is determined by the number of seats and safety systems (seat belts, airbags, etc.).
According to the Road Traffic Rules, the driver is not allowed to carry more passengers than indicated in the vehicle documents. This applies to cars, buses, minibuses, and trucks.
What Is the Fine for Extra Passengers?
During a traffic inspection, carrying extra passengers is punishable. The fine depends on the type of vehicle and violation:
For a passenger car – the fine is usually between 50 and 150 BGN, and confiscation of the vehicle registration certificate may also apply.
For a truck or other vehicle not designed for passengers – fines can reach up to 300 BGN.
In some cases, penalty points may also be deducted from the driver’s license.
Additionally, if an accident occurs due to the violation, penalties become more severe because the driver has endangered the lives and health of more people than allowed.
Risks of Carrying Extra Passengers
Carrying more people than permitted is not just a formal violation; it creates real risks:
Overloading the vehicle – affects handling, increases braking distance, and raises the risk of accidents.
Lack of seat belts – extra passengers often travel without belts, which is extremely dangerous in a crash.
Compromised safety – vehicles are designed for a certain number of people, and exceeding it endangers everyone.
Technical inspection issues – a visibly altered or overloaded car may fail inspection.
Legal Consequences
In the event of an accident, having more passengers than allowed can lead to serious consequences:
The driver may bear greater liability for deliberately breaking the law.
During traffic accident investigations, the fact that the car was overloaded may be used against the driver.
Insurance claims may be denied if improper use or overloading contributed to the incident.
Impact on Insurance
As an insurance broker, I&G Brokers points out that carrying extra passengers can affect insurance coverage:
Liability insurance (Third Party) – covers damages to third parties, but overloading may be considered an aggravating factor, potentially leading to a recourse claim against the driver.
Comprehensive (CASCO) insurance – the insurer may refuse payment if overloading contributed to the incident.
Additional products, such as life or accident insurance for passengers, only apply to the allowed number of people; coverage is void for extra passengers.
How to Avoid Penalties and Risks
Stick to the vehicle’s capacity – the number of seats is stated in the registration certificate.
Provide seat belts for every passenger – this is both a legal requirement and the most important safety measure.
Plan trips in advance – if there are more people, use two cars or alternative transportation.
Regularly pass technical inspections – to ensure the car meets all standards.
Consider additional insurance – especially if you frequently travel with more passengers (children, relatives, friends).
Conclusion
Carrying more passengers than allowed is not a minor violation. It leads to fines, confiscation of the registration certificate, and points, but more importantly, it endangers everyone in the vehicle.
Overloading increases the risk of accidents and can cause insurance claim issues in a crash.
The best solution is to follow traffic rules and rely on appropriate insurance.
If you are unsure which insurance products will provide peace of mind and road protection, the I&G Brokers team is ready to advise and offer the best solution for you and your fa