Transport of People and Goods
Transport of People and Loads: Regulations and Safety
In this section, we address one of the most critical points for road safety and the theory exam: how to correctly transport passengers and goods without compromising the vehicle's stability or the safety of other users.
The basis of everything is found in the Technical Inspection Card (ITV). In it, we will consult the Maximum Authorized Mass (MMA), the number of seats, and the towing capacity. Remember: overloading the vehicle affects stability, braking, and suspension.
1. Transport of People
The fundamental rule is that the number of authorized seats in the vehicle can never be exceeded.
Rules for counting occupants
To avoid overweight, there are specific rules on how people on board are counted:
- General rule: 1 person = 1 seat.
- Children (2 to 12 years): Count as a whole seat.
- Exception in Cars (5 seats): If the car has 5 seats, only 5 people can travel, regardless of their age.
Transport of Minors
Child safety is a priority. Regulations establish the following according to height and age:
- Under 12 years: Are forbidden from riding in the front seat, with exceptions. They must ride in the rear seats.
- Height ≤ 135 cm: Mandatory use of restraint systems adapted to their size and weight.
Motorcycles and Mopeds
If you drive a two-wheeled vehicle, the rules for passengers are:
- General rule: The passenger must be over 12 years old.
- Exception: Passengers over 7 years old are allowed if the driver is their parent or legal guardian.
- Location: Always astride, with feet on the footrests and behind the driver (never between the handlebars and the driver).
- Helmet: Mandatory for driver and passenger.
2. The Load: Arrangement and Dimensions
The load must be placed so that it does not drag, fall, produce noise/dust, and does not hide lighting devices or the license plate.
How much can the load overhang?
This is a classic exam question. Limits depend on the type of vehicle and its length.
| Vehicle Type | Vehicle Length | Overhang Front | Overhang Rear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Intended for Goods | More than 5 meters | 2 meters | 3 meters |
| Intended for Goods | Up to 5 meters | 1/3 of the length | 1/3 of the length |
| Cars (Not goods) | Any | NOTHING | 10% (divisible) 15% (indivisible) |
Important Note: In vehicles with a width of less than 1 meter (like motorcycles), the load cannot overhang anything at the front, 0.25 m at the rear, and 0.50 m on each side of the axis.
Maximum Width and Height
- Width: The load can overhang up to 0.40 m on each side of the position lights, provided the total width does not exceed 2.55 meters.
- Height: The general maximum height (including the load) is 4 meters.
3. Signaling the Load
If the load overhangs, it is mandatory to warn other drivers to avoid accidents.
V-20 Panel
It is a square panel with red and white diagonal stripes.
- Overhangs at the rear: A V-20 panel is placed at the rear end of the load.
- Overhangs the full width: If the load occupies the entire width of the vehicle, two V-20 panels must be placed forming an inverted "V".
Lighting (At night or low visibility)
In addition to the V-20 panel, if you drive at night you must add:
- At the front: White light and white reflector (if it overhangs).
- At the rear: Red light and red reflector.
4. Loading and Unloading Operations
To perform these operations legally and safely:
- Location:
- On urban roads: At the edge of the carriageway (usually right side) according to municipal rules.
- On interurban roads: Always outside the carriageway and the shoulder.
- Engine: The engine must always be off during loading and unloading.
- Safety: It must be done on the side closest to the edge of the road so as not to invade traffic.
Falling Load
If the load falls onto the road and obstructs traffic, it must be signaled immediately (triangles or V-16 light, hazard lights) and removed as soon as possible.