What is a Passenger Car? [Inc. Examples]

What is a Passenger Car? [Inc. Examples]

Vehicle Definitions

An “automobile” is a passenger vehicle that does not transport persons for hire. This includes station wagons, sedans, vans, and sport utility vehicles. California Vehicle Code (CVC) §465.

A “commercial vehicle” is a vehicle which is used or maintained for the transportation of persons for hire, compensation, or profit or designed, used, or maintained primarily for the transportation of property (for example, trucks and pickups). CVC §260.

An “off highway vehicle” is a vehicle operated exclusively off public roads and highways on lands that are open and accessible to the public, and includes racing motorcycles, trail bikes, mini bikes, dune buggies, all-terrain vehicles, jeeps, and snowmobiles. More specific off highway vehicle information.

A “motorcycle” is generally any motor vehicle with a seat or saddle for the rider, with not more than three wheels in contact with the ground, and weighing less than 1,500 pounds. CVC §400.

A “trailer coach” is a vehicle, other than a motor vehicle, designed for human habitation or human occupancy for industrial, professional, or commercial purposes, for carrying property on its own structure, and for being drawn by a motor vehicle. CVC §635.

A “park trailer” is a trailer designed for human habitation for recreational or seasonal use only that contains 400 square feet or less of gross floor area, excluding loft area space. A park trailer cannot exceed 14′ in width at the maximum horizontal projections. Health & Safety Code §18009.3 (a).

All trailers, except trailer coaches and park trailers, are registered under the “Permanent Trailer Identification” (PTI) program. For example, PTI trailers include semi-trailers, boat trailers, utility trailers, flat bed trailers, box trailers or horse trailers. CVC §468.

A “vessel” is over eight feet in length and sail-powered or motor-driven (regardless of length) that is not documented by the U.S. Coast Guard. This includes motorboats, amphibious vehicle/vessels, and inflatable vessels with motors, shuttlecraft, jet skis or wet bikes. More specific vessel information.

What Is a Passenger Car? (With Examples)

You would think that driving a car is as simple as that: just driving a car. However, there are a few names for the types of cars you might drive. However, there exist several types of cars and each has its own purpose.

The most common type of car you would see on the road is a passenger car which is what are going to explain in our blog today. Stay tuned.

A passenger car is defined as a vehicle that carries passengers and their baggage on roads. This can include cars, vans, and trucks. They can be either privately owned or operated by a company. However, it does not include motorcycles, ambulances, or vehicles designed for off-road use.

Examples of passenger vehicles include Ford Crown Victoria and Toyota Camry.

In the United States, passenger cars must have at least four wheels and seat no more than eight people including the driver. If the car is designed to carry more than that, then it is not a passenger car but instead a commercial vehicle. The length of a passenger car is typically between 14-18 feet long.

The weight limit for a passenger car is also important as it needs to be under 3500kg or else it would be classified as a heavy truck.

Types of Passenger Cars

Now that we already know what passenger cars are, let’s look at the types of vehicles in this category. There are several types of passenger cars which include:

Sedan

This is a car with four doors and a fixed roof that is used for carrying passengers. The trunk is usually located at the rear of the car. For example; Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla

Hatchback

A hatchback is a car that has a rear door that opens upwards and the trunk area is located behind the back seats. The Ford Focus and Volkswagen Golf are some examples of hatchbacks.

Coupe

This is a car with two doors and a fixed roof. The trunk area is usually located behind the back sears. For Example; Audi A-series, BMW M-series

Convertible

A convertible is a car with a folding or removable roof. The trunk area is usually located behind the back seats. This usually comes on high-level and expensive trims of vehicle models. For instance, Chevrolet Camaro and Ford Mustang offer this as an option to their premium trims the SS and GT respectively.

SUV

An SUV or sport utility vehicle is a car that has a four-wheel drive and is designed for off-road use. SUVs usually have a higher ground clearance and a boxy appearance. For example; Jeep Wrangler, and Ford Explorer.

Difference Between a Passenger Car and a Commercial Vehicle

The main difference between a passenger car and a commercial vehicle is that commercial vehicles can carry more than eight passengers, whereas a passenger car cannot. Here are other differences;

A commercial vehicle can be either a van or a truck, whereas a passenger car cannot.

A commercial vehicle must have a payload capacity of more than one tonne (1000 kg), whereas a passenger car does not have to have this.

A commercial vehicle can be any length, whereas a passenger car has to be between 14-18 feet long.

A commercial vehicle can be over 3500kg, whereas a passenger car cannot.

What Are the Benefits of Owning a Passenger Car?

There are many benefits of owning a passenger car. Some of these benefits include;

The ability to transport yourself and your family around without having to rely on public transport or taxis.

Passenger cars are generally more affordable than other types of vehicles such as SUVs or luxury cars.

They are easier to park and maneuver than larger vehicles.

Passenger cars are less likely to cause damage to other vehicles or property in the event of an accident.

These cars emit fewer greenhouse gases than larger vehicles, making them more environmentally friendly.

What Are the Disadvantages of Owning a Passenger Car?

Since we already know the benefits of passenger cars, there are also some disadvantages of owning a passenger car that you should be aware of. These include;

Passenger cars can be less comfortable than larger vehicles on long journeys.

The cars may not be able to tow a caravan or trailer.

They are more likely to be stolen than larger vehicles.

Some passenger cars may not have the same level of safety features as larger vehicles, such as airbags and ABS brakes.

They may not be able to handle off-road driving as well as an SUV or four-wheel drive.

Is an RV Considered a Passenger or Commercial Vehicle?

As we already mentioned that passenger cars include compact cars, vans, and tracks, what about the RVs that can be driven or trailers that can be towed.

The rule on this kind of vehicle varies from one state to another, some states may allow you to register your RV as a passenger car probably for a little additional fee. However, in some states, RVs are only considered commercial vehicles.

The best way to know for sure is to contact your state’s DMV and ask them about the registration process and what is required of you.

What Is Considered a Private Passenger Automobile?

A private passenger automobile is a land motor vehicle, other than a motorcycle, with at least four wheels, used for the transportation of people, and not used for the carrying of property or goods.

The term “private passenger automobile” does not include a bus, taxi, or limousine. It also does not include an ambulance, hearse, or another vehicle principally used to transport sick, injured, or dead people.

Are Vans Considered Private Passenger Vehicles?

Yes, vans are considered private passenger vehicles but only if they meet the set regulations we already mentioned. However, some states may have different rules and regulations when it comes to what is considered a passenger car.

The approach is to find out is to contact your state’s DMV and inquire about the registration procedure as well as what is necessary for you.

Is an SUV a Passenger Car?

SUVs do not have a specific classification, but they are generally considered to be light trucks. In some states, SUVs may be registered as passenger cars if they meet the required criteria. However, in other states, SUVs may only be registered as commercial vehicles.

SUVs can be used as either off-road vehicles or passenger cars, depending on their design. Some SUVs have four-wheel drive and can be used to tow trailers, while other SUVs are designed for on-road use only.

For instance, the Ford Escape is an example of an SUV that can be classified as both a passenger car and an off-road vehicle.

Is a Pickup Truck a Passenger or Commercial Vehicle?

The answer to this question depends on the state you live in and how you use your pickup truck. In some states, pickup trucks can be registered as passenger cars if they are used for personal transportation.

However, in other states, pickup trucks may only be registered as commercial vehicles if they are used for business purposes.

Moreover, in some states such as New York pick-up trucks that weigh above 6000 pounds are classified as commercial vehicles regardless of how you use them.

To avoid any penalties, it’s advisable that you check with your state’s DMV to find out the rules and regulations regarding the registration of pickup trucks.

What Does Private Passenger Policy Mean?

A private passenger policy is an insurance policy that provides coverage for vehicles used to transport people. This type of policy can provide coverage for both personal and commercial use of a vehicle.

Private passenger policies typically provide coverage for liability, collision, and comprehensive damage, as well as medical expenses. Some policies may also provide uninsured/underinsured motorist protection.

When shopping for a private passenger policy, it’s important to compare different plans and choose the one that best meets your needs. You should also consider the type of vehicle you’ll be insured, as this can impact your premiums.

Conclusion

A passenger car is generally, a land motor vehicle with at least four wheels that are used for transporting people and not property or goods. Vans, SUVs, and pickup trucks can also be classified as passenger cars in some states if they meet certain criteria.

It’s important to check with your state’s DMV to find out the specific rules and regulations regarding the registration of passenger cars to avoid fines that may result from the offense.

Here are some other related topics for you to check out:

How Long Is a Car? (Average Car Lengths By Type)

How Wide Is the Average Car? (20+ Examples Included)

26 Different Types of Car Body Styles (With Pictures!)

What is a Passenger Car? [Inc. Examples]

You would think that driving a car is as simple as that: just driving a car. However, there are a few names to the types of car you might drive. For example, there are commercial vehicles and non-commercial vehicles (another name for what we'll be discussing today).

The definition of a passenger car is a motor vehicle designed to carry multiple passengers on highways and streets. This can include some pickup trucks, compact cars, and minivans. It doesn't include motorcycles, ambulances, or vehicles that are above a specific weight limit. The limit of passengers the vehicle can carry for it to be considered a passenger car is nine.

Examples of passenger cars include:

Before you continue reading, let us say we hope you find the links here useful. If you purchase something through a link on this page, we may get a commission, so thank you!

Toyota Tacoma

Ford Escape

Toyota Corolla

Continue reading to gain a better understanding of what a passenger car is.

What is the Difference Between a Passenger Car and a Commercial Vehicle?

One key difference between the two is their purposes. Passenger vehicles, as the name implies, are made to carry passengers. Commercial vehicles are built to transport goods, more than nine passengers, or paying passengers. Additionally, in the United States, a car may be classified as commercial if it:

Is used for business purposes (Uber, Lyft, and DoorDash for example) under an individual's name This depends on how frequently it's used for business purposes, however.

Transports any hazardous material

Is owned by a corporation

Is owned by a financial institution but leased to someone else

Weighs more than 26,000 pounds

View our previous article detailing commercial vehicles specifically. You'll have a better understanding now that you know the classifications.

Accident lawyers and insurance companies differentiate these two vehicle types primarily by size. According to Hale Law Firm, commercial vehicles have much greater size and mass, leading to much more severe accidents. Commercial vehicles usually cause more risks on the road than passenger cars. Due to their increased height, it can block the visibility of other drivers and take up more road space.

This isn't the case with every commercial vehicle. Some commercial vehicles are small in size. Examples of smaller-sized commercial vehicles include the Ford Transit or Ranger, and the Mazda E-series.

Is a Sedan a Passenger Car?

A sedan is a vehicle with two or four doors, comfortably fits three people in the back seat, and covered with a hard roof. Sedans can be small or large, depending on the manufacturer.

One good example of a sedan is the Toyota Corolla. It's one of Toyota's best-selling vehicles with each year model getting better and better in space, comfort, and performance.

In all cases, a personally owned sedan is a passenger car. It loses that classification and becomes a commercial vehicle when used for business purposes. In the classification of commercial vehicles, we mentioned Uber as an example of business usage. Sedans are the most likely to be used for this kind of business usage. That's not to say other vehicle types can't; sedans are just more fuel-efficient in comparison to other vehicle types.

Is an SUV a Passenger Car?

SUVs (sport utility vehicles) don't have a concrete definition to classify it. In a nutshell, they're vehicles that can drive on roads and offer off-road features as well.

An example of an SUV is the popular Ford Escape. The Ford Escape is one of Ford's best-selling passenger vehicles since 2012; the 2020 model brought even more to its hybrid-electric engine, roomy interior, and smooth driving experience.

The Escape and other SUVs are considered passenger vehicles despite their larger size because most SUVs can carry seven passengers. A few can carry up to nine with two additional seats in the cargo or trunk space. However, it's not designed to carry more than that.

Crossovers, which are quite frequently confused with SUVs, are also considered passenger cars.

Is a Pickup Truck a Passenger or Commercial Vehicle?

Pickup trucks are a bit of a gray area when classifying. Some pickups weigh enough to where it needs to be registered as a commercial vehicle, even if it's only used for personal reasons.

For example, in the state of New York, you can't register your pickup truck as a passenger vehicle if it has an unladen weight of more than 6,000 pounds. An example of these kinds of pickups includes the Ford F-150; Ford's prime pickup truck that brings plenty of towing power, trunk space, and great engine power.

The only way you can register it as a passenger vehicle is if it's permanently modified and meets these conditions:

Used only for non-commercial purposes

Doesn't have business advertisements

The truck bed has seats or camping gear

To find the unladen weight of your pickup truck, look for a metal plate on the door of the vehicle. Note that this isn't the same as its maximum gross weight; don't confuse the two as you'll need it to take care of registration paperwork.

In cases where your pickup is less than 6,000 pounds, you can classify it as a passenger vehicle. Many pickup trucks on the market are classified as passenger vehicles such as the Ford Ranger or Toyota Tacoma.

Is an RV Considered a Passenger or Commercial Vehicle?

So far, we've mentioned how compact cars, SUVs, and pickup trucks have been considered passenger cars. But what about RVs or trailers that can be towed?

Despite what has already been said about the weight limit, RVs and camper trailers are not considered commercial vehicles and won't need a CDL license to operate. Each state has its own rules and regulations regarding RVs, so check with your local DMV. Some states will let you register your RV as if it was a passenger car (probably with additional fees).

You should be aware of any towing weight limits as well. While you're on the road, obey the rules of the road with increased caution. Your driving (or towing) something as large as a commercial vehicle, so the same risks apply. provides some safety rules to follow while you're driving.

Wrap Up

Hopefully, this article has helped you determine what makes a vehicle a passenger car or a commercial car. Below is a recap of everything.

Your car cannot be used for any business reasons; personal use only

The weight of your vehicle matters; if yours is under 6,000 pounds, you're good

Anything designed to hold more than nine people is a commercial vehicle; your car, truck, or SUV is fine

Please check your DMV for any additional rules or regulations that may apply in the registration process

Keep this in your memory when handling the registration of your vehicle.

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