Can a van carry goods without removing the seats?
2 Answers
It depends. If it is not a cargo van, the goods carried comply with legal regulations, and are only placed in the trunk or on the luggage rack, then it is completely acceptable. If it is not a cargo van, the goods carried do not comply with legal regulations, and are placed in areas not designated for cargo like the trunk, then this constitutes illegal behavior. For a properly licensed cargo van, carrying goods is generally permissible as long as they are not prohibited items. Below are relevant details: 1. Legal regulations: Removing seats from a seven-seater vehicle to carry goods violates traffic regulations and constitutes illegal cargo transportation, with fines ranging from 200 to 500 yuan. 2. Precautions: After all, a van is not a standard cargo transport tool, and carrying goods may lead to overloading, potentially causing traffic accidents.
I used to run a small business and transported goods with a van. I tried loading goods without removing the seats a few times, but soon realized the issues. Stacking goods in the back seat might seem feasible, but legally, it counts as illegal modification. If caught by the police, you could face fines of several hundred yuan, and it could also affect your annual vehicle inspection. The safety risks are even greater—poorly secured cargo can fly out during sudden braking and injure people. Once, while reversing, a box slid and nearly injured my leg. Insurance policies clearly state that accidents involving unapproved modifications won’t be covered, leaving you to pay for repairs out of pocket, which is a huge loss. The vehicle also wears out faster, with the rear suspension bearing excessive load and failing prematurely. My advice is to either remove the seats and go through the proper legal procedures or switch to a cargo van for peace of mind and fewer troubles.
