Can a van transport goods without removing seats?
3 Answers
A van without road transport operation permission is not allowed to transport goods regardless of whether the seats are removed or not. Here are the relevant details: 1. Conditions for engaging in freight transport operations: having vehicles suitable for the business and passing inspection; drivers meeting the conditions specified in Article 23 of these regulations; and a sound safety production management system. 2. Required materials for applying for freight transport operations: for freight transport operations other than hazardous goods transport, apply to the county-level road transport management authority; for hazardous goods transport operations, apply to the municipal road transport management authority of the districted city.
I've been driving a van for several years. I remember once when I was in a hurry to move and didn't remove the seats, just stuffed a few boxes inside. Suddenly I had to brake hard, and the boxes flew forward, almost hitting someone. This is not only dangerous but also potentially illegal, because vans are designed primarily for passenger transport, not cargo. Keeping the seats installed while carrying goods violates traffic regulations in many cities, and police may issue fines or even impound the vehicle. Unsecured cargo can easily slide around, leading to accidents inside the vehicle or loss of control. Blocking airbags further increases the risk. Now, I only dare to place small items in the trunk or simply rent a proper cargo van. Modifying the vehicle to comply with regulations is the best approach—don’t take risks just to save trouble.
As an ordinary driver, I'm always concerned about vehicle safety. Not removing seats to carry goods in a van might sound convenient, but it actually poses many hidden dangers. If the seats aren't removed, goods piled on them become unstable and may roll around during emergencies, potentially injuring people or obstructing driving. I've seen test videos where cargo tilting during sharp turns causes center of gravity instability - at best damaging the interior, at worst leading to rollovers. For daily use, I recommend avoiding hauling large loads; using small items in the trunk is sufficient, or secure them with straps. Don't take chances - safety always comes first above all else.
