How Do Traffic Police Penalize the Removal of Seats in Vans?
2 Answers
Due to the lack of awareness among some van drivers, cases of being penalized by traffic police after altering seats occur from time to time. If the rear seats of a van are removed and the modified vehicle carries passengers exceeding 20% of the rated capacity, a fine will be imposed.
Removing seats from a minivan constitutes unauthorized modification of the vehicle structure, and traffic police will impose on-the-spot penalties if discovered. According to the Road Traffic Safety Law, such illegal modifications typically incur fines ranging from 500 to 2,000 yuan, along with a 3-point deduction from the driver's license. After penalization, owners are also required to reinstall the seats to their original condition within a stipulated time frame, failing which the vehicle may be impounded. I recall helping a neighbor deal with a similar issue—he removed seats to transport more construction materials, ended up fined 1,000 yuan with points deducted, and faced additional costs and hassle reinstalling the seats. It's advisable not to seek temporary convenience. The minivan's center of gravity is crucial to its design; seat removal destabilizes driving, increasing rollover risks during sharp turns. Sticking to the original setup ensures safety. For cargo needs, opt for professional trucks or rental services instead.
