How many points are deducted for removing seats from a 7-seater car?

[MaliaMarie]

Removing seats from a 7-seater car is considered unauthorized modification of the vehicle's internal structure, typically resulting in a deduction of 3 points and a fine ranging from 200 to 500 yuan. According to Article 16 of the Road Traffic Safety Law: "No unit or individual may alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization." Additionally, Article 54 of the Road Traffic Safety Law Implementation Regulations states: "Passenger vehicles, except for external luggage racks and built-in luggage compartments, shall not carry cargo." Other penalty scenarios to note: According to Article 56, Item 5 of the Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations, altering the vehicle's color, replacing the engine, body, or frame without completing the change registration within the time limit specified in Article 10 will result in a warning or a fine of up to 200 yuan from the traffic management department of the public security authority. Article 100 stipulates that driving an assembled motor vehicle or a motor vehicle that has reached the scrapping standard on the road will lead to confiscation and mandatory scrapping by the traffic management department of the public security authority. Drivers of such vehicles will face a fine ranging from 200 to 2,000 yuan and revocation of their motor vehicle driving license. Vehicle modifications requiring registration include: Paint color: The common black, white, and gray tones have caused visual fatigue, prompting many young people to repaint their cars in unique colors to stand out. Nowadays, repainting and applying color-changing wraps are the main methods. While repainting is legal, colors resembling specialized vehicles (e.g., ambulances, fire trucks, road maintenance vehicles, police cars) and color-shifting paints are prohibited. Additionally, owners must register the new color with the vehicle management office within 10 days and apply for an updated driving license; otherwise, it will be deemed illegal modification. For decals, if they cover less than 30% of the vehicle's surface, registration is not required. Roof racks: Vehicles can install roof racks as long as they do not exceed the specified length. Many SUVs come with factory-installed racks, and aftermarket racks are allowed if their height does not exceed 30 cm. However, the installation must be secure, and the driving license photo must be updated. Running boards and bumpers: While these can be added, modifications must comply with regulations. For example, running boards must not extend beyond the vehicle body, and replacing the front bumper with a non-original one requires registration and updating the driving license photo. Note that enforcement standards vary by region, so it's advisable to avoid altering the original appearance. Wheels and grilles: Modifications to wheels and front grilles require registration. While wheel style and material can be changed, the size, width, ET offset, and aspect ratio must remain unchanged. The driving license photo must also be updated. Brake system: Upgrading to branded brake calipers and discs from reputable manufacturers can improve braking performance. However, such modifications must be registered within 10 days; otherwise, the vehicle may fail annual inspections and be mistaken for illegal modifications. Prohibited modifications include: Powertrain: The powertrain is critical to vehicle safety and must not be altered. Illegal modifications include replacing the engine or transmission, adding turbochargers, modifying intake/exhaust systems, or reprogramming the ECU. Body structure and emblems: Removing seats from vans for cargo transport is illegal and may result in fines. Additionally, vehicle emblems, akin to trademarks and intellectual property, cannot be altered or replaced without authorization. Time limits for modifications: After completing modifications, owners must register changes with the vehicle management office within the specified timeframe. For example, color changes must be registered within 10 working days, during which the vehicle should ideally not be driven.

[LeJack]

As a car owner who frequently studies traffic laws, I strongly advise against removing seats from a 7-seater vehicle. China's Road Traffic Safety Law clearly stipulates that unauthorized modification of a motor vehicle's structure is illegal, especially when seat removal alters the approved passenger capacity, which can easily lead to overloading or safety hazards. If caught by traffic police, you'll typically receive 3 penalty points and may face fines ranging from 200 to 500 yuan. Think about it - 7-seaters are designed for family travel with multiple seats. Removing seats for cargo transport might seem convenient, but in case of an accident, insurance won't cover the damages. My suggestion is to maintain the original factory condition - it's both safer and more worry-free. Don't take big risks for small gains.

[JoyAnn]

I've been driving for over a decade, and a friend of mine once removed his SUV's rear seats to transport furniture. He got caught by traffic police at an intersection in the city and was immediately fined 200 yuan with 3 points deducted from his license. His license already had few points to begin with, and now he's worried about exceeding the 12-point limit. While removing the seats did create a bit more space, it altered the vehicle's overall structure, making it more likely to be stopped on highways. From a safety perspective, without the seats' protective function, there's a higher risk of cargo flying around during sudden braking. It's much safer to use a proper truck or rent a vehicle instead, avoiding fines that could disrupt daily life.

[StArthur]

From a safety perspective, removing seats from a 7-seater car is quite dangerous. Without the originally designed passenger seats, people might end up sitting on the floor during the ride, lacking seatbelt protection and increasing the risk of injury. Traffic police will deduct 3 points if caught, as it constitutes illegal vehicle modification. It's advised not to risk modifying the car; keeping the original seats ensures travel safety, especially when traveling with children.