How many points will be deducted for removing seats from a 7-seater car?
2 Answers
Removing seats from a 7-seater car is considered unauthorized modification of the vehicle's structure, which is a violation of the law. It breaches Article 16 of the Road Traffic Safety Law, which states that no unit or individual may 'alter the registered structure, construction, or characteristics of a motor vehicle without authorization.' According to regulations, this typically results in a deduction of 3 points, a fine, and an order to restore the original configuration. Below is relevant information: Vans are not allowed to transport goods: According to the latest regulations on vans transporting goods, generally, vans are not permitted to carry goods. Violations will result in penalties based on the severity of the offense. Illegal act: Removing the rear seats of a van violates Article 31 of the Road Transport Regulations, which prohibits the use of scrapped, unauthorized modified, or other non-compliant vehicles for road transport operations.
I just bought a seven-seater and wanted to remove the rear seats to make room for large cargo, thinking it would save me some trouble. But I was caught by a traffic camera on the road. The traffic police stopped me and gave me a lecture, saying that unauthorized modification of the vehicle structure is illegal, resulting in a 6-point deduction and a 300-yuan fine. They explained that removing the seats affects the original safety design of the car—without the seatbelt anchor points, people could get injured during sudden braking. To make matters worse, during the annual inspection, the mechanic said structural changes would fail the inspection outright, costing me extra money and hassle. A friend advised me not to cut corners and remove seats recklessly. If I really need modifications, I should first apply with the vehicle management office and use them only after approval. I’ve learned my lesson now—I bought a roof rack that’s both safe and compliant, keeping my points intact and my insurance premiums from rising. After all, safety is more important than anything else, and driving by the rules is the most reliable way to go.