Is it illegal to modify car seat positions?
3 Answers
Modifying car seat positions is an illegal act. Below is the expanded information on the definitions of illegal and legal modifications: 1. Illegal modifications: Illegal vehicle modifications refer to alterations to the vehicle's appearance, power system, transmission system, or braking system that exceed the original design load capacity and functionality permitted by national laws and manufacturer agreements. This includes replacing key components. There are certain restrictions on vehicle modifications, and arbitrary modifications may fail the annual inspection. Therefore, vehicle modifications must be carried out in compliance with relevant regulations. 2. Legal modifications: Legal modifications include changes to the body color, engine, fuel type, and chassis number, among others. However, there are three colors reserved for special-purpose vehicles.
It depends on the specific modification method. When I sent my car for the annual inspection last time, I specifically asked the technician. He reminded me that adjusting the car seat position is not something you can do casually. If it's just moving the seat forward or backward or adjusting the backrest angle, that's completely fine—it's designed for passengers to adjust themselves. However, if you remove the seat or use tools to alter the rail position, that counts as modifying the vehicle's structure. If the traffic police find such modifications, they will treat it as illegal modification, imposing fines and requiring you to restore it to its original condition. Especially for seven-seater cars, removing seats to transport goods is frequently penalized. I recommend checking the local vehicle management regulations before making any changes, or simply avoid altering the seat structure altogether—it's safer and more convenient.
A friend of mine learned this the hard way. He removed the rear seats of his SUV for easier cargo hauling, only to be stopped by traffic police and fined 500 yuan. Car seats aren't completely off-limits for modification, but changes must stay within legal boundaries. For instance, replacing seats with identical models or slightly adjusting headrest height is perfectly fine. However, altering the number, position, or installation method of seats constitutes illegal modification. Practices like adding makeshift benches in vans or removing seats from sedans will definitely result in tickets if spotted by traffic police. If you're considering adjustments, it's wise to consult with the vehicle management office beforehand—don't end up paying more than you gain like my friend did.
