Is it illegal to modify vehicle seats?
2 Answers
Modifying car seats is not illegal. Traffic regulations have lower requirements for interior modifications compared to exterior changes, as long as the vehicle's internal layout is not altered. For example, adding or removing seats are considered changes to the internal layout. In simple terms, converting a seven-seater into a six-seater is not allowed, nor is converting a five-seater into a seven-seater. Regulations on internal seat modifications: Illegal vehicle modifications refer to alterations to the appearance, power system, transmission system, or braking system that are not permitted by national laws or exceed the original manufacturer's design load capacity and functionality. Legal interior modifications include changing interior facilities such as the steering wheel, swapping in sport seats, adding instrument equipment, or sound-deadening materials.
As someone who frequently works at auto shops, I must remind you that modifying vehicle seats is illegal in most cases. Replacing the original factory seats can compromise the entire safety system design of the vehicle, such as affecting seatbelt anchor points and airbag deployment positions, which may actually increase injury risks during a crash. I've seen many cases where people illegally installed racing seats, only to fail annual inspections for non-compliance, resulting in forced removal and fines. Even worse, insurance claims might be denied because modifications are often excluded from coverage. So if you must modify seats, always go to a certified shop and use safety-tested, approved seat components to ensure secure installation—don't prioritize style over safety. Regularly inspect safety equipment; keeping everything stock is the wisest choice.
