Is Vehicle Seat Modification Illegal?

[Vivian]

Car seat modification is not illegal. Traffic regulations have less stringent requirements for vehicle interior modifications compared to exterior changes, as long as the internal layout of the vehicle is not altered. For example, adding or removing seats constitutes a change to the vehicle's 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 vehicle interior seat modification: 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 changes to interior facilities, such as replacing the steering wheel, installing sport seats, adding instrument equipment, or sound-deadening materials.

[HarperLynn]

I've specifically researched the traffic regulations on this matter. Modifying vehicle seats is no trivial issue, with the most common practices being removing seats for cargo or installing sport seats. According to Article 16 of the 'Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations', the quantity and layout of seats fall under prohibited unauthorized modifications. If caught on the road, it's an immediate 3-point deduction and 200 yuan fine, and it will definitely fail the annual inspection. Particularly dangerous is converting a 7-seater to 5-seater - while it may seem like creating space, it actually alters the vehicle's center of gravity, making rollovers more likely during sharp turns. A friend in the traffic police told me about a case last year where a van rear-ended another vehicle after seat removal, and the cargo in the back crushed the driver's seat. If you really must modify, you must apply for change registration at the DMV, providing certification of the modification shop's qualifications and safety inspection reports. The process is particularly cumbersome, but it's the only legal pathway.