What are the regulations on penalties for removing seats in minivans?
2 Answers
Exempted vehicles cannot retain their exemption status if caught with modifications. According to current regulations in China, new vehicles enjoy a six-year exemption period from inspection. During this period, vehicles do not need to undergo on-site inspections but must obtain an exemption mark. However, any traffic violations must be resolved before the annual inspection. Circumstances under which a vehicle cannot pass the annual inspection: Vehicles with unresolved traffic violation records cannot pass the annual inspection. Owners must check for any traffic violations and resolve them before the inspection to obtain the exemption mark. Registered vehicles undergoing safety technical inspections will fail if the registration details on the vehicle's license do not match the actual condition of the vehicle, or if the required third-party liability compulsory insurance certificate is not provided as stipulated. According to relevant regulations, vehicle owners can apply for an inspection compliance mark from the local vehicle management office up to three months before the expiration of the vehicle's inspection period. During the application process, owners must fill out an application form and submit the vehicle's license, compulsory traffic accident liability insurance certificate, vehicle and vessel tax payment or exemption proof, and the vehicle safety technical inspection compliance certificate.
I've been driving a van for ten years, and removing seats is something you really shouldn't mess with. Getting caught by traffic police means a fine of 500 to 1,000 yuan, which is the least of your worries—the real headache is having to reinstall the seats on the spot or within a deadline. If you can't restore them to their original condition, you won't be allowed back on the road. Last month, while helping Old Li transport goods, I got checked—all the rear seats were removed to make space for cargo. I ended up fined 800 yuan and wasted an entire day. The law is clear: unauthorized seat removal counts as illegal modification, with Article 57 of the "Motor Vehicle Registration Regulations" as the basis. It's not just about the fine—if you're in an accident with the seats removed, the insurance company will outright deny your claim. Fellow van drivers, remember this: don’t even touch the screws on the rear seats.
