Is Adding Seats to a Van Allowed?

Is Adding Seats to a Van Allowed?

If you're looking to add extra seats to your van to carry more passengers, it’s important to understand the legal requirements involved to keep your vehicle compliant with UK regulations. The good news is that adding seats is allowed, but there are key rules to follow to ensure your van remains safe and roadworthy.

Can I Add Seats to My Van?

Yes, you can add seats to your van, but it must be done in accordance with UK safety and legal standards. The process isn’t overly complicated, but there are several things you should know before making any modifications to your vehicle.

What You Need to Know

1. Passenger Capacity Limits

   • Up to 8 Passengers: A van can carry up to 8 passengers (plus the driver) without automatically being reclassified as a minibus. If you add more than 8 seats, then your vehicle will be classified as a minibus, which requires more stringent regulations for safety, insurance, and MOT.
   • Seatbelt Requirements: Any new seats added must be fitted with seatbelts. For each seat, the seatbelt must be a properly installed three-point seatbelt (where applicable) to comply with safety standards.

2. MOT and Inspections

   • During the MOT test, the main requirement is that the seatbelts must be in good working order. The test doesn't require an in-depth examination of the seats themselves, but it is essential that the seatbelts are properly fitted, functional, and secure. If you're installing aftermarket seats, it’s important to ensure they are equipped with seatbelts that pass MOT requirements.
   • However, if the addition of seats significantly alters the vehicle's structure or weight, it may be subject to further inspection. Always ensure your van meets all safety standards to avoid complications during MOT testing.

3. Insurance Implications

   • Modifying your van by adding seats may affect your insurance policy. It's crucial to inform your insurer about any changes to your vehicle. Failing to do so could invalidate your coverage in the event of an accident. Even if you’re not reclassifying your vehicle as a minibus, your insurer will want to know about the extra seats for safety and liability purposes.

4. Safety Standards

   • Every additional seat and seatbelt must comply with UK safety standards. This includes ensuring that the seats are properly secured and that the seatbelts meet the necessary safety requirements. This is where choosing the right seats from a reputable supplier becomes crucial.
   • M1 Crash Testing Compliance: Our San Carlos seat range is designed to meet M1 crash testing standards when installed correctly. M1 crash testing is a European standard for the safety of seats and seatbelts in vehicles, ensuring that they provide protection in the event of a collision. By choosing our San Carlos seats, you can be confident that you are installing seats that are tested for safety, providing peace of mind for both you and your passengers.
   • No Sideways-Facing Seats: It's important to note that in the UK, it is not legal to have seats facing sideways for carrying passengers on public roads. All passenger seats must face forward or rearward to ensure safety in the event of an accident. Any sideways-facing seats are not allowed, as they pose a significant safety risk, particularly in the event of a collision.

5. Adding a Bulkhead for Safety

   • If you’re carrying both passengers and a load in your van, it’s highly advisable to add a bulkhead behind the added seats. A bulkhead acts as a partition between the load area and the passenger compartment, preventing cargo from shifting into the passenger area during sudden braking or an accident. This not only increases safety but also helps to secure your load and reduce the risk of damage to passengers in the event of a crash. Installing a bulkhead is an extra step worth considering to ensure both the safety of your passengers and the security of any cargo you may be transporting.

How to Add Seats Legally

1. Choose the Right Seats: The seats you add should be designed for your specific van model and comply with UK safety regulations. Our San Carlos seat range is a great choice for anyone looking to add seats, as all our seats come with integrated seatbelts that meet UK standards for safety and MOT compliance. With integrated seatbelts, you don’t have to worry about additional installations or the seatbelts being improperly fitted—they’re ready to go.

2. Professional Installation: It’s always advisable to have seats installed by a professional. This ensures the seats are properly secured and comply with safety regulations, minimising the risk of issues during MOT testing. At Pro-Van Ltd, we provide professional installation services for all our seats. In fact, with every seat installed by us, you’ll receive a certificate of conformity, ensuring that the seats have been fitted correctly and comply with all relevant safety standards.

3. Update Your Documentation: After installing additional seats, make sure to inform the DVLA and your insurance company about the changes. This keeps your vehicle's documentation up to date and ensures it is correctly classified and insured.

4. Seatbelt Compliance: As mentioned, the primary requirement for the MOT test is that the seatbelts must be in working order. Our San Carlos seats come with integrated, high-quality seatbelts, so you won’t have to worry about passing the seatbelt portion of your MOT.

Conclusion

Adding seats to your van is possible within legal limits, provided you meet the necessary safety standards. As long as you don’t exceed 8 passengers (plus the driver), you can still keep your vehicle classified as a van. Remember, the key is to ensure the seats and seatbelts are properly installed and functional to pass the MOT. Also, make sure that any added seats are facing forward or rearward, as sideways-facing seats are not allowed for passenger use on UK roads.

At Pro-Van Ltd, we offer the San Carlos seat range, which features seats that meet M1 crash testing standards and come with integrated seatbelts, making it easier for you to add extra capacity to your van without worrying about seatbelt compliance or safety issues. If you're carrying a load as well as passengers, consider adding a bulkhead for extra safety. And with our professional installation service, you’ll receive a certificate of conformity, ensuring everything is properly fitted and up to code. Get in touch with us to learn more about our seats and how we can help you with your van modifications.