How do designated seating positions affect a vehicles load carrying capacity?
A designated seating position is defined as “any plan view location capable of accommodating a person at least as large as a 5th percentile adult female, if the overall seat configuration and design and vehicle design is such that the position is likely to be used as a seating position while the vehicle is in motion…” (49 CFR 571.3). When seating positions are modified, the load carrying capacity of the vehicle may change. For example, if a designated seating position is modified to accommodate a removable seat with a wheelchair securement station, used when the seat is removed, the weight of the new seat and 150 pounds for its occupant must be included in the computation of the vehicle’s load carrying capacity. The weight of the old seat is credited as an increase in load carrying capacity.
