Carrying people on bakkie – not for reward

Question

[b] [/b] The "bakkie" is not, and will never be used to carry passengers for reward. My reason for wanting seats with seat belts in the goods/load compartment is for taking friends/family (for no reward) for game viewing etc. I have taken measurements of the goods/load compartment and I am in compliance of the minimum height of sides/depth/seating area. Is there any law prohibiting me from doing this (noting that it is not for reward)? [b]

Answer

[/b] My understanding: you wish to modify the load area of your bakkie for seating for passengers (within the full requirements of the law) for recreation / incidental use. Will these seats be permanently fixed to the vehicle - or only fitted at certain times for the use as stated? If they are fixed as required (bolts as specified), have seatbelts and ensure safety of the people transported - then you will be fine. Ensure that the roll bar is strong and large enough to prevent injury should the vehicle roll (SABS standards). Check with your insurance (short-term) for these and any other issues. Thus, you vehicle fitted with these seats (not for gain) as required by the law, and stopped by a traffic officer, will not be deemed illegal. Please note that we are in the process of amending legislation to require a vehicle carrying passengers in the load area to travel at a maximum of 80 kph (this will probably be effected from some time in 2007 should all processes be met) and in the future a total ban on carrying passengers in the load area of a vehicle might be imposed (this is probably far in the future).