BYD Seagull Folding Rear Seats: Belts, Restraints, Locks

BYD Seagull folding rear seats: keep belts free and check locks before sitting

Scope: China-mainland 2026 Seagull; official website owner's manual file 260317; physical PDF pp. 61–63, "Seat notes" and "Folding the rear seats"; no seat removal, tightening or child seat installation procedures

A folded area isn't a seat

The manual prohibits folding the rear seats while the car is moving, and prohibits sitting on top of a folded backrest, in the boot or on cargo. More loading space does not add permitted seating positions; do not drive until everyone is seated correctly. Luggage must also be secured so that it can't slide and must not be higher than the seat backs; an empty space after the backrest is raised again does not mean occupant restraint has been confirmed. This is a separate question from checking total weight. ^[1]

Mind the seat belts when folding and raising

The manual requires the rear head restraints to be lowered fully first, to avoid hitting the front seats; fold or raise the seats at normal speed, not by dropping or yanking them. The left and right seat belts must be left outside, so they aren't trapped between the seat and the side bolster, which could cause damage or malfunction. A flat backrest is not proof that a belt isn't trapped; and keep your hands away from under the seat and moving parts to avoid trapping them. ^[1]

Check the restraints before anyone sits

The manual requires you to confirm the backrest is locked after adjusting it; when the seat is back in use, adjust the head restraint to the occupant's height so that its centre is level with the top of the ears and the back of the head is in the middle of the restraint, and confirm the head restraint is locked. Fasten the seat belt after setting the seat position; backrests must not be reclined while driving or travelling, and occupants should sit back correctly. Nothing may be placed under the seats, and adjustments must not hit people or luggage. If a backrest doesn't lock securely or a seat belt is trapped or damaged, stop using that seating position and have the workshop check it; don't force it, take the seat apart or tighten mechanisms yourself to make it usable. ^[1]

Sources

[Source 1] BYD China official website: 2026 Seagull Owner's Manual (in Chinese) (public PDF on the official website)
https://www.byd.com/material/domestic-official/user-manual/ocean/2026%E6%AC%BE%E6%B5%B7%E9%B8%A5%E7%94%A8%E6%88%B7%E6%89%8B%E5%86%8C260317.pdf
Publication date unknown; information checked at 2026-10-05T00:50:43Z, which is not the publication date.

Suggestions on record-keeping, enquiries and service choice are editorial opinion, not a manufacturer procedure.