In a goods vehicle whose load area is not intended or equipped for people and which meets no regulatory exception, may passengers travel in that area?

Correct answer

No, it is prohibited in those conditions.

No. Article 10 prohibits carrying people somewhere other than an area intended and equipped for them. Paragraph 2 allows carriage in a load area under the conditions of the applicable provisions, so the prohibition is not absolute without exceptions. Those conditions are excluded here; the driver’s permission alone does not authorise such carriage.