bench seat removal 100s

Dhutime · Senior Member

bench seat removal 100s

Yuglamron · Guru

I would be inclined to check with your local transport Dept about this before going ahead.

I am fairly sure you need an engineers certificate to add or remove seats in a vehicle.

If I am wrong and the rules have changed my apologies, and I am pretty sure I will be called out by someone who knows the up to date regulations.

Cupie · Guru

I think that we have been down the seat removal path recently.

As I recall it there is no problem with temporary removal, however if you carry out permanent mods like fixed drawer units that require seat removal then you may need engineering papers.

I frequently remove my second row by unbolting 4 bolts on each base. Makes it easy to carry my pushbike as well as reducing weight.

My third row has been in my shed since I purchased the truck in 1998. The previous owner had them stored in his shed too.

Possum3 · Guru

Technically you can be defected by removing seats without engineering certificate - the reasoning behind this is that the vehicles compliance regarding carrying capacity and number of passengers has been altered. Some vehicles like Prado have rear row of seats that can be removed without the use of tools, but the compliance plate will still be incorrect.
There can be problems again if seats are re-fitted with incorrect bolts, nuts or torqueing.
Normally Police do not know (or are interested) unless specifically performing a vehicle check in conjunction with RTA enforcement officers at roadside checks. But two years ago they didn't check number plate heights - which is now quite common.

Hey Jim · Guru

Hi Duetime,

I have a 200 series GX 5 seater.

I throwed em out when we brought the truck back in 2012. saves 100kg. Replaced with extra water for lambies showers to be. Total of eight bolt holds. Replaced with eight tiedowns for four 25lt water conainers with rachet straps. smile smile smile smile

Jim

Hey Jim · Guru

Possum3 wrote:
Technically you can be defected by removing seats without engineering certificate - the reasoning behind this is that the vehicles compliance regarding carrying capacity and number of passengers has been altered. Some vehicles like Prado have rear row of seats that can be removed without the use of tools, but the compliance plate will still be incorrect.
There can be problems again if seats are re-fitted with incorrect bolts, nuts or torqueing.
Normally Police do not know (or are interested) unless specifically performing a vehicle check in conjunction with RTA enforcement officers at roadside checks. But two years ago they didn't check number plate heights - which is now quite common.

Hi Possum3,

Our old Parado seats were missing for fifthteen years. Never had a Problem. smile smile smile

Jim

Possum3 · Guru

Most people remove seats that are not needed, for weight or space reasons, it is however a requirement for all vehicles to be compliant to carrying capacity stated on compliance plate. If permanently removing it would be prudent to have re-engineered.
Although the probability of being penalised would be extremely low if seats were removed ad-hoc - the possibility is there. I certainly would never dispose of seats if they were removed.

The Law is Law because the Law is Law (from my law lecturer at NSW Uni)

montie · Guru

Strictly speaking you need an engineers certificate to remove seats.
You are very unlikely to ever get booked, however, it could be risky in the event of an insurance claim.

Montie

hako · Guru

The law, not heresay says seats CAN be temporarily removed from a vehicle fitted with quick release seats OR bolt in seats as long as it is a temporary measure. If permanently removed you need an enginners certificate and a mod plate.
GOOGLE "is it legal to remove seats from a vehicle in Queensland" and see page 2 of the relevant document.

Good Luck

Possum3 · Guru

www.m1safetycertificates.com.au/articles/2014/top-ten-illegal-vehicle-modifications

5 - Seats Removing, adding or changing them to bucket seats. All seat modifications require a modification plate to be legal. There are many regulations and specifications that need to be met when changing the seats in a vehicle. Common seat removals are when a van is converted into a camper van and the back seats are removed to create room for a bed or a bench seat is removed from an older vehicle and replaced with bucket seats.

If the seat modification plate is not attached the vehicle at the time of inspection it will not pass a Safety Certificate Inspection.

David1464 · Member

I concur with the previous answers, removing seats changes the compliance of the vehicle, and will definitely cancel your insurance and the insurance on your tow.

Aus-Kiwi · Guru

If for example rear seat was removed ? It has less passenger capacity . But if your traveling with two people using front seats ? It's hardly an issue . Just notify local registery authority . Our old converted bus was the same . 30 seater became a 4 seater .,