Legality of removing rear seats - NSW

**~Rich~** · 22nd March 2016, 07:18 PM

Hi Guys,
For those who are concerned about removing their rear seats in a 7 seater D3/D4:

Removal of seats and RMS's response.
At some stage in our 4WD life we would like to carry more stuff. So we typically remove seats. There
has been many a discussion on the net and around camp fires about the legality of doing such
'modifications?. I thought I would ask the RMS for their view. Here is there answer:
I am making enquires on behalf of our 4WD club about seat removal either permanent or temporary
and seek your comments.
An example would be a 100 series Landcruiser where the third row of seats clips out and the second
(middle) row can be removed by unbolting them
I understand in this case that removing the third row permanently requires no approval
removing the second row of seats on a temporary basis does not require approval but on a permanent
basis it does.
Is the above correct? How long is temporary?
Second example a 200 series Landcruiser where the third and second (middle) row of seats
can be removed by unbolting them.
I understand in this case that removing any seats on a temporary basis does not require approval but
on a permanent basis it does. Is the above correct?
Many thanks Brian.

Hi Brian
Typically removing seats and changing the seating capacity of a vehicle will require an inspection by
an AUVIS examiner for an adjustment of records, seating capacity. This would not be a problem with
removing the 3rd row seats from a 100 series cruiser as the manufacturer supplied them to the market
in both 7 and 5 seat configurations.
There is no definition available for temporary seat removal. If seats were unbolted the seating
capacity has changed.
Regards
Graeme Snell
Team Leader
Technical Enquiries
Accreditation
Safety & Compliance
T 1300 137 302
Roads and Maritime Services
2 B 99 Phillip St Parramatta NSW 2150
Home - Roads and Maritime Services

**jonesy63** · 22nd March 2016, 07:25 PM

Hypothetically, if you had a drawer setup over the top of where the rear 2 seats in a D3/D4, they wouldn't have a problem - as they couldn't tell if they were removed.

**LandyAndy** · 22nd March 2016, 07:28 PM

So.D4s are available as a 7 and 5 seater(special order in WA) removal of the rear row temporary or not is legal????
I ditched mine soon after buying it.Ive made a fridge unit but dont use it,my 80lt engel sits nicely across the back an the lower floor level nicely.
Andrew

**RHS58** · 22nd March 2016, 07:48 PM

In Qld, I took out the rear seats from my old Prado.
Installed a drawer system.
This is seen a as a permanent modification, as the drawers are bolted in.
ARB didn't tell me this.

To sell the Prado I needed a Safety Certificate. To obtain this, with drawers in situ, I had to remove the third row seatbelts, and get a Modification Plate.
Alternatively, the drawers had to be removed and seats reinstalled.

I went with the latter option. Sold the Prado as a 7 seater (which it was always registered as). The new owner got the drawers, to install as he wished, or not, complying with regs, or not.

I know of a blitz after an event at LandCruiser Park in SE Qld where the boys in blue fined numerous 4x4 drivers who had removed 3rd row seats and had drawers installed, without mod plates.

Be aware of your state regulations.

Cheers
Ron

**Disco-tastic** · 22nd March 2016, 08:10 PM

I dont understand what the problem is removing seats? The issues with adding seats is logical, but what issues are their with removing? How is it more dangerous for anyone?

Cheers

Dan

**JDNSW** · 22nd March 2016, 08:58 PM

I can see the problem possibly arising where , for example, a seat has been removed, but the vehicle can legally still seat the people in that seat.

But in reality, for example, I need to remove eight bolts to remove the side seats plus the second row seats in my 110. In theory, I need to get the vehicle inspected and the seven seat belts removed. And inspected again on their reinstallation.

But it takes about ten minutes to remove the seats. How about the case where I remove them to fit a lot of stuff in on Sunday morning, make a trip to a sale, then reinstall the seats that afternoon. Are they seriously suggesting I should get the car replated at 0700 Sunday morning and then again at 2100 Sunday night? If so, I suggest they need a reality check.

Or, some time in the near future, I will have to remove the second row seat to get it reupholstered. Am I expected to get it replated while driving round for the week or two while this is being done, and then repeat the process? And if so, how about the drive to and from the upholsterer with the seat not installed?

John

**p38arover** · 22nd March 2016, 09:08 PM

Originally Posted by JDNSW

how about the drive to and from the upholsterer with the seat not installed?

John

'Tis a good thing I wasn't seen driving my Hillman Hunter to the spray painter when it had no seats and no windows. I sat on a milk crate but I was wearing my seat belt.

**Mick_Marsh** · 22nd March 2016, 09:14 PM

Originally Posted by p38arover

'Tis a good thing I wasn't seen driving my Hillman Hunter to the spray painter when it had no seats and no windows. I sat on a milk crate but I was wearing my seat belt.

What year was the Hillman? If it was pre '72, it probably didn't need seat belts.

**p38arover** · 22nd March 2016, 09:36 PM

Originally Posted by Mick_Marsh

What year was the Hillman? If it was pre '72, it probably didn't need seat belts.

1971 - but it had seat belts so they had to be worn.

**kogvos** · 23rd March 2016, 06:22 AM

Originally Posted by Disco-tastic

I dont understand what the problem is removing seats? The issues with adding seats is logical, but what issues are their with removing? How is it more dangerous for anyone?

Cheers

Dan

It's killing the kittens. Won't anyone think of the kittens?

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