Not being legal to ADD seats makes sense. Not being able to remove them doesn't.
I once tried to register a car with a roll bar in it, which impeded the rear passengers. I was told that I could remove the roll bar, OR remove the rear seat. Either was acceptable to the inspector.
Next thing we'll be told by some do-gooders that we can't remove carpet, or something. For god's sake use common sense - how does removing seats increase any risk?

