Removing second row seats makes the car unroadworthy ?

[Ian H]

I've been thinking about removing the second row of seats for a big trip (the thirfpd row are already out) but was advised that it could become unroadworthy and liable for a refusal of claim on insurance should the need arise. True or not ?

[Nab]

Each state is different but TEMPORARY removal is deemed OK. If you live somewhere where you need a roadworthy for rego/sale you may get knocked back.

You won't get refused an insurance claim due to seats being removed UNLESS they cause part/all of the accident which is remarkably unlikely.

My middle and rear seats in my old Patrol were removed, I had the cargo barrier behind the front seats. I was involved in a head on crash that wrote it off, insurance paid out within 2 weeks. It also had 3" of lift, bigger than legal tyres etc etc. As a side note, the cargo barrier saved my life (as did the airbag), my toolbox and fridge flew through the cabin and dented the cargo barrier, one of the dents was right behind my seat...

[Allanmac56]

seat removal

I have a shorty and recently decided to remove the second row seats so i could put more camping gear in. Cost me about $40 from memory to get it 're engineered' and a compliance plate on it. The engineer told me to hang on to the belts and bolts and if i decide to put them back in for resale no problem he will just re inspect it and as long as it is all original equipment then all good. I am in queensland but can't really can't see why any others would be any different I must admit to being amused at the registration office tho when they told me that with only 2 seats i had to register it as a van.

[Dicko1]

I took the rear seats out of a troopy here in Qld and had to get a mod plate! Bullshit..but thats gubbinment for you..

[pharb]

http://https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/vehicle-modifications-and-defects/vehicle-modifications/removing-adding-and-replacing-seats

No issue in Vic.

What could be deemed unsafe, unless you were still trying to carry people where the seats weren't?

Would need seats to be fitted if a Roadworthy Certificate was required as the certifier has to certify that ALL the seats, belts etc are safe. Unless you got a mod plate and reregistered it as a 2 seater.

Peter

[starjunk]

http://https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/vehicle-modifications-and-defects/vehicle-modifications/removing-adding-and-replacing-seats

No issue in Vic.

What could be deemed unsafe, unless you were still trying to carry people where the seats weren't?

Would need seats to be fitted if a Roadworthy Certificate was required as the certifier has to certify that ALL the seats, belts etc are safe. Unless you got a mod plate and reregistered it as a 2 seater.

Peter

NSW don't do mod plates, and in NSW temporary removal is ok. In most states temporary removal is ok, but the definition of "temporary" varies.
For permanent removal, definitely get it engineer certified... Won't cost much for the peace of mind.

[Merts]

NSW don't do mod plates, and in NSW temporary removal is ok. In most states temporary removal is ok, but the definition of "temporary" varies.
For permanent removal, definitely get it engineer certified... Won't cost much for the peace of mind.

The OP is in Melbourne, and as shown in the link above, seats can be removed in Victoria without any approval process required. Why would he pay for an engineers certificate when it's not required?

[starjunk]

The OP is in Melbourne, and as shown in the link above, seats can be removed in Victoria without any approval process required. Why would he pay for an engineers certificate when it's not required?

Fair comment. Others were commenting regarding other states, so was just sharing my 2 cents. I'll take it back now and put it in the piggy bank for next time ...

[pharb]

NSW don't do mod plates, and in NSW temporary removal is ok. In most states temporary removal is ok, but the definition of "temporary" varies.
For permanent removal, definitely get it engineer certified... Won't cost much for the peace of mind.

And I think you will struggle to find a definition of "temporary".

For example, anything that can be unbolted can most likely be refitted, regardless of whether it was removed for 10 days or 10 years.

Peter

[Ian H]

http://https://www.vicroads.vic.gov.au/registration/vehicle-modifications-and-defects/vehicle-modifications/removing-adding-and-replacing-seats

No issue in Vic.

What could be deemed unsafe, unless you were still trying to carry people where the seats weren't?

Would need seats to be fitted if a Roadworthy Certificate was required as the certifier has to certify that ALL the seats, belts etc are safe. Unless you got a mod plate and reregistered it as a 2 seater.

Peter

Interesting link and discussion. Thanks to all for the input.