Can i permanently remove a front passenger seat?

Legally, there aren't any problems removing seats from vehicle providing that any associated restraints are also removed. The problem you would have, as has been raised, is unsecured cargo. You could very easily land yourself in hot water if you were stopped and there were "unsecured" tools in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.

My suggestion would be that if you did want to do this then you really need to have a bulkhead section put between you and any tools/cargo that you would have in the vehicle - you can actually be prosecuted for items which are loose on the back seat of a vehicle, although that is very unlikely. I would imagine that a police officer may turn a blind eye to a tin of beans on your back seat but an item such as a cornish shovel or long reach hedge trimmer bouncing around where your passenger seat should be might draw his/her attention?

Plus - god forbid something should happen you wouldn't really want any of your tools bouncing of your bonce would you? ;o)

Replies

Matt Brown January 23, 2011 at 5:22pm

originally vans were only single seaters. removing a seat should not be a problem but i would ask the mot tester that tests the vehicle anually. adding a seat is much more complicated as you have to make sure its sufficiently anchored and that the seat belt is the correct type and has the correct mountings etc. if you were worried abiut flying tools you could make (or have made) a cage like they have in taxi's to protect the driver.
PRO

Stuart @ Eco Garden Maintenance January 23, 2011 at 5:34pm

Cheers for your comments guys.

Thats an excellent link - cheers Rowly.

I really dont want to part with this vehicle as i love it to bits, has been ultra reliable, pulls plenty of weight and could pull a cow out of a swamp. A van would be nice when the fourtrak dies but i really need 4WD for some of the places i end up in!

I need to secure my tools a bit better i think.

stu
Steve Sonic Grounds Maintenance January 23, 2011 at 6:32pm

I have a double cab tipper and the mot centre told me i can remove the back seats no problem. JUST AS LONG as i remove the seat belts as well. If there is no seat belt and seat then there is no problem in my view.
Matt - Allscape SW January 23, 2011 at 7:34pm

Legally, there aren't any problems removing seats from vehicle providing that any associated restraints are also removed. The problem you would have, as has been raised, is unsecured cargo. You could very easily land yourself in hot water if you were stopped and there were "unsecured" tools in the passenger compartment of your vehicle.

My suggestion would be that if you did want to do this then you really need to have a bulkhead section put between you and any tools/cargo that you would have in the vehicle - you can actually be prosecuted for items which are loose on the back seat of a vehicle, although that is very unlikely. I would imagine that a police officer may turn a blind eye to a tin of beans on your back seat but an item such as a cornish shovel or long reach hedge trimmer bouncing around where your passenger seat should be might draw his/her attention?

Plus - god forbid something should happen you wouldn't really want any of your tools bouncing of your bonce would you? ;o)
Mark Brierley January 23, 2011 at 8:44pm

I had a navara a while ago and wanted to take the seats out. When I did remove them I also had to remove the seat belts . I contacted the insurance company and saved £164 for removing the seats ...
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Steve Wilkinson said:
I have a double cab tipper and the mot centre told me i can remove the back seats no problem. JUST AS LONG as i remove the seat belts as well. If there is no seat belt and seat then there is no problem in my view.