Removing seats and MOT.

[Flying Torquewrench]

Hopefully the greater knowledge on this forum can help me.

As most people know I have a Y61 SWB Patrol that officially has 5 seats. For as long as I have the car the backseats have always been folded up. The only time they are folded down is when the car goes for its MOT.

I have been toying with the idea to remove the backseats all together. This gives me more space and also makes the front seats a bit more comfortable. (With the backseats folded up they push against the front seats)

Does anybody know if it would still pass the MOT with the seats removed? As the car is certified for 5 seats and the inspector can not check the safety and security of the backseats and seatbelts.

As I can’t store them anywhere I don’t want to remove them and put them back in for the MOT. Once they are out they are staying out and I’ll get rid of the seats.

[solarman216]

As far as I am aware, if the seats are not there and the belts removed it becomes a load space, I have a LWB and removed the third row and belts, never had it even mentioned come MOT time, it is the same as ARB if they are not there they cannot fail, Rick

[Bat21]

It will pass the MOT fine.
The tester may add a note in the advisory section saying something like "Rear seats removed at time of test".

[kitchenman]

My rear seats have been out for well over 5 years, never a problem,
Just tell your insurers,

[Flying Torquewrench]

Thank you all. Just wanted to make sure before ripping them out.

[panelbeater]

i took out all rear seats in my terry so i could get my buggy in with the crain i had fitted,no probs with getting mot,belts still fitted and no comments on mot.

[solarman216]

The only danger as I see it of leaving the belts in with no seats is that if the wheel arch belt mounts are rusty, (norm) then it is likely to fail but if belts are not there it cannot be failed, Rick

[panelbeater]

thanks rick.