Removing seats and MOT.

Flying Torquewrench · 13-12-2021, 19:36

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 · 13-12-2021, 19:42

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 · 14-12-2021, 08:32

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 · 14-12-2021, 15:46

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

Flying Torquewrench · 14-12-2021, 22:14

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

panelbeater · 15-12-2021, 13:28

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.

13-12-2021, 19:36	#1
Flying Torquewrench Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Worcestershire Vehicle: Nissan Patrol Y61 2.8TD Posts: 1,152	Removing seats and MOT. 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.

13-12-2021, 19:42	#2
solarman216 Off road maniac Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Bexhill on Sea Vehicle: Y60 Patrol Me, 3 ltr Mrs Posts: 17,431	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 __________________ Ex banger racer now off road maniac Lokka on the front with manual hubs Diff lock on rear 3 inch SS straight through exhaust Manly winch bumper with 13000 lb winch 10 spike ground anchor, with multiple straps and blocks Super strong body cills capped with scaffold pole 20% stronger springs all round aggressive off road tyres on wheels so just swap. Aim to get stuck and be completely self sufficient in extraction, love getting muddy, 2ft deep is good but rare.

14-12-2021, 15:46	#4
kitchenman Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: Essex Wescliff Vehicle: maverick 1994 2.7 TD Posts: 1,278	My rear seats have been out for well over 5 years, never a problem, Just tell your insurers, Last edited by kitchenman; 14-12-2021 at 15:46. Reason: spelling

14-12-2021, 08:32	#3
Bat21 Administrator Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Shropshire Vehicle: Tonka Toy Posts: 1,044	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".

14-12-2021, 22:14	#5
Flying Torquewrench Senior Member Join Date: May 2011 Location: Worcestershire Vehicle: Nissan Patrol Y61 2.8TD Posts: 1,152	Thank you all. Just wanted to make sure before ripping them out.

15-12-2021, 13:28	#6
panelbeater Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2012 Location: clacton on sea essex Vehicle: nissan terrano 2 2.7 tdi Posts: 1,638	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.