I have been considering getting my cars interior re-trimmed in leather and at the same time thought, why not get rid of the useless lap belt in the middle rear seat? Having asked two people who should know, I have a yes you can and a no you can't.
What is the legal requirement? The car is a Toyota Celica GT-Four so the middle rear seat is totally unusable by anyone over 3'6" in any case.
TIA.
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I think you would have to register the modification with the DVLA to have the V5 ammended, then come MOT time they will only have to check the amount of belts relevant for the capacity of the vehicle. As with most things dvla related there may even be a fee for the ammendment.
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The V5 is blank next to the number of seats, so would cover the new number. I would be reluctant to add more unnecessary information.
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I think you'll be alright to remove the 5th belt then (would'nt throw it away just yet mind) with regards to MOT I'm lead to beleive if it's there it has to be in reasonable condition and work properly but if it's not then fine (like reverse lights on westfeilds etc.)
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The Audi A2 is registered from new as a four seater and has no third seat belt even though you could get 3 people in the back.
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I think the A2 had the option of a rear bench seat and 3rd seat belt as a factorey option if you wanted it as a 5 seater
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morning ! The current Fiat Panda is supplied as a 4 seater and is belted as such. To have it supplied as a 5 seater is an option. This is not answering your question I know! merely adding to the debate.
papho
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As far as I can see it will depend what the makers stipulate in relation to rear seating i.e. 2 or 3. If 2 then no problem it would seem but if 3 its a no no as there will have to be an anchorage point for every forward facing seat constructed or adapted to accomodate one adult.
Not an entirely clear picture emerges from MV(Con and Use) Regs
1986 and would suggest that before action is taken contact be made with the ultimate authority VOSA (site on Web).
dvd
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www.vosa.gov.uk/
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Roger
I read frequently, but only post when I have something useful to say.
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After a search on the VOSA website, the only reference of relevance I could find was in regards to MOT testing, quote "if its there test it" it follows that if its not there, they will not test it! Amazing, so they're not physic!?!
This seems to confirm what I was told by my garage.
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Cannot you just tuck it under the lift-up seat?
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Yes that is an option, but the belt goes through slots in the seat which may not be there after the re-trim. It would be "cleaner" to remove them.
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Update: I had the seats re-trimmed and rear lap belt removed, the car has just been through the MOT with no problems with regard to the seat belt removal.
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if now that your seat in the back after the trim is still like two main seats and an occassional one in the middle? then it should have failed the mot
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