Fitting seats and seatbelts to a van requires design to meet the loading requirements in a frontal collision.
Van seatbelts - view from side
The LVV Standards for seats and for seatbelt anchorages set out the different ways of meeting these requirements.
In the Hiace shown, some second-hand seats were to be fitted, these had the seatbelt anchorages in the seat frames, making them “Stressed Seats”. This is much neater than having all the seatbelts going to the floor, however it means that the seat has to be strong enough to take the seatbelt loads.
Van seatbelts - view from rear
A quick stress calculation showed that the back beams were not strong enough, and had to be strengthened by adding a 50 x 25 box beam to the original 50 x 50 box beam to make a 50 x 75 box beam.
The mounting system is the “Over-floor mounting bar” system, as in the LVV Standard.
Also visible are headrest mounts on the rear seat back, because of the closeness of the rear window.
Installation by owners Eastern Rentals 66 TeRakau Drive 09 577 0128
Design calculations and LVV Certifification by John Brett Technology Ltd. 0800 LOW VOLUME (0800 569865)
The LVV Standards are here- Seats and seat anchorages [692kB PDF] and here Seatbelts [1024kB PDF]
REAR FACING SEATS
Rear facing seats have to restrain occupants from frontal impact. This means that the seat backs have to be far stronger than normal, or a supporting structure provided.
This is a matter which is often overlooked by some commercial modifiers.
The requirements from ADR VSb 5B are:
Appendix B
Rear-Facing Seat Strength
Rear-facing seats and their anchorages must comply with the requirements of the latest edition of ADR 3/…
In addition, a rear-facing seat should withstand, without imposing any load on any other seat in the vehicle, a load equivalent to twenty times the weight of the seat and its occupants applied in the forward direction relative to the vehicle. Seats intended to accommodate more than one occupant should withstand the loads applied by all occupants simultaneously. This requirement should be demonstrated with the occupant load uniformly distributed over the backrest and head restraint of the seat.
The occupant mass to be used to determine the test loads for each category of seat must be:
Category 1 – 68 kgs
Category 2 – 38 kgs
Category 3 – 26 kgs.
Reasearch link:-
[DOC]
COMMERCIAL MANUFACTURE AND INSTALLATION OF ADDITIONAL SEATS
– 8:15am
File Format: Microsoft Word – View as HTML
Rear-Facing Seat Strength. Rear-facing seats and their anchorages must comply with the requirements of the latest edition of ADR 3/. …
www.infrastructure.gov.au/roads/vehicle…/bulletin/…/vsb_05_b.doc
I think I will try to recommend this post to my friends and family, cuz it’s really helpful.
im wondering about folding seats in vans though, how do they avoid the need for cert? not all seem to have seat belts too
Peace
Sam
Hi Sam
Vans do not need seatbelts for a rear seat, if they were built before March 2002.
Also, if there are MORE than 9 seats, and the vehicle is pre March 2002, the rear seats do’t need seatbelts!
Lots of owners decide to fit seatbelts to these vans, and this is done under LVV Certification.
If the van has a factory fitted seat (such as the folding ones you have seen) there is no modification to Certify.
If the Van has had a seat fitted later, it does need a LVV Cert. for the seat, and this is a good time to add seatbelts, and include them on the Cert.
Hope this helps
John
Hi There,
I purchased two extra seats for my 80 series landcruiser thinking they would bolt straight into the back of my wagon. I have since been told that I need to track down a wrecked 7 seater, have the floor cut out and mounted into my vehicle before I can have them installed. Is there anything else that can be done?
Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,
William.
Hi William. Is this really a Series 1 Landrover??
In reply- there is no set way that seat installion has to be done- if you can come up with a practical way to mount the seat, it should be OK. It WILL need to be LVV Certified, so talk to your LVV Certifier first.
Do you plan to put seatbelts in?
Hi John,
Thank you for this. Sorry I should have been more clear. My vehicle is a 1991 Toyota Landcruiser 80 Series. The extra seats were to be added to the very rear of the vehicle to make it a 7 seater. If I am hearing you right then as long as it can get LVV Certified it should be ok.
What has me confused is that this information was given to me from a panelbeater who spoke with the LVV Certifier.
I better give the LVV Certifier a call.
Finding someone to part with a floor from a landcruiser might prove difficult.
I have the seat belts and mounts for the seats. there is just nothing to connect it to the vehicle.
Ah, a Landcruiser 80 series! I have done many of these, and similar vehicles. There should be no problem adapting these to the existing floor.
The inner seatbelt mounts are on the seats, the seats lock down to a bar on the floor, which takes all the seatbelt loads. All this can be duplicated quite easily.
is the same requirements for toyota van for cof as above,, eg 10 seats no belts?
Hi Marty
see above:
“Vans do not need seatbelts for a rear seat, if they were built before March 2002.
Also, if there are MORE than 9 seats, and the vehicle is pre March 2002, the rear seats do’t need seatbelts!”
So the answer depends on what year your Hiace is.
COF makes no difference to whether seatbelts are needed or not.
Hi,I have ford transit mobility van with total 10 seats, I want to convert it to a 12 seater (with COF)and ready to loose mobility lift,
Can you please inform whatt to do and how or who can do that
regards
Vin
Hi Vin
You would need to get in touch with a LVV Certifer. The actual job of adding seats could be as easy as getting some Transit seats, and bolting tem to existing mounts in the floor, or there may be more work to be done. If you are in Auckland, call us on 0800 LOW VOLUME (0800 569865)
Regards
John
Hi, I have a 1969 Dormobile Kombi and I would like to install a single folding seat backing onto the passenger seat inside the sliding door does the seat and belts need certifing. What kind of seat belts can i use and who sells them? Queenstown area cerfifier?
Thanks Jas.
Hi Jas-
All seats and seatbelts need LVV Certification.
Does your Kombi have the steel partition behind the front seats? A rear facing seat needs strength in a frontal collision.
Certifers in Queenstown- In Dunedin is Roy McDonald on 03 4885657 and Graham Fitzpatrick on 03 4545088
Regards
John
Hi, I have a 1987 Toyota Hiace campervan, the seating in the back consists of 2 long storage compartments bolted down and running down the sides of the van with covered couch foam/matress on top. Do you know if passengers are permitted to ride in the back or will i have to put some seats in?
Thanks
Diana
Hi Diana
Under the current laws, Camper Vans on vehicles manufacutured before 1/10 2003 do NOT need seats and seatbelt anchorages in the back. Passengers only need wear seatbelts IF they are fitted.
So you can carry passengers in the back without seatbelts. You CAN fit lap seatbelts on those side seats, maximum 1 per side, far enough back so that an occupant’s head would NOT hit anything soldid in a frontal accident.
The new seatbelts would need to be LVV Certified. If you are in Auckland, I reccomend that you ring Seatbelt Specialists on 09 4440099 Regards John
We have just purchased a 1998 Toyota Hiace van that has a 3 fold-down seats immediately behind the drivers seat which doesn’t have seatbelts but the Trust that I work for, wishes to install. I have been led to believe that it is not a legal requirement. (Is that correct?) If so do I still need the certification for this work to be done? It makes it prohibitive to getting it done as it more than doubles the cost, making it $930-$1100..
Hi Alana- What you say is correct, seatbelts are NOT a legal requirement for the rear seat in this vehicle. If you have Seatbelts fitted, they MUST be Certified. The costs you mention sounds about right, if you are In Auckland try Seatbelt Specialists on 09 4440099.
I would think that the price is a bargain, compared with the cost, pain, and possible death of not having the seatbelts
Regards
John
Hi guys.
We are in the process of tidying up our dear old 65 Series IIa.
Currently we have the normal ugly statics mounted in the usual position… but on sunny days, when the sun is shining and the birds are in the tress… sorry, I digress – we like run it without the roof.
Now, this creates a problem… no roof = no top mounts (then I just swap them out for the original lap-belts on those days).
Any suggestions on a more permanant and suitbale solution that isn’t dependant on the roof being on?
We’re toying with the idea of 3-point harnesses as this would give us the freedom to go.. sans lid.
Cheers all
Richie
Is this a Landrover Series 11A?
If so- what body? SWB, LWB, Hardtop? Station Wagon?
One popular way is to add a roll-bar with upper seatbelt anchorages mounted off that. This is good if it is only a two-seater, but creates an Interior Impact problem if there are rear seats.
Another method is to add upper mouting points to the body side, below where the top removes.
Both require some engineering input before you start- I recommend you ring John Brett Technology (Low Volume Vehicle Certification) on 0800 LOWVOLUME.
Hi again.
Yep she an LR, SWB/88inch.
We’re fortunate enough to have a hard-top, cab and as of the end of teh month a canvas hood for it. Hence our dilema… need a system wherby we can use each/all if desired.
Full hard top is easy, cab is easy, soft-top becomes an issue
No seats in the back. The original hard top and cab have the required mounting plates etc for belts (which are readily and cheaply available ex-UK if anyone needs them) but we’ll probably lean towards keeping it original by using the canvas hood
Questions also around the limited space beteewn the door and the seat box for mouting the reel…
Thanks for the comments and advice – am on the Shore so will drop in or give them a yell.
Cheers
Richie
Incredibly awesome read. Honestly!
Hi there
I am looking at buying a LWB Toyota Hiace pre 2000. I was wondering if it is possible to put 2 small couches (Secured with bolts) down each side and a fold out sofa bed down the end facing to the front. Ive worked out all the measurements and with the couches I have and the sofa bed, it fits comfortably and perfect. Is this legal and if so do I need to put seatbelts in the back???
Hi
You would be building what amounts to a small motor-home or caravan. As the vehicle has three seats, and no more than 3 berths, you would not need extra seats and seatbelts.
As the vehicle is pre- October 3003, you would not be required to put the extra seats or seatbelts anyway. You could carry passengers in the back legally too.
The requirements for seats and seatbelts under LVV are stringent, your wooden couches and sofa beds are not going to be suitable as seats.
Regards
John
Good post and this post helped me alot in my college assignement. Thank you for your information.
Hi, we have recently recieved lotteries funding to purchase a disability vehicle for my husband. Could you please advise what the rules are with regard to the hoist and belts for the wheelchair if any. We get one story from the independent assessor and a different one from the dealers. We’re getting a headache trying to figure out what we need to know in terms of certification. We require a rear loading hi top van for a single wheelchair (powered) plus 4 passenger seats for the family.
There are a lot of Low Volume issues here- Seats, Seatbelts, Wheelchair and occupant restraints all need to be Certified, also the hoist. This applies whether the vehilce is built in New Zealand or imported. Who will be doing the conversion?
Have a look at the VANZ site for approved converters- http://www.vanz.co.nz/ Regards John
hiya,i have a 1980 sb3 bedford ex school bus which i am converting into a house bus and are trying to figure out the requirements for my drivers and pasenger seat,tell me i have purchased 2 3 point harness safety belted seats from a new plymouth camperbus shop and the seats have been certified in aussy,are the o.k 4 me 2 use? also i want 2 put on swivel bases,can i use the bases from a lapbelted toyota estima seat? thanks for any input .Debra
Best plan is to talk to a Certifier in your area. Get him to look at what you are planning before you start.
Regards John
Hey there, first off thanks heaps for the great information, I’ve been searching for ages for this info. I have a 1988 Toyota Liteace, I’ve put a foldable bench seat in the back currently fitted to the factory holes, If I were to turn this to face backward but still fit the same holes, would this need certed/tested? And one more, To add another of the same style bench seats at the back by drilling my own holes, would that also need cert’d? Thanks heaps
Your new seat needs to be LVV Certified enen though it is on factory holes. It cannot be certified as rear-facing unless you can make it strong enough to prevent passengers going forward in a collision- that usually means a cross-beam beam of about 65mm square section or similar. Best plan is to talk to a LVV Certifire before you start the job.
Hi there, probably a silly question but is it posible to stick a little seat in between the driver and passenger seats in a Toyota Estima 2002 model making it a 9 seater?…many thanks
Yes- that’s possible. You will need a lap seatbelt as well, and new anchorage points on the floor. John
Toyota Hiace Van 2005 old model.
False wooden floor
I have ford transit minibus double seats with seatbelts included….chose them because of the stronger and safer design.
However to fit them into the Hiace van, I realise I will need to have plates under the floor.
Metal thickness and size ?
Long running plates running along inside the van floor …ontop of the wooden floor ?
Plates for ontop of the floor thickness and width ?
High tensile bolt sizes ?
Packing for the gaps between the wood on the floor and ribs ? Can this be wood or has to be steel packers ?
Bolted strategically before and after each seat ?
I have three pairs of seats to fit but will only have one set left in the van for family purposes.(pick up the kids sometimes after school)
The rest for convenience ie family trips. As I will be using it as a work van.
So I want a system that I can easily remove the seats and not be obstructive on the floor.
Any links to further information appreciated
Hi- The Ford Transit seats are excellent- for installation, you need to be working with the LVV Certifier right from the start.
It might be easier to fit the usual folding type seat, and mount seatbelts to the floor, and to the pillars- Hiace Vans are easy to do this way. Again, get your LVV Certifier involved before you start
Hi John – we are buying a 1993 Toyota Hiace – it has a bolted rear seat and
3 lap belts – just checking it would be possible to have these changed over to full seat belts for at least 2 of the seats? Thanks so much.
Sorry I am no longer a LVV Certifier.
I believe that this vehicle is not required to have seatbelts on the rear seat.
To change the seatbelts to lap and diagonal, this needs to be done by a seatbelt installer, who should have a LVV Certifier on call.
Depending on where you are, I can recommend Seat Belt Services in Glenfield 09 4440099
Just an addition with having to use and over the floor mounting bar. The transit seats wont sit neatly on the seats base mounting plates.
Any suggestions for a solution ?
above Floor mounting bar not required ?
Thankyou for your swift reply
Who is a LVV certifier in Wellington ?
Hi there,
Im not sure if you have answered this already but I have a 1992 toyota hiace van which has the rear fold down seat behind the driver. Is it possible to keep this seat and add seatbelts? Or would I require new seats? Also what price would I be looking at to get any of these done.
Thanks
Hi Micheal
You can keep the original seat, and add seatbelts to it. I have LVV Certified many Hiaces like that. Any seatbelt installation requires LVV Certification. You are best to start with either a Seatbelt Installer, or a LVV Certifier if you want to install the seatbelt anchorages yourself.
If you are in Auckland, I could LVV Certify it, and try Seatbelt Specialists for the installation, on 09 4440099
Hi there we have just brought a 1997 toyota hi ace van with a fold up back bench seat. I insisted on this for the odd time my partner might need to pick up our 2 toddlers from day care. He thought he would be able to put seat belts in but we are discovering it is going to be about $1600. Is there anything else we can do as the kids carseats need to be fixed in with both a seat belt and anchor strap (preferably not a lap belt).
My only suggestions are to-
1 Shop around for seatbelt installation prices (but do not consider any ‘helpfull amateurs’ offering to fit belts without Certification- Dangerous and illegal). I would have thought that $100 to $1200 was about par.
2 Look at fitting car seats in the front, using child restraints if needed.
Thanks – yes the front is an option but can only fit one car seat as the middle seat is too narrow and only has a lap belt. Thanks for your help. Might be back to the drawing board.
hi there
I have a 1994 toyota liteace dx diesel work van.
It has a fold up seat in the back which i now only use to transport the dog with.
The van has cargo bars behind the drivers seat etc, and is generally only used for work purposes.
Will I need to remove the seat for the van to pass its next warrent? as there are no seatbelts in the back.
Would appreciate your answer on this
Cheers,
Andrew Morris
Hi Andrew- Seatbelts are NOT required in the back of this vehicle. There has been no change in the law. Lucky dog, getting a seat! Mine has to sit on top of my tool-box! Regards John
Am interested in buying a 1999 Mitsubishi Delica van. It has one folding seat and no seatbelts. I am told by the seller I will need to get seatbelts and to get the certification.
I intend to use the van for work and carting stuff not for transporting passengers. Am I right thinking that the van doesnt need to be certified or to have seatbelts based on what you have replied to others.
Hi John,
I’ve got a question with regard to fitting childseats in the back of a campervan (Hiace 1995). It has two extra rear seats, both equipped with lapbelts. I had a look on the registration and it’s actually registered as 2 seater.
Is it possible AND legal to put in the childseat, using the lapbelt? (It’s a rear-facing child seat , which needs two additional anchor points, but they can be mounted (I talked to one of the seatbelt specialists)?
Thanks much,
Uli
I cannot comment about the legality of the rear seatbelts. What are the two additional anchor points? Child restraint anchors can be installed without any Certification, but seatbelt anchorages need to be Certified.
Hi John,
Some additional info: The seatbelts were built in by the camper van converter in Japan, back in 1995 (not Toyota). As far as I know the seat has a wooden frame, so probably wouldn’t go through current certification. When it was imported in Aug 2004 only the 2 front seats have been registered. The child restraint anchors would use exisiting ‘bolts’.
Thanks,
Uli
hi, just done up a 1990 Isuzu WRF. and put 3 seats in the back, able to seat 8 people, do i need to fit seat belts aswell? as i was told by a cop that i did….
Hi- the Policeman is right- you need complying seatbelts on all seats, plus the seats and seatbelts need to be LVV Certified. You should get a LVV Certifier in now, before you start putting in seatbelts, and you may have to re-do the seat installation to bring it up to the LVV Standard
hi
we got a van (pre 2000) with NO mounted seats in the back, NO seat belts, can people travel in the back legally? ive been looking all over the internet, you seem to know what your talking about.
cheers
hi i have a toyota hiace 2000.has no seats in it. would like to put 2 bench seats in it.would i have to get certification?..
You certainly do
Regards
John
Hi,
I have a ’93 Mitsubishi L300 minibus. The rear seats have been removed, and were in storage, then someone threw them away. I have not been able to get the correct seats, but have found a similar size bench, possibly of Nissan origin.
The mounts are different spacings, so would I be able to fit it with new holes, still using the original seatbelts and mounts, or would this require certification?
Thanks,
Aaron.
Of course it will need LVV Certification- it is a new Certification.
The seats and seatbelts all need to meet the required safety standards, and the LVV process ensures that they do.
Hello there, Do you know of anyone that can fit rear seats to a 2008 Hyundai H1 Van?
Thanks,
Shane
What area are you in? There are businesses such as Jacksons and Van Extras who do this work, and there are small businesses who might give it a go. You will need seatbelts- I would try a seatbelting place.
Hi John,
I’ve just bought a 2000 toyota Hiace registered as a three seater, but have the toyota folding up bench seat on the factory mounts. After reading article 4.2a of the pdf above (185-00(01)), do I need a LVV cert for this? I presume I’ll need one to fit seatbelts, but do I also need to correct the registration to a 6 seater?
Cheers
Andrew
Hi Andrew- Take it to a TSD agent such as VTNZ, VINZ, or AA, and do a “Change of details” form. They will get their inspector to look and decide mif it needs LVV for the seat. If it does, we can do it. If you want to add seatbelts, (and why wouldn’t you) it would cost NO EXTRA for the LVV Certification. If you are in Auckland I recommend Seatbelt Specialists in Glenfield, on 09 4440099. They will do the belts, and arrange the LVV Certification, on the one bill.
Hope this helps John
Hi there, I’ve just purchased an older coach 1982 to convert into a mobile home for my rapidly expanding family. The company I purchased the bus from pulled out all the seats and changed its usage to a heavy van (she’s 11.9 tons empty). They didn’t fit a seat belt for the drivers seat but it seemed to have gone through a c.o.f. fine without a belt.
I’m toying with putting some original coach seats back for passengers to provide at least 4 extra seats but maybe even 8 (so 9 seats including driver) and then fitting the rest of the bus out as a motor home. I am wondering if I need seat belts at all if I leave it as a heavy van.
If I change its use to motorhome, I believe I have to provide 1 x lap belt for every berth, but does this still apply in a heavy vehicle ?? or am I better to leave it as a heavy van, or is there no real advantage either way.
If I need to fit belts, am I better to buy some seats that have the belts incorporated and mount these into the bus. I guess this way I only need to worry about the seat anchorage complying.
I’m a fair engineer, so is there somewhere I can get some basic info on how to make these mounts compliant ??
Lastly what sort of cost am I likely to run into for a compliance certificate and will I need one ??
Thanks
Richard
(Wellington)
Hi John
I am doing up a VW 211 Van (Kombi) 1979 Brazilian.
The van originally had no windows in the rear compartment and a previous owner had installed windows a back seat with belts and turned it into a camper.
I want to fit two new seats that I have made (I have a fitting and welding advanced trade and NZCE Mechanical) the seats are all steel and also have a ply base that the foam sits on. One is a three seater 1300mm wide forward facing, it folds flat and the flat seat and the engine compartment floor makes a nice bed (this seat is sometimes referred to as a rock and roll seat).
Question One
When you replied to Jamie’s question 30 June 2010 it sounded as if a van that is decked out as a camper does not require certification on the seats and that it can legally be use to take passengers. Did I interpret that correctly?
I do want the seat to be compliant. But because I need the bed to be continuous when folded flat I need to have it almost hard up against the wall that forms the engine compartment. In this position the rear wheel arches get in the way of the rear mounts.
Question Two
The front of the seat will be conventionally mounted. Can the rear mounts be attached to the angled engine compartment wall? If you think this maybe too weak and bend can I use a transverse beam and attach the seat to that?
Question Three
Can I mount lap belts to that engine compartment wall or a transverse beam? I think this will be good as the belts will be working in a straight line of pull.
I also want to fit a rear facing two seater 1000mm wide it will be mounted directly behind the driver and the middle front seat. The van has a full width dividing wall between the front and rear compartments. Like the old split window Kombis. From what you have written previously you sound familiar with this style wall.
Question Four
Do I need to strengthen this wall to take the extra loading of the rear facing seat?
thanks
Doug
Hi there John,
we are looking at purchasing a hiace van for our big family but all have no seats in them. Approx how much all up are we looking at, in putting seats and seatbelts in one? and getting it all certified? Just so I know if we can afford to go down this road?
Cheers
Who does seat fitting in Wellington? I’ve got a factory rear hiace seat for my van, but my van never came with seats in the rear so it has no mounting points
Sorry, I’m in Auckland, and can’t help you
Hello. I wish to have a single seat installed in the rear of a Hyundai Iload. Do you have a contact in Auckland. I am in Whenuapai. Thanks Brian
Hi- I am no longer taking on LVV Certification of seats and seatbelts, because of the problems in the LVV System. Sorry I can’t help you. Regards
John
Hi, we have a ten seater van, is it legal to put children in the back seats in their carseats. Do the seat belts have to be properly fitted to the floor.
Some 10 seater vans Made before 2002) are not required to have seatbelts in the rear. So people in the rear can’t be made to wear non-existant seatbelts. If there are seatbelts, they have to be worn. Any seatbelt installation will have to be properly certified, either by the vehicle manufacturer, or under a LVV Plate- this ensures they are properly installed. If carseats are used they are retained by seatbelts, and if an additional restraint is required, an accessory strap and anchorage can be installed as per the car-seat manufacturers instructions.
So- if there are no seatbelts in the rear, you can legally leave your children to roll around, and be injured or kiled in an accident (if you want). Hope this helps
Hi, I cannot find a van that I like with the seats that I like and are wanting to source someone who can help me. I wish to buy a van and have the seats fitted afterwards. All seats need to have lap diagonal seat belts. Can you help me?
This has all become to hard now. I suggest that you phone the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association for the name of any installer who can still do this, and LVV Certifier still willing to Certify this.
hi there how much would it cost to instal just one rear bench seat that would fit 3 people with seat belts? i have a 2004 toyota hiace 3 seater currently which was previously used as a courier van but now want to convert it to a family van. just wondering how much it would all cost for getting a seat and belts and would i need a cert?
Hi- we cannot quote for this work, sorry. LVV Certifiers are not allowed to carry out work which they then approve.
Hi John, this is an odd one for you, do LVV certs apply to heavy vehicles or is this under another set of legislation? As i would like to add a third seat to a sleeper cab (and changing the seating capacity from 2 to 3) and am wondering if a LVV would be the person to speak to re structural support and seat belting?
Heavy vehicles come under different rules. You need a HV Certifier. I can recommend Brian Reed on 021 557 547. Give Brian my regards. Hope this helps, John
Hi there, I have a 2006 hiace which has a factory rear seat in the back but no seatbelts. I am pretty sure it already has anchorages as there are 2 things that the fold up seat locks into in the floor and the other side of these is free. Will these anchorages be sufficient and if so will I still need certification if I don’t have to modify the van just fit seat belts? Any help would be much appreciated thanks.
Scott
This vehicle is required by law to have lap and diagonal belts for the rear seat. It would have had them fitted when sold new, or at compliance if imported used. I recommend taking it to a Seatbelt installer who will be familiar with the model (there are lots of variations even in Hiaces!). They should be able to fit belts to the factory mountings.
If there are no factory mountings, then the seat has been retro-fitted, and the seat and the new seat-belt installation including new anchorages will need LVV Certification.
Hope this helps John
Hey. I’m about to purchase an 87 bongo. it has 2 rows of seats in the back. both rows hav seat belts. i want to remove the back row. how do i do this leagly as i don’t intend on putting them back in? do i have to remove n weld over seat belts ??!?? Wasn’t sure as q n a above not quite the same.
Hi Terrence- actually you don’t need to do anything! Just unbolt the seats and seat-belts. You can do a ‘Change of details’ form to reduce the number of seats, but you don’t havce to.
Talk to VTNZ, AA, VINZ. Hope this helps, John.
Thanks johnbrett, much appreciation 🙂
Hi John, any idea who in Hamilton can put seats in a Toyota Hiace? thanks.
Sorry no idea who could install them, or even certify them- sorry Regards John
Hi, I have recently brought a 1985 g20 van. All captain seats have belts but none on the back seat which converts to a bed. I have been trying to understand the legal stand. Would I need to get belts installed? And is this possible?
Hi Callie- No the rear seats of this vehicle do not have to have seat-belts. It is possible to have belts fitted if you choose, but if you did they would have to be LVV Certified. Hope this helps, regards- John
I have a ten seater Toyota hiace with nine seatbelt. I want to move the three seater bench seat to the front and install a third seatbelt. I only want a five seater van.is this legal if done at a garage? Current configuration in the back is 2, 2+1 and 3
Thanks
Hi Ida- The important thing is that the seats and seat belts work properly in a frontal impact. For this reason, a LVV Certification is required if anything is added. Seats and seat-belts can be removed without certification. There is no requirement on who does the work. Hope this helps- John
The bench seat on my ute can physically fit 4 people comfortably. Would it be certifiable to get an extra seatbelt installed?
In principle, yes it could, however the LVV Certifier would have to check whether their was actually sufficient space. Adults space requirement is 410 mm , child requirement is 310mm measured at seat level.
Hi, can children be put in a special car seat in the rear side-facing fold down seats in the back of a 300 series land-rover discovery (1994)? Also can a single seat (that will hold a carseat) be mounted in the rear of a 3.2 tdi 1997 nissan terrano with the R50 frame? Thanks.
Hi Daniel- Side facing seats will not work with a child car seat. They are designed to work either rear-facing or front facing. Side-facing seats are not even very safe for adults! Yes, you COULD fit a car seat in the back of a Terrano- but it would need seat-belts, and have to be Certified. Hope this helps, John
Hi, im Looking at fitting 1 row of stressed seats in a 2013 HiAce but i want then to be removable and to be able to change their position or spin them, what sort of channel fastening systems meet the certification requirements?
There are a number of issues here-
1 Do the seats have upper seatbelt anchorages?
2 Do the seats meet the loading requirements for light vehicle seat-belts?
3 If the seats are to be used in a rear-facing position, do they meet the loading requirments for rear-facing seats.
4 Mountings- There is no ‘one plan fits all’ solution.
a The LVV Standard 185-00 shows an ‘over-floor mounting bar system’ which I personally think is not strong enough in many circumstances.
b The alternative is a custom-designed mounting system (which I could do), but then the question is would the LVVTA approve it?
5 LVV Certifier- there is a shortage of LVV Certifiers, and you may have difficulty finding one who will take this job on.
Sorry I can’t be more helpfull
Regards
John
Hi, my 1995 hiace currently has one fold away bench seat in the back that doesnt have any belts, when through a cop stop the other night and everything was all good, i am now wanting to put in another 3 seater in the back, just wondering will i need a cert to do this and if not will it need seatbelts
The rear seat doesn’t need seat belts, it is legal as is. A WOF agent would know this, lucky that the Police knew too! If you add another seat, both it and the original seat will need seatbelts. The new seats and seat belts will have to be LVV Certified.
so what exactly do you do? you are an LVV website yet you direct most ?’s to some other LVV
I offer a consultancy service, and arrange LVV Certs when vehicles are ready.
Hi
We are converting a 97 transit van into a camper. The existing double seat in the front is appalling and dangerous as the seat belt barely does up and has no slack. We are looking to put in an Estima centre row swivel captains chair in its place.Presumably modification would be a frame attached to the existing floor bolt threads, with new thread/nut incorporated and aligned to the bolt position of the new seat. I believe these seats are commonly sought for the purpose of conversion. The seat would only be in the forward position while driving. The swivel/slide would come into its own at night time when it can be swiveled against dash and the bed fitted into the cab space thus accommodating a 6ft 4 occupant.
Are there any fitters/ compliers in the Manawatu/Horowhenua/Rangitikei area that do this, as I suspect my own welding would not be seen as sufficient for certification.Thx.
This type of modification has become too difficult for most Certifiers to consider. I suggest that you phone the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association to enquire if they believe this could be Certified, and if they know of a Certifier in your area who might take the job on.
Regards
John
Hi guy’s
i’m looking to buy a 2011 Ford Transit Jumbo LWB and which to install a rock and roll style seat/bed just behind the cab. I could purchase an after market seat/bed but would be unsure about how to seat belt it? Also is their anyone in New Zealand that would make and install this type of seat/bed? I’m looking to buy it in Auckland but will be driving it down to Christchurch. So anywhere in-between would work. I’ve searched long and hard online but come up with not a whole lot. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Tim
Hi Tim
If the bed/ seat is considered part of the furniture of a motor-home, there is no rule concerning it’s fitment, and no requirement to install seat-belts If however the sleeping accommodation of the vehicle exceeds the number of seats with seat-belts, then additional Certified seats and seat-belt installations need to be installed.
There is now a shortage of Certifiers able to certify this type of installation, and so very few companies doing this type of installation.
If you must have Certified seats and seatbelts, I suggest that you phone NZTA or the LVVTA to see if they can arrange something for you.
Regards
John
Hi , I have just imported a Renault Trafic van from U.K. with a n M1 pull tested rock n roll bed in the back. I have been quoted a lot of money to get this bed up to spec for LVzv certificate. If I took the seatbelts off could it be kept in the van as a bed?
Chris
Hi Chris, removing seat belts is the usual remedy. I would check with your Entry Certifier
Cheers
John
Hi John,
thanks for the reply. There will be 6 bed’s so i’ll need 6 seat belted seats. With 3 already stock up front i’ll need to add 3 in the back, hence the folding seat/bed. The Tranist’s regularly come with a second row of seat’s where the belts attach to the seat’s frame., so i’d assume it surely must be possible? or would it just be a lot easier to buy a van with seat’s already installed in the back?
Tim
It would be a lot easier to buy a van with the seats and belts already installed. The Ford transit seats with integral belts mount to substantial underfloor structures, are excellent, and far better than anything you could have installed aftermarket. Sorry to be directing you away from LVV Certification, however this will be the most efficient path for you. Regards John
“Vans do not need rear seatbelts if built before March 2002.” Are you serious? My 1982 Toyota Lite Ace LXV just failed WoF because the centre rear row only had belts in the rear-facing direction. The inspector made an error – it’s registered as a NA (light goods) vehicle) – but if it had been MB class it should definitely have failed.
See http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seatbelts-and-seatbelt-anchorages
The table 7.5.1 in the VIRM shows what seatbelt types are required.
See: http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seatbelts-and-seatbelt-anchorages
If your vehicle is registered as an NA Class, it should not have more than two rows of seats (that is, front row, and one rear row.)
As such, it does not need seatbelts in Row 2
If it is an MB, then it needs complying seatbelts for all rear seating positions.
If seating positions have been added, then it should have LVV Certification.
I recommend discussing this with your WOF inspector, asking him to clarify his decision to you.
I would discuss this with the WOF inspector
I have recently purchased a 1966 swb land rover station wagon.
The land rover states it is a 7 seater 3 in the front and 2 on each side facing bench seat (4 in the back)
However carjam sez it is a 5 seater ….. can I legally take seven as per manufacturers specs, and what would happen if I was pulled up by police.
Regarding seat belts I believe it currently requires seat belts only for driver and outer front passenger not the middle front passenger or the rear side facing seats.
“Now the plot thickens” … my family consists 2 adults and 2 pre-school children, what are the legal requirements for transporting my family … I assume that at least one child would be required to be in a car seat in the front outer passenger seat position, unsure of second car seat in front middle seat if lap belt existed? … the other adult unrestrained in the back seat.???
Now I could put in rear forward facing seats, either aftermarket seats designed to meet uk MOT/EU standards and fit the lap shoulder belts after fitting designed strengthening brackets for the shoulder mount.
Or indeed fit rear forward mounting seats (possibly folding such as in the rear of a toyota town ace).
Am I right in assuming these new rear seats would need LV cert and any rear seat belts as well?
After this new LV cert was issued could I then remove the modified seats at a later date, and legally carry passengers in the original factory side facing seats again.
To be honest I’m tempted to do this work in a safe professional manor (using appropriate reinforcing plates and brackets) and simply removing it at WOF time, and not worry about certification, a bit of paper dosnt make it safe, and anything be better than the existing setup, and no im not changing vehicles.1
Hi Dave
The legal requirements are in the VIRM- here is the page for seatbelts: http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seatbelts-and-seatbelt-anchorages
Yo will see that rear seat-belts are not required, but a centre lap belt is.
I cannot explain why Landata shows only five seats, not seven- that’s a matter you would have to take up with NZTA, say starting with a TSD agent such as VTNZ.
However, since rear seat-belts are not required, I can’t see it being a legal issue transporting four rear occupants- but remember that unbelted seating positions and side seating positions are very unsafe, and lead to many deaths and injuries.
If you add seats or seat-belts, Low Volume Vehicle Certification is required.
The Low Volume Vehicle Certification process is far more than just a piece of paper- the Engineer has to be able to prove that the seats and seat-belts will perform in a 20G collision. If you use stressed seats, it is amazing the strength that needs to be added- just some reinforcing plates under the floor won’t work. The people who say that it is not justified, not needed, everyone does this or that- are not going to be there when the meat hits the metal!
I cannot advise you what to do, or to act outside the law- however it is getting hard to find a good LVV Certifier these days.
Best wishes- John
Hello
i have a 1997 Toyota Hiace with fold up 3 seat in the back. In the front i have a normal seat belt on passenger left and a waste seatbelt in the middle.
Is it possible to carry 3 kids under the age of 7 in this vehicle and if so under what circumstances. Also if i do not have a car seat can a child under the age of 7
sit in the back of this vehicle?
Hi Teddy
The seatbelts in your vehicle appear correct for the age of the vehicle. Row 1 has retractable lap and diagonals in the outer positions, and lap belt in the centre position. Row 2 is not required to have seatbelts. I am not qualified to comment on the ROAD CODE- check http://www.nzta.govt.nz/resources/roadcode/about-driver-responsibility/safety-belts-and-child-restraints.html It says “Responsibility
As the driver you are responsible for making sure passengers under the age of 15 are using an approved child restraint or safety belt.
Children under seven must be correctly secured in an approved child restraint.
Children aged seven must use an approved child restraint if one is available. If such a restraint is not available, the child must be restrained as securely as practicable in the circumstances using any child restraint or seat belt that is available (whether or not that child restraint or seat belt is approved).
Children aged eight to 14 must wear a safety belt.
The safety belt must be worn correctly and kept securely fastened while the vehicle is in motion on the road.
Passengers 15 years and over are responsible for making sure that they wear their own safety belts correctly and that they keep them fastened while the vehicle is in motion.
So by my reading, you would not be allowed to carry more than one child in this vehicle
I suggest that you get rear seatbelts fitted
Regards
John
Hi John, I have a 2004 8 seater Estima with three lap belts for the middle row three seats and they are the same feature: you can pull them out completely dose not matter how fast you pull(not locking).There are also two three points safe belts for the side seats. I had a research and it was built like it and someone said it’s feature is that it works when the brake is on but I never tried.See there: http://www.teoc.ws/community/topic/52636-middle-seat-lap-seat-belt-issue-middle-row-of-seats/ . The WOF man said it should not be like that. My question is if the belt was built with that feature then should it pass the WOF check or not? Thanks.
Hi Xiang
The rules for WOF are here: http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seatbelts-and-seatbelt-anchorages
The belts you describe sound as if they are “single sensitive”, and lock only in frontal impact. They are allowed if fitted from standard. Ask your WOF man to read section 7.5.3 of the VIRM
Hope this helps
John
Thanks John. Where should I find that the lap belts are “single sensitive”? I have tried searching online for hours but could not get any information about it. I have to convince the WOF man to believe that the belts were built as that. Regards.
Hi Xiang
There should be a standards marking tag sewn on the belt, usually at the floor mounting. It will give Japanese standards, date of manufacture and the symbol V, or W, or VW for the type. V is ‘Vehicle sensitive, which is what you have, W is sensitive to belt weight, VW is both.
If you look at the table 7.5.3 in the VIRM, the requirement is for L1 which means single sensitive belts in those positions. Your WOF man should know this
Good luck
John
Thanks John, I just checked that the lap belts have words: MEETS JIS D4604, Ⅱ,ELR-V and the three point belt has VWe at the end. Will show this to the WOF man. Very appreciate your help.
Hi John
I wonder if you can assist me. I am keen to buy a second hand Toyota Hiace campervan (trademe listing: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=906808605). I need for it to have certified seatbelts a the back because I will need to install a baby car seat on these rear seats.
The vehicle currently have seatbelts fitted at the back, but the current owner told me that he failed WOF last time as these were not certified. If I were to buy this van, can you please explain to me what would be the process to follow to get the existing seatbelts certified? Is it doable at all? Any idea of what cost it would involve? Cheers. Anthony
Hi Anthony- I looked at the Trademe ad- and I recognize that type of Japanese installation. The issue is that the rear seat-belt mounts do not meet the required standard, and will not take the required loadings. In vehicles I inspected, these belts were removed. The WOF inspector is correct in failing the vehicle for having un-certified rear seat-belts. Unfortunately it is not easy to bring them up to standard, as the seat belt mounts are on a swiveling, tilting base that does not have the required strength. I am no longer doing LVV Certs, and the LVV system has become so dysfunctional that I cannot recommend any way to add certified rear seat-belts to this vehicle. Sorry, John
Thanks for taking the time to post a reply John. This is much appreciated.
I am going to see another van tomorrow with rear seat belts installed: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=910994880
How can I make sure that the seat belts at the back are certified? Is there an indication of it somewhere in the van? is the paperwork maybe? Thanks again John.
If the seats and seatbelts are Certified, there should be a LVV Cert plate on the vehicle. The usual place would be under the engine hatch. Good luck!
Hi John,
We are thinking of buying a Mitsubishi Delica Starwagon or L300 and taking all the rear seats out for a camper conversion but we would like to be able to install a baby seat near the front, ideally between the two front seats. Do you know whether this would be possible and how difficult / costly it is?
Thanks
Jamie
Hi- I think you will be able to install a baby seat in the centre-front position, using the existing lap seatbelt, and adding an upper tether point using the “Station wagon” kit which adds an angled strap down to a special anchor point fitted to the floor of the van. This will NOT need any Certification, and can be installed by any approved installer. If you are in Auckland I would refer you to a seatbelt installer, but probably any mechanic could install the kit. Check this website- http://www.childrestraints.co.nz/toptether.php Hope this helps.
hi John, I have a 1984 fj45 single cab landcruiser that has been fitted with a fiberglass cab and I need to get certified seat belts, a roll hoop has been turned down by lvvta and I have been advised to consider fitting two fully stressed seats, can you recommend what underfloor steel work would be needed to support stressed seats or who could design it for me, I am in Wanganui, regards jon
Hi Jon It’s hard to know what to advise. I would have thought that a roll-bar with the upper seat-belt anchorage would have been the best answer- it would need to be a hoop with a brace each side- perhaps there is no room for the braces inside the cab, maybe that’s the LVVTA’s problem. I have seen Landrovers fitted with an EXTERNAL roll cage- perhaps that’s an option, with seat-belt anchorages mounted to that. A stressed seat is not so easy to find- some later model 2 door cars have them, but good luck finding them at wreckers yards. The older 2 door Range-Rover also had stressed seats- you might find them at a specialized wrecker. Mountings- you need to withstand uplift of at least 2 tons at the rear mountings, so they can’t be just attached to the floor or the existing mounts. You would need a new cross-member designed for the job (either inside the floor, or underneath) bolted to the chassis. Who is your Low Volume vehicle Certifier? what does he say? Regards John
Hi, I have a 2001 Toyota Estima. We now have 7 kids though so are one seat short. Is there any way a bench seat or 2nd row estima 2 seat can be fitted to the front making it a 9 seater? Thanks.
Hi Clayton
You need a center seat in the front row? For the center position you need a lap seat belt, which you could use with a child seat tether on the rear floor. You could use this then with a child seat, or with a child harness. To add the seating position, probably work with an upholsterer to build a narrow seat attached to the floor (maybe piggy-backing onto existing seat mounts). This is NOT an ideal option for safety- because Child seats are not recommended in Row 1 (front row), the dash bulge is a hazard to the passenger, and you are cramping the drivers elbow space. You will need Low Volume Vehicle Certification, and I cannot think who to recommend at this time. It might be a better option to look for a 10 seater vehicle if you can. I believe that Ssang-Yong have a 10 seater version of their Stavic model.
Best wishes- John
Hi John.
I have a problem with the wof for my 96 HiAce with rear foldong seat that Ive owned for 10 years.
The garage said the law has changed and it is now based on the class of the vehicle and weight. they said miune is either class MA, MB, or NA.
They then said something about unladen weight, and allowing 65kg for each seat and the laden weight…
Do you know if there has been a law change, and have a link to the citeria that exempts it from seatbelts? On the link you posted above I cant see where it refers to rear folding seats, just rear facing.
I appreciate your help with this.
Hi
I am not aware of any change in the law
This link goes to to the relevant page in the VIRM showing the requirements- http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seatbelts-and-seatbelt-anchorages
Go to Table 7-5-2 Types of seatbelts
No seatbelt is required for the folding rear seat in this vehicle- I suggest you refer your WOF agent to this page.
Regards
John
Thanks for your reply. perhaps I am reading the table wrong? I can see that vehicles First registered anywhere: 1/1/1961–31/3/2002
Rear outer –R2 or R1 or S1
Rear middle –L or S or R1 or R2
What am I missing? Apparently the maunfacture class of the van is “passenger” which I find odd as it is the 5 door DX model. I beleived this was a light cargo vehicle but have been told its not.
I couldnt see anything in the table relating directly to the “fold-up seat”.
Thanks again for your help with this John.
Hello cant seem to find answers to my questions… We have a nissain caravan 1998 with 9 rear seats with lap only belts.. We want to put in shoulderlap belts…
We r looking at seats that come out of a Nissan carvan homy 2007 module.. That have set belts including but not attached to seats.. Can we use these also who do we have to get to installe them and certificate seat belts.. As they will need to be put into van and attached to van… We want to rearrange the positions of seats as well.. Not jsut a straight out replace
Hi Amanda- for your vehicle, lap belts were the requirement at the time. If you want to change the layout of the seats you will need a specialist installer who can mount the seats, seat-belts, and will arrange Certification. I can suggest Jackson Enterprises, and Autotransform.
Hope this helps
Regards
John
Hi John,
I have a 1993 long wheel base toyota hiace 4wd. I bought it second hand and it is registered as a three seater. What are the legal steps require for set this up with a rear seat and seat belts? If its possible at all? it has factory mounting thread in the rear floor and also unused thread nuts mounted under the floor..?
Cheers
Dan
Hi Dan- I have done many vans like this.
According to the VIRM, if you can find a seat that will bolt to the original seat mountings, you would not need a Low Volume Vehicle Certification. The words are-
“LVV Certification is NOT required if:
the seat is either an unmodified OE seat from another vehicle or of a known and reputable aftermarket brand, and
– the seat is fitted to unmodified OE seat anchorages, and
– the seatbelt anchorage or operation is not affected, and
– the seat components (including brackets, runners and rails) are compatible with each other, ie they are either OE components from a production vehicle or of a known and reputable aftermarket brand, and are not fitted together by welding, and
– the relationship between seat, seat occupant, front airbag and location of the seatbelt anchorages is not affected.
Note LVV certification is not required where the only modification is the removal of seats and/or seatbelts. However, a class change and a new load rating may be required in some cases.”
Also, you are not required to fit seat-belts to that rear seat for your vehicle.
URL is- http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seats-and-seat-anchorages
Other than that, you WILL need Low Volume Vehicle Certification. I would recommend that you hunt for a matching seat, and then talk to a firm such as Seatbelt Specialities Ltd about supplying and fitting the belts.
Regards
John
Hi John
We have purchased a 1995 Toyota Hiace 4 wheel assist Campervan, with a three seat front cabin (2x 3 point and one lap belt) plus 5 lap belts in rear (1x 2 seat folding bed, 1x 2seat box seat and 1x box seat)
We asked for 3point belts to be fitted to the folding seat and one on rear box seat.
They have installed them but the anchorage points for fixing the belts are very long and aren’t anchored in the middle of the seat as per usual. They have fixed anchor points beneath the seats on the left and right side of the seating unit.
This looks wrong to me, they are insisting that it will comply with an MOT inspection but I am very concerned. My question is, do we need 3 point seat belts by law in this van to pass an MOT.
We have two sons age 10 and 13 both are taller than the 135cm height ruling for car seats to apply, are they able to travel legally using the lap belts supplied with the Campervan?
Obviously I would prefer them to have 3 point seat belts and would greatly appreciate any advice you can offer.
Hi Caro- If you have had seatbelts fitted, I would assume that they were Low Volume Vehicle Certified. There should be a Certification plate riveted to the vehicle, usually under the engine hatch. Any WOF inspector will look for the Certification plate- if he cannot find one he will fail the vehicle. (WOF inspectors do NOT approve seat-belt installations themselves).
If you have any issues with the seat-belt Installation you need to take it up with the LVV Certifier, or if you cannot identify who it was, with the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association.
I cannot see your vehicle, but I have LVV Certified many seat-belt installations in similar vehicles. My experience is that it is great if seat-belts can be mounted to the seats directly, however the seats have to be designed for this, and have the required strength for the huge loads applied. In 1995 vehicles, the folding seats were very far from being suitable, which is probably why the belts are mounted to the floor. The centre belt will be a lap belt because that is all that is required, because there is usually no suitable structure for the upper mount.
For a 1995 van, rear seat-belts are not mandatory, but if fitted must be worn.
That is all I can say without any more information. If you email me photos, john@lowvolumevehicle.co.nz I may be able to say more.
Please consider my “Give a Little” campaign for my legal costs for pointing out the dangers of the Low Volume Vehicle system.
Thanks John
hi John
I have a 2011 toyota hiace import and have purchased a toyota rear seat complete with all seat belts bolts etc that was removed from a 2012 nz new toyota hiace.
The area that I would assume that the seatbelts could be mounted are non existent on my 2011 van what is the best option for retrofitting can you recommend a company??
Hi Zane
I never cease to be amazed at the minor differences in what look like identical Toyota Hiace Vans! You need to have Seatbelt Anchorages installed and Certified. If you are in Auckland, I suggest Seatbelt Specialists in Glenfield, or Autobelts in Penrose. Both know the drill, and will have a Low Volume Vehicle Certifier available.
Cheers
John
Hi Tony
No, sorry, you can’t use the existing mounts to add an extra belt. The existing mounts cannot be proven to be strong enough for an extra seatbelt loading. To add another seatbelt you willl need to have new mounts added, and LVV Certified.
Cheers
John
Hi, my courier xtracab ute only has 2 rear belts, can I add a centre lap belt using the mount points from the outside belts?
Hi,
I’m just wondering how strict the regulations around seating are. I understand the seatbelt regulations, but if I were to remove the factory seating and replace it with something more custom (keeping the seatbelts in place) would this be legal, provided the new seating was bolted down properly and everything?
The requirements are here:
http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seats-and-seat-anchorages
Re modifications, see table 7.1.1
Hope this helps
Morning I have a CF Bedford and what to install a bench seat behind drivers (row 2) can it be done? and do I need seat belts?
Good morning Arnie
Yes, you can install a rear seat.
It will not need seatbelts, for the age of the vehicle, however there is nothing to stop you having seat belts fitted
The seat installation, and any seat belt installation will need to be LVV Certified, so talk to a LVV Certifier before starting
This is a link to the WOF guide
http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seats-and-seat-anchorages
Regards
John
John I have a 1996 Nissan Homy VX first reg in NZ 2006, I have just purchased it and notice that there are no seatbelts in the rear, there is one row of rear seats. It has been passing wof checks ok,,but before I try my wof guy do you think this vehicle should have rear belts.
Hi Peter
For the year of manufacture, 1996, rear seat-belts are not required
See http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seatbelts-and-seatbelt-anchorages
Your WOF agent will (or should) be aware of this.
I would recommend that you have seatbelts fitted in the rear, LVV Certification will be required.
Regards
John
Hi John. We have a 2010 vw T5 conversion. It has an uncertified rear bed seat which we would like to replace with an M1 pull tested rock and roll bed from the UK. These beds are uk mot compliant and ce certified. Can they be fitted and certified in Nz? I’m assuming an lvv certification is required. Any recommendations for south auckland?
Hi Katherine
Thank you for your query. LVV Certification is ONLY required if seat-belts are involved. Seat-belts WILL be required for seats that are used for carrying passengers when traveling. However, in Motor-homes and caravans, some seats can be regarded as part of the caravan function, intended for use when stationary. Presumably, your vehicle has the required number of seats with seat-belts already, which is one seat for each sleeping berth.
So- you could change this bed as you describe, without any need for Certification, so long as it is for use whilst the vehicle is stationery.
Hope this helps
Regards
John
John. We are wanting to use the seats as travelling seats. The seat-bed would have engineering certification from the uk. Is it likely that this certification would be acceptable in nz? Do you know of anyone we could talk to about this?
Hi Katherine
UK Certification should be OK for a NZ LVV Certifier, so long as it covered the right things- e.g. seat-belt anchorages, or use as a rear facing seat.
Mounting in the vehicle needs to be Engineered locally, and there are lvv sTANDARDS FOR THIS.
You do need to find a LVV Certifier with the right categories, and there’s no-one left I can recommend now. I suggest that you ask NZTA to locate a suitable LVV Certifier for you.
Regards
John
We have a 2000 Toyota Estima 7 seater. Do we need a Cert to change it to an 8 seater??
Hi Rachel
The answer is YES you will need a Cert. Sometimes the change is easy, bolt in, bolt out, but sometimes additional seat mountings, or seat-belt anchorages are required. Either way, the Certifier gets to see what is there, and make his decision.
Thanks for your query.
Hi I have a 2001 Toyota Hiace 3seater and am wanting to add another 2 or 3 seats in the back,would it need cert if the extra seats are from a 1998 toyota granvia van?
Hi Carl- Yes- it would need a Cert- even if the mounting holes for the seats and belts are in the Hiace.
Before you install anything, get talking to a Certifier, or a firm that has a certifier on hand, so that the work is done to standard.
There is no charge for this free advice, but could I ask that you make a small donation to my ‘Give-a Little’ campaign? This is to cover legal costs for defending myself from Defamation charges made by Mr Johnson of the LVVTA.
If you did want to, just click though to the Give-a Little page.
Cheers
John
John
Hi John,
I’m looking to purchase a 2008 Nissan Caravan which I intend to use as a camper. I need the rear seats to legally carry 2 kids. Most vans I’m seeing for sale have a fold up rear seat with no seat belts. Is it possible to get legal seat belts installed in these vans. Here’s a link to the type of van I’m considering: http://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1304990144
Many thanks,
Brett
Hi Brett.
All vans from 2002 are required to have compliant seatbelts in all positions. If there is a rear folding seat, it would have to have seatbelts fitted when the vehicle entered the country, or the seat removed. The vehicle in the Trade-me advert is not legal with the rear seat, because seatbelts are not fitted.
If you convert to a camper, you would probably not use those seats, but incorporate seats into the camper conversion
Seat belts are required in a camper according to the number of sleeping berths. A van of this type is usually 2 or 3 berth, so the front seat-belts are all it needs.
If you do want to add seat belts in the rear, the seat belt installation, AND THE SEAT have to be covered by a Low Volume Vehicle Certification. The best way to do this is to deal with a seat belt installer who has a Low Volume vehicle Certifier on call- this way the job gets done to meet the Certification standard, and you come away with a Certified installation and a Cert plate. Do not try installing seat belts yourself, unless you have a LVV Certifier who can provide you with specifications first.
There is no charge for this free advice, but could I ask that you make a small donation to my ‘Give-a Little’ campaign? This is to cover legal costs for defending myself from Defamation charges made by Mr Johnson of the LVVTA.
If you did want to, just click though to the Give-a Little page.
Hope this helps
Hi john I’m looking to purchase a bench seat to install in my Mitsubihi L300 but problem is its got no seat belt. Is it legal to install in the middle of the van or at the rear end with the middle left empty.
Hi Sateki- if you add a seat it will need Low Volume Vehicle Certification. Seatbelts depend on the year of the vehicle, but most people fit them anyway. The Certification can cover seats and seat-belts at the same time.
I have stopped doing Certification, so you will need to find a certifier near you. I suggest you ask NZTA
Thanks
John
Hi,I would like to fit a floor under seats, could I install the packers myself and bolt seats back in?
Hi Michelle
Sorry to be so long replying
I cannot see any problem if you fit steel packers between the floor and the seat, when you fit a floor. You can see detailed requirements for packers in the LVV Standard 185-00 for seats on this page http://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents.html#standards
Regards
John
Hi John, thank you, are seats still able to be mounted with their backs to the side windows?
Hi Michelle- only in camper vans- and not a good idea- can only have one seating position per side, lap belts only, and head swing radius so you don’t smash your head on anything, especially someone elses head.
Cheers
John
Hi John,
How much will it cost to install 3 rows of seats into a Toyota Hiace with carpet for the floor?
Hi Sala
Sorry, we are not able to offer seat installing service
Regards
John
hi we are after toyota hiace van rear seats for 2013
Hi Raj
Sorry we do not supply or install seats in vehicles. It might be worth looking for wreckers or dismantlers
Cheers
John
Hello
This question concerns a Hyundai iload 2016
You can buy a 6 seater iLoad ie. 3 front seats and install a fold up 3 seat bench type (Hyundai) in the back with seat belts and therefore it is a 6 seater.
Here is a 6 seater in this link:- https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1411621965
You can also buy a factory installed 5 seater as per this link:- https://www.trademe.co.nz/Browse/Listing.aspx?id=1432795178
Question regarding this later 5 seater: – can I buy a Hyundai double front passenger seat as shown in the first link and install it in the 5 seater to make it a 6 seater?
Thanks & Cheers
Hi Ray
What you propose is very sensible, and I would EXPECT all the mounting points for seat and seat-belt to already be in place.
There is no guarantee that they will be exactly the same as the 3 seater, the seat and seatbelt loads are HUGE, and the consequences of failure are serious.
I have seen many examples where what you would expect- is not what is there!
For these reasons the WOF guide will require you to get a Low Volume Vehicle Certification, so a qualified inspector can check this all out, and come up with a suitable anchorage if required.
Cheers
John
Hi we have a 1991 Toyota Estima and in the back it has two single seats behind the driver and passenger seats and both are individually mounted and are are to swivel. We were just told that because the three point belt isn’t long enough when the seat is turned toward the centre of the vehicle that the seat can’t be used for passengers although it is fitted with a lap belt for use when the seat is swiveled towards the centre. Is this correct.
Hi Jody-
Sorry for the slow reply, we have been on holiday
Those seats are for use facing forward only- there should be a label saying so.
You need a lap and diagonal belt in any outer seat, not a lap belt.
If you turn the seat to face backwards- the seat back is what would restrain the occupant in a frontal collision.
The seats in a Toyota Estima are not designed for this, and will fail, and the occupant would fly forward to hit the person in the front seat.
There have been accidents where this has happened, killing people, and causing brain damage.
So- the swivel seats MUST be turned to face forward when the vehicle is moving. The lap belt should have been removed when the vehicle came into New Zealand.
Hope this answers your query.
Regards
John
We have got seats from a Toyota Estima to put into our Hino Rainbow bus (converted into a motorhome). The seats have built in seatbelts. We have been told we need to have the seats certified but there is no load rating (or anything to say they meet NZ standards) on the seatbelts which is causing a problem. Any suggestions on how to deal with this?
Thanks
Alison
Hi Alison
You will need certification from a “Heavy Vehicle Certifier” not a Low Volume Vehicle Certifier for a Hino Rainbow. Seats from a Toyoa Estima will meet the loading requirements for heavy vehicles, but the Certifier will have to be satisfied about the mounting strength of the seat. All seat-belts should have standards tags, if they do not they may have to be replaced. Get the name of a HV Certifier, maybe from your local testing station, and talk to him first
Best of luck
John
Thanks, appreciate the quick response.
hi ..so I have a 1994 toyota hiace with a fold-able bench seat with just a single lapbelt is this legal… could you tell me the laws that say, u dont need any belts before 2002 ? thanks for your time
Look in the VIRM (Warrant of Fitness requirements- HERE- http://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seatbelts-and-seatbelt-anchorages
Table 7.5.3 lists the requirements, look at the column for vehicles built 1979 to 2003, your Hiace is class NA (light commercial)
There is nothing to prevent you from retrofitting seatbelts, but you will need a Low Volume Vehicle Certification
Hope this helps
we have a 2006 Hiace van which we bought NZ new. At the time of purchase, we went to Van Extras to put 3 rows of seats in the back to give us a total of 13 seatbelts (including the 3 at the front of the van). Back row configuration is 3,2+1, and 4 seat belts (2 lapbelts in the middle for small children). I went to get a WOF last week and was told I need to get a LVVC instead of a WOF. We have never had this issue in 12 years. We did get the back seatbelts replaced last year by a certified installer and one of them was jamming when I went for the WOF but I am going to get this sorted. Is this usual to require a LVVC for 13 seatbelts in a vehicle? IF so I could just remove one but it’s the first time we have been told this and had our WOF failed because of it. Thanks.
Any additional seats and seat-belts require Low Volume Vehicle Certification. This is required BEFORE the vehicle can be issued with a WOF of COF. Any issues would be sorted out by the LVV Certification process. Van Extras have a LVV Certifier who certifies all their vehicles, and should have had this vehicle LVV Certified. In 2006 the Certifier could have been me- let me know the VIN or Rego number, and I will check if I inspected it or not.
I suggest that you 1- Ask Van Extras (now Auto Transform) to supply the LVV Certification plate, or if they failed to get it Certified, to certify it now, (at their expense of course). If they are un-cooperative, then you have grounds for a complaint to NZ Transport Agency.
Cheers
John
The Trust has a 1992 Toyota Hiace 2.4 ZR MAN. The vehicle type is: Goods Van/Truck/Utility. It looks like it is certified for 2 Seats, however it has seats in the back and no seat belts. No one can tell me if/when the seats were put in. Is this legal?
Hi John, thank for the information you provide. I hope you came out your legal wrangle relatively unscathed. I have a 99 Hiace with a rear seat that I had seatbelts professionally fitted. Unsure if I was given a certifying badge at the time?? WOF’s have never been a problem. I now want to upgrade my van to a late model Hiace import. I’m specifically looking for one with rear seat mounts. Without measuring them yet, they do look to be compatible with my current seat. If I do a straight swap will it need to be LVV certified? Many thanks Jared
Hi Jared
Thanks for all the good wishes- we are in the Court of Appeal in Wellington on September 20th. I could not POSSIBLY comment on the case at this stage!! If you have a LVV Plate on your current Hiace, it will be under the engine hatch on the left hand side. Any seat and seat-belt installation will have to be LVV Certified. I have been amazed at how many different arrangements of mounting holes there are in similar looking Hiaces- There are a lot of ways to end up with an unsafe installation, and that’s what the Certifier has to avoid. Any proessional installer will have a Certifier on call
Best wishes
John
Hi John,
Thankyou for all your great prompt responses.
I’m currently looking to purchase for Xmas a Toyota Hiace super Gl, 2ltr petrol for my family road trips as it seems the interiors are manufactured with the plastic panels and carpet floor instead of common commercial vans. I’m wanting to add 2 extra rows of seats to total 3 in rear of van. Would you know the approx total cost to have these seats anchored and seatbelted please? Thankyou in advance.
Hi Sala- Sorry I am not able to estimate a cost for either adding seats, or adding seatbelts, or LVV Certification. Sorry I can’t help.
I suggest you look for someone who does these installations in your area AND has a Certifier on call.
Cheers
John
Hi all I’m currently converting a motor home and are installing a 2 seater rearward facing ex 2015 Ford transit, certifyer requires specs and I can’t seem to find the specs for the seat and don’t want the cross beam put in that you sometimes see, much appreciated Ben
Hi Ben
What you are doing sounds like a good plan. Manufacturers do not release specification data for components- the whole vehicle at manufacture is certified as compliant with whatever standards apply. Ford Transit seats that have the upper seat-belt anchorage incorporated into the seats can be assumed to meet the seat-belt anchorage standard applicable to light vehicles. The question for the Certifier is- will the seat also meet the standard required for a rear-facing seat? The loading is the same, it is just applied to the seat-frame instead of to the seat-belt anchorage.
If the Certifier is not convinced, a back beam is one alternative, but may be very inconvenient in a Motor-home. The LVV Stadard also shows seat reinforcing frames build off the floor. I would talk to your Certifier and find out what his thinking is on these seats. I don’t think he can expect you to provide specifications that Ford will never release to you. If you are not happy with his response- you could try talking to the LVVTA.
Good luck
John
Hello: I have a 1995 Toyota Hiace Grand Cabin, automatic with floor mount shifter and console between the two front seats. Total seats nine, and I need one more due to an addition to the family. So presently two front, then two, two, and three rear. Are there any realistic workable options to adding another seat? Rear LH wall mount fold down? Replace front passenger/console with two seater, but would that require replacing the shifter? Any help, another van isn’t really an option right now! Regards, Rob
Hi Rob. Adding a centre front seat is possible, but the occupant will have to straddle the gear selector, also with only a lap belt not very safe
Replacing the seats where there is a row of 2, with the Toyota 2 + 1 seat would be better- if you can source the seat. There may already be the mounting points in the floor. I recommend finding a LVV Certifier who could do the Certification, and discussing it with him before you do anything.
Cheers
John
Hi John,
I’m looking to buy a 1998 LWB 4WD HiAce with 12 seats. https://trademe.nz/motors/cars/toyota/hiace/listing/2012073854
The seller claims the rear seats do not require seatbelts however it looks as tho you can see old mounting points in the photos which means they were likely removed. Either that or those points are factory and it was actually sold without belts.
What do you think?
Hello John.
I would like to replace the original front seats in my 1990 Hino RB Rainbow motorhome
Something more comfortable with a swivel on the passenger seat would be really nice
Both mount onto a flat surface on top of the wheel arches.
Max depth to top of squab on the driver seat would need to be less than about 250mm to allow room below the steering wheel.
Any thoughts on suitable replacements.
Many thanks
David in Christchurch
Hi David
The VIRM (WOF/COF guide) is here-
https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/heavy-vehicles/vehicle-interior/seats-and-seat-anchorages
and says the following-
1. Retrofitting a seat that:
a) has an integrated seatbelt, or
b) is not fitted to existing unmodified OE seat anchorages.
1. Seat modification or replacement, or installation of a seat anchorage, provided that:
a) the seat is either an unmodified OE seat from another vehicle or of a known and reputable aftermarket brand, and
i. the seat is fitted to unmodified OE seat anchorages, and
ii. the anchorage or operation of seatbelts is not affected, and
iii. the relationship between seat, seat occupant, and location of the seatbelt anchorages is not affected.
2. Removal of seats and/or seatbelts (however, a class change and a new load rating may be required in some cases).
3. Fitting or modification to seat pads or covers.
4. Any repair or modification not listed in the left-hand column unless the vehicle inspector considers that certification is required because the modification or repair has affected the vehicle’s safety performance (a second opinion from an expert may be needed, eg the manufacturer’s representative, or a reputable workshop).
No seat-belts are required, which simplifies matters
As your vehicle is NOT a light vehicle, then Low Volume Vehicle Certification will NEVER be involved
Hope this clarifies the matter for you
Cheers
John
Thank you very much John.
That has got me on track as to whats required.
Regards
Dave
Hi there, i have a 1996 toyota hiace am i able to unbolt and remove the front middle seatbelt and still get a WOF as the tray is always folded down? thank
Hi Dave.
According to the WOF rules, if a seat is fitted, and a belt is required, the belt must be fitted. If the seat is removed, then the belt can be removed. Think, vehicles with removable seats, etc. Like Row 3 in a Land cruiser. So this rule should cover you, so long as you remove the seat.
Cheers. john
Hi there, i have a 1986 toyota hiace dx it has 1 row of seats in the rear (old foldable ones) was wanting to know about adding a second row of seats in and also turning the origonal row of seats around all belts for origonal ones are floor mounted can i change them to seat mounted? cheers
Hi Sam
You are going to need the help of a LVV Certifier, and ideally, a seat-belt shop that works with the Certifier.
There are a number of issues in what you propose, and better to be speaking to the people who will do the job and certify it.
Cheers
John
i am considering to buy a transit campervan
most of these come with 2 seats in the front. i would like to have in total 3 seats in the front by swapping the passenger seat for a passenger bench). some transits originally come with this. Does this then need to be certified or could i just buy such a transit passenger bench from trademe and install it?
would you know someone in Auckland that could assist me with or perform such an operation?
Hi Bram
A modification like this will need to be LVV Certified. If you can source a Transit bench seat, with seat-belt anchorages built in, it will make it easier, especially if the anchorages are already in the floor.
I cannot recommend a LVV Certifier in Auckland, you will need to get a list from e.g. VTNZ, or NZTA, or the LVVTA
Sorry I can’t help any more
Cheers
John
Hi there,
We have a 2009 VW T5 and bought a second hand folding rear seat along with belts and mounting plate thinking we could put it in ourselves but looks like it would be more work than we are comfy with. Do you have any contacts for someone who could help us in Christchurch please?
Thanks!
Tom
Hi Tom
I am sorry that I don’t know any Certifiers in Christchurch now. I would make finding a Certifier the first priority, unless you can find an installer that has a Certifier that works with them. The reason I say this, is that I have seen vehicles where people had done work first, which was not in accordance with standards, and had to be re-done.
Sorry I can’t help- best of luck
John
Hi, I have a 1997 hiace high top campervan with a rear facing seat and to front facing seats. They have all got seatbelts. I bought the vehicle from someone else but originally it was bought 2nd hand into NZ as a Japanese camper. It has always passed wof but now my mechanic says the seatbelts are not mounted in the normal place at the back and he cannot find the VTNZ plate passing the back seatbelts and that I should remove them to get a warrant. However on reading this thread I see that if a vehicle is pre 2002 I would still legally be able to have kids in the back but I would have to remove the uncertified seatbelts. Is that correct? Seems a bit crazy and I am concerned because I need the vehicle to carry kids for GirlsBrigade.
Thanks,
Mandy Wood
Hi Mandy
Sorry, I did not see your comment until today
The advice given by your WOF inspector is correct.
VTNZ do not fit any plates, its Low Volume Vehicle Certifiers that do that.
It does sound as if the seat-belts are not safe and compliant, and should not be used.
I have seen Japanese imported camper vans like this with real dodgy seat belts that would do more harm than good.
I particular, I worry about rear- facing seats- these are also highly unsafe, unless they are designed to take the load of a frontal collision, which they are usually NOT. If someone uses them, and a frontal collision occurs, they fail and the occupants fly forward hitting the people in the front seats. I know of one case, where the heads hit together, killing the one in the front seat, and making the other person brain-dead.
I strongly recommend that you locate a Low Volume Vehicle Certifier and ask him to design a compliant and safe seat-belt system, and modifications to the rear facing seat.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news
John
Hi There
I have a 2009 Toyota Hiace DX van And needing to get some seats installed. Would Toyota Hiace ZX Minibus Seats Be okay to install?
Hi Linda
The seat installation will need to be LVV Certified, you will need seat-belts which will also need to be LVV Certified. When I was a LVV Certifier I was amazed at the variations in Toyota Hiace floor structures! The ZX Minibus seats should be fine, but do not expect your DX van to have the mounting points in the floor. I used to view the vehicle, and make installation drawings. I recommend that you locate a LVV Certifier and get him to look at the project before you start.
Cheers
John
Hi John
Thanks for this platform.
I am looking at installing 3 or 4 seats at the back of an ex St Johns Mercedes Sprinter ambulance from 2004.
I believe that the floor is composite, and will need a steel frame on the underside attached to the chassis. Is that correct?
My plan was to use seats out of a Ford transit, but at least one seat will be rear facing. Furthermore, ambulances don’t have a side door in the rear compartment. Does that affect where I place the seats if I can keep a 30cm passage open all the way to the rear doors?
Given that this is less straightforward than working on a van with a steel floor, are you able to give me some pointers at all?
If you know of someone competent (and priced fair) in Auckland, please do recommend them.
Cheers,
Hi John,
Your work on this platform is incredible, thank you.
I am wanting to convert a utility van into a camper and wondering about installing a car seat in-between the driver and passenger in a modern 3 seater van (2013+ Transit or Sprinter). These newer models seem to all come with a proper/full seatbelt in the middle seat and maybe anchor points. From what I have read on NZTA they recommend children to always be seated in the rear of vans but if that isn’t possible it doesn’t seem illegal to install a child seat in the front? Other people seem to do it but I am mainly wondering, is it still kind of frowned upon? The seat would be front-facing for a 3-year-old. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
This NZ company seem to rent campers offering this type of set up: https://www.pacificmotorhomes.co.nz/Pacific-Horizon-4-berth-Fuso
Many Thanks, Mark.
Hi Mark- sorry I missed your comment- the website is not emailing me.
Yes- a central car seat is good, but you would need the top tether back to the van floor
Putting in a rear seat might be an option, but would need LVV Certification, and would crowd your camper conversion
There would be cost of installation, and cost of LVV Certification.
Cheers
John
HiJohn
I have recently brought a Ssangyong Stavic which is an 8 seater I am wanting to put a foldable bucket seat in the boot or a rear bench seat that folds up as there is sufficient space and really need 2 more seats. can you please let me know if this is a possibility? Appreciate your advice.
Hi Kirby
Yes this should be OK, since these vehicles did come out with a fourth row of seats.
I cannot think of anyone who could do this, or certify it, though, sorry
Hi John,
My nissan caravan has recently failed a wof and the mechanic has told me the llv certification needs to be removed? It has been converted into a campervan with back seats removed. I purchased it like this and has been through a couple of wofs before without this issue being raised, any ideas? Thanks.
Hi John.
A lot of great info here,
My partner and I have a 1997 Toyota Hiace. It has three seatbelts in the front and the rear of the van has been converted to a camper.
My question, we are about to have a baby and want to keep the van. Are you aware of a safe way to retrofit a baby seat to the floor in the rear of the van using a removable bracket of some sort, not a whole seat?
Thanks for your help!
Hi John
I have a 1995 Hiace van convert to a camper which is a two seater with centre console, I have found a passenger bench seat complete with base to replace. Plan was to use centre seat for a narrow child seat. Can we install Isofix points to original centre lap belt mounts to mount the child seat and remove the lap belt? Will this require a LVV cert?
Many thanks
Darren
Hi John, we have ordered and installed swivel seats for our 200 series Hiace in our camper conversion. They have been ADR tested and certified, but the actual seats don’t have any plate or sticker referencing this on them, I have a copy of the certification on Paper though. They raise the seat height by 15mm, but otherwise use existing sliders, seats and seatbelts.
Do I still need to get further certification for this setup or is this enough as is? (will always keep paperwork in van)
The product in use is found here: https://jap-express.com/services/swivel-seats-hiace-180
Hi Tom
I am looking at the Warrant of Fitness guide- Table 7.1.1 here- https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seats-and-seat-anchorages
The wording is, that LVV Certification is NOT required when:
The seat is of stressed type (Note 7) and is an unmodified OE seat sourced from the same make and model vehicle, and
the seat is directly bolted to the original OE seat mounts and,
no additional components or modifications are required for the fitting of the seat, and
no airbag has been removed or disabled (see info sheet 07-2009 https://www.lvvta.org.nz/documents/infosheets/LVVTA_Info_07-2009_Removal_of_Side_Airbag-equipped_Seats.pdf).
the seat of unstressed type (see note 1) and is either an unmodified OE seat from another vehicle or of a known and reputable aftermarket brand, and
no airbag has been removed or disabled, and
the seat is fitted to unmodified OE seat anchorages, and
the seatbelt anchorage or operation is not affected or moved, and
the seat components (including brackets, runners and rails) are compatible with each other, i.e. they are either OE components from a production vehicle or of a known and reputable aftermarket brand, and are not fitted together by welding, and
the relationship between seat, seat occupant, front airbag and location of the seatbelt anchorages is not affected.
Note LVV certification is not required where the only modification is the removal of seats and/or seatbelts. However, a class change, and a new load rating may be required in some cases.
So, your seats should NOT require certification
Note however that NZTA have had Lawyers involved, and WOF agents have suffered severe consequences on the say so of Lawyers
It would pay to double check your WOF agent if he will require LVV Certification.
Cheers
John
Hi there,
I have permanently removed the third seatbelt from my Mercedes sprinter campervan so I can have a dining area. Can I just have the C.O.F. altered to allow 2 people instead of 3 provided that nothing else has changed structurally ? Or does the whole vehicle need a new LVV cert?
Chris.
Hi Chris
You say you have removed the third seatbelt. Have you removed the seat as well? If it is a bench seat, the width determines how many seating positions, or if it is a single seat, it is clearly a seating position. As a seating position, you will need to retain the seatbelt required by the vehicle year, and class.
If you remove the seat and seatbelt, that is fine. I don’t think you need to do anything, for example plenty of vehicles e.g. Toyota Landcruiser 3rd row, have removable seating.
Of course the seats and seatbelts can be re-fitted at any time
It might be worth checking with your local WOF/COF agent to make sure that’s how they have read the rules
Cheers
John
Hi Have a Toyota Hiace which has been used as a trade vehicle. Want to convert this into a passenger vehicle. Not sure where to source seats from. any advice on this would be much appreciated.
thank you
Ron
Hi Ronald
Sorry I am long out of Low Volume Vehicle Certification
You will need to have seats and Seatbelt anchorages LVV Certified by a LVV Certifier
My practice (and I assume that of current LVV Certifiers) was to work with you to ensure that the final installation meets requirements.
I recommend that you contact the Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association to recommend a Certifer near you with the required categories, before you begin any work.
Cheers
John