The requirements for removing seats will vary depending on:

the gross vehicle mass (GMV) of the vehicle
the original vehicle category
the new vehicle category
when the vehicle was manufactured

Where a seat has been removed, the corresponding seatbelt must also be removed.

Modifications requiring a VASS Approval Certificate

A VASS Approval Certificate is required:

for vehicles with a GVM over 4.5 tonnes
for light vehicles with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes or less manufactured after 1969, the permanent removal of a Category 1 seat
to accommodate wheelchair seated occupants where Category 1 seats require removal, or
to convert a vehicle to a motorhome (refer to VSI 5 – Conversion of vehicles to motor homes on the Vehicle Standards Information page).

The removal of seats must be assessed by a VASS signatory when there is a vehicle ADR category change.

Some common examples of vehicle ADR category changes include:

a bus with 13 seats or more reduced to 12 seats or less
a bus with 10 seats or more reduced to 9 seats or less, or
reducing the seating capacity of a passenger vehicle or bus which changes its ADR vehicle category from a passenger carrying vehicle to a goods carrying vehicle

A vehicle is considered a goods carrying vehicle if it can transport more weight in goods than it can seated passengers (including the driver) at the same time.

This is calculated by taking the number of Category 1 seating positions and multiplying each one by 68kg. If the total weight of the seated occupants is less than 50 percent of the difference between the vehicle’s Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) and unladen mass (tare) – it is considered a goods carrying vehicle.

Modifications not requiring a VASS Approval Certificate

A VASS Approval Certificate is not required for:

light motor vehicles with a GVM of 4.5 tonnes and under, manufactured prior to 1969. The vehicle must continue to meet the requirements in the Road Safety (Vehicles) Regulations 2021.
temporary removal of seats. This includes quick release seats and removal of seats that do not change a vehicle’s ADR category

You will need to advise VicRoads when you permanently reduce the number of seats in a vehicle. Further information is available below. See 'Advising VicRoads'.

Adding or removing seats

Acknowledgement of Country

Inclusivity

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