Back seats in car for a WOF?

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richms

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#304542 13-May-2023 16:05

I got a cheapie toyota raum to use while I was waiting for my tesla, and took the back seats out so that it is more useful.

Anyway, It needs a WOF.

Do I have to put them back in to get the wof? Mixed answers online about it when the seatbelts are still there so would rather not have 2 trips to VTNZ since just one trip takes long enough.

Richard rich.ms

Jase2985

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#3075835 13-May-2023 16:23

im pretty sure if it still has seatbelts it needs the seats, if it doesnt have seatbelts then it should be registered as a 2 seater.

k1w1k1d

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#3075839 13-May-2023 16:32

I removed the rear seat and belts in my previous work Japanese station wagon, so I could put a plywood deck down and built shelves. The local AA testing station let it through a couple of times and then insisted that I refit the belts or reregister it as a van. We reregistered it. Pretty sure it was the missing belts that were the issue. I refitted the seat and belts before we sold it.

I would suggest you ask your testing station for their advice before taking it through.

scuwp

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#3075842 13-May-2023 16:40

I am pretty sure that is classified as a modification. That's fine if you get it certified and vehicle attributes updated but otherwise that would be a reason to fail it.

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seats-and-seat-anchorages

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Bung

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#3075873 13-May-2023 17:45

scuwp:
I am pretty sure that is classified as a modification. That's fine if you get it certified and vehicle attributes updated but otherwise that would be a reason to fail it.

https://vehicleinspection.nzta.govt.nz/virms/in-service-wof-and-cof/general/vehicle-interior/seats-and-seat-anchorages

Check Table 7.1.1
"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."

Then in the VIRM section dealing with seat belts see Note 20

"Note 20
Where a seat has been removed, a seatbelt is not required for that position, and any remaining seatbelt or seatbelt anchorage components are not required to be inspected. Where seatbelt or seatbelt anchorage components remain fitted, and the vehicle is such that the removed seats can be readily re-fitted and used with the seatbelts, the vehicle inspector must:

Identify which seats were missing when the vehicle was presented for inspection, and
Advise the vehicle operator that the remaining seatbelt components have not been checked, and that if the missing seats are re-fitted at a later stage, it is the vehicle operators' responsibility to ensure that these seats and seatbelts are compliant prior to using them.
If the inspector chooses to inspect any remaining seatbelt components, then they should identify that to the vehicle operator. Any defects should be noted on the checksheet, but must not be failed. The same information as noted above must be recorded on the checksheet to make it clear that the responsibility lies with the vehicle operator if seats are re-fitted."

richms

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#3075920 13-May-2023 22:02

Bung:

Check Table 7.1.1
"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."

Then in the VIRM section dealing with seat belts see Note 20

"Note 20
Where a seat has been removed, a seatbelt is not required for that position, and any remaining seatbelt or seatbelt anchorage components are not required to be inspected. Where seatbelt or seatbelt anchorage components remain fitted, and the vehicle is such that the removed seats can be readily re-fitted and used with the seatbelts, the vehicle inspector must:

Identify which seats were missing when the vehicle was presented for inspection, and
Advise the vehicle operator that the remaining seatbelt components have not been checked, and that if the missing seats are re-fitted at a later stage, it is the vehicle operators' responsibility to ensure that these seats and seatbelts are compliant prior to using them.
If the inspector chooses to inspect any remaining seatbelt components, then they should identify that to the vehicle operator. Any defects should be noted on the checksheet, but must not be failed. The same information as noted above must be recorded on the checksheet to make it clear that the responsibility lies with the vehicle operator if seats are re-fitted."

Sweet, that means I should be good. Anyone dealt with VTNZ over this at all?

Richard rich.ms

phrozenpenguin

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#3075932 13-May-2023 23:38

We always put our third row seats back in our 8 seater before a WOF as I thought it wouldn't pass. Be interested as to how you get on.

Mattnzl

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#3075946 14-May-2023 07:18

I've had no issues with the missing row of seats in my Delica - the WOF sheet just has a note that the seats weren't fitted when tested.

(not done at VTNZ though)

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tweake

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#3075999 14-May-2023 12:02

richms:

Sweet, that means I should be good. Anyone dealt with VTNZ over this at all?

just remember that vtnz are the biggest bunch of idiots that will fail you over anything they can dream up. no shortage of stories around of their antics.

gzt

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#3076006 14-May-2023 12:42

tweake: just remember that vtnz are the biggest bunch of idiots that will fail you over anything they can dream up. no shortage of stories around of their antics.

Uncalled for. Personally I've always found it to be an excellent service. There's three or four I go to regularly. Having said that, my vehicles are original and unmodified. If you're in the modified category you might benefit from a specialist wof service.

richms

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#3076007 14-May-2023 12:48

tweake:

richms:

Sweet, that means I should be good. Anyone dealt with VTNZ over this at all?

just remember that vtnz are the biggest bunch of idiots that will fail you over anything they can dream up. no shortage of stories around of their antics.

I have found them ok if they have something to fail you on. Hang onto a dead brake light bulb and get failed on that.

Richard rich.ms

tweake

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#3076010 14-May-2023 13:02

gzt:
tweake: just remember that vtnz are the biggest bunch of idiots that will fail you over anything they can dream up. no shortage of stories around of their antics.

Uncalled for. Personally I've always found it to be an excellent service. There's three or four I go to regularly. Having said that, my vehicles are original and unmodified. If you're in the modified category you might benefit from a specialist wof service.

most of the issues i've seen are around standard non-modified cars. failing them on things that are not wof items, or havn't actually failed. so its most certainly called for. granted some will always be better than others.

independent garages can be worse with modified vehicles, some will not touch them at all. or nit pick over everything until the customer goes elsewhere.

Bung

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#3076060 14-May-2023 13:51

tweake:
most of the issues i've seen are around standard non-modified cars. failing them on things that are not wof items, or havn't actually failed. so its most certainly called for. granted some will always be better than others.

From clause 3.1.1.2 of VIRM introduction

A vehicle may be certified for operation in-service only if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has identified the vehicle and has determined, on reasonable grounds, that the vehicle meets all of the following:

a) it is safe to be operated under normal conditions of use, and

b) it has been designed and constructed using components and materials that are fit for their purpose, and is within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured or modified, and

c) it complies with the applicable requirements (all of which are contained within this manual), and

d) it has undergone specialist inspection and certification as required by paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 below and the specific aspects of the vehicle have been certified.

Everything isn't listed on the check list. You have to get past a & b before c, the items on the check sheet. You'd have to be more specific about what they failed you on.

lxsw20

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#3076065 14-May-2023 14:10

phrozenpenguin:

We always put our third row seats back in our 8 seater before a WOF as I thought it wouldn't pass. Be interested as to how you get on.

You get 28 days to repair any faults, i'd just leave them out and put them in if it doesn't pass.

tweake

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#3076068 14-May-2023 14:31

Bung:

From clause 3.1.1.2 of VIRM introduction

A vehicle may be certified for operation in-service only if a vehicle inspector or inspecting organisation has identified the vehicle and has determined, on reasonable grounds, that the vehicle meets all of the following:

a) it is safe to be operated under normal conditions of use, and

b) it has been designed and constructed using components and materials that are fit for their purpose, and is within safe tolerance of its state when manufactured or modified, and

c) it complies with the applicable requirements (all of which are contained within this manual), and

d) it has undergone specialist inspection and certification as required by paragraphs 4, 5, and 6 below and the specific aspects of the vehicle have been certified.

Everything isn't listed on the check list. You have to get past a & b before c, the items on the check sheet. You'd have to be more specific about what they failed you on.

failed on worn brake pads. brake pads are new.

failed on fog lights not working. car doesn't have fog lights.

failed on poor shock absorbers. not a wof item unless leaking.

failed on cracked windscreen. crack is on passenger side not driver side so not in drivers vision area.

the list goes on and on and on. i've forgotten far more than i can remember.

there is no shortage of the silly stuff people have reported over the years. its almost like the company has a policy that certain amount of vehicles must fail, but i would say its more like just lousy inspectors. especially as they don't make money on repairs so there is nothing to gain by failing them.

hence the very poor reputation. your local might be fine.

Bung

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#3076092 14-May-2023 15:45

First 2 no excuse. Shocks could be a performance item but since VTNZ don't normally road test so how would they evaluate. Windscreen damage outside driver's cva has a different set of limits but still counts.