Replacing seats
An Approval Certificate is not required for a replacement seat provided:

* the seat is offered by the manufacturer as an option and is replacing and existing seat
* the original seat mountings are used
* appropriate seat belts are fitted.

An Approval Certificate is required if:
* the replacement seat was not offered by the manufacturer as an option
* the vehicle was manufactured on or after 1 January 1969.

For more information about adding seats, see the Vehicle Standards Information No.19 - Additional or replacement seats [PDF 174KB, 2pp]

For vehicles manufactured before 1969 the seat anchorages must be of at least equivalent strength to the original anchorages. A VASS member should be consulted if there is any doubt regarding the strength of the anchorage or any part of the seat installation.

Owners should ensure that the seat and its anchorages comply with any applicable ADR requirements (possibly by certification from the seat manufacturer or by an engineering signatory) and the appropriate seat belts are fitted to all seating positions.
Vehicle Standards Bulletin No. 5 issued by DOTARS covers requirements for the manufacture of additional seats.

GT, there is VERY minimal information in the RTA document, do you have another link which clarifies the non-exemption of pre-ADR vehicles?

I don't see where it mentions pre-adr vehicles at all?

Things do seem considerably easier in Vic.

Exactly. It is a blanket requirement, covering ADR and pre-ADR vehicles. Things do seem considerably easier in Vic.

as per usual... it's suck to live in NSW

Even (Factory) Option seats require 'Owner Certification'.

Got this email from the RTA;-

Aftermarket seat and installation require an engineers report, regardless of age or ADR's.

Regards

RTA Tech Enq

I'd be interested to see his response to the above points, as his POV is in direct conflict with their documentation.

edit: could you please forward me this RTA Tech Eng's email, as I'm moving to NSW in a month and want to install WRX seats into my pre ADR mini.

http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index ... dback.form

I'll post the tech's return email address in the morning, I don't have it on this PC. Make your own enquiries.

I'll post the tech's return email address in the morning, I don't have it on this PC. Make your own enquiries.

as per usual... it's suck to live in NSW

Owner certified minor modifications are generally those modifications which were optional equipment for the vehicle concerned. Owner certified modifications also include some non-standard modifications of a minor nature which do not affect the level of safety, strength or reliability of vital systems such as brakes and steering. These modifications have little or no impact upon the vehicle’s level of compliance with the Australian Design Rules.Examples of minor (owner certified) modifications are:

�� Engine changes where the capacity increase is less than 15% above the maximum size engine available for the
vehicle (providing no major structural modifications are necessary and where noise and/or exhaust emission ADRs apply, all standard equipment such as carburettors, exhaust systems, exhaust gas recirculating valves,
oxygen sensors and catalytic convertors relating to noise and emission control are retained and operate correctly).

�� The fitting of a proprietary sunroof (if the modifications are of a minor nature only).

�� Fitting a ‘package’ available as optional equipment for the vehicle (eg front disc brakes, power steering, alternative transmission and bucket or bench seats).

�� Additional lighting eg fog & driving lights.

�� Alternative wheels and tyres within the owner certified limits set by the Authority (see Vehicle Standards Information Sheet No. 9 Guidelines for alternative wheels & tyres).

�� Fitting of handling enhancing suspension components such as roll stabiliser bars and up-rated shock absorbers.

Major modifications which fall outside the category of minor (owner certified) modifications require submission of certification by an RTA recognised engineering signatory. This is usually in the form of an Engineering certificate prepared by the signatory.