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I am looking at buying a second hand 1991 Ford Festiva 3-door hatchback.

I have noticed that there are no seatbelts fitted for the rear seats. After checking on-line, I have discovered the car is registered as a Goods Van/Truck/Utility vehicle.

Presumably it has been able to pass its Warrant of Fitness inspections to date because of this.

I just wanted to ask if this is legal and would I have any trouble in the future passing a WOF?

Daniel

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 6 APril 2011

It sounds like the car has been registered as a NA commercial class vehicle which means it is exempt from requiring rear seat belts.

Technically speaking the rear seats should be removed or folded in a way they cannot be used.

You can continue to drive the car under this classification however you should not allow the rear seats to be used. In other words it must remain a 2-seater vehicle.

If you want to use the rear seats then seat belts will need to be installed and the type class change to a MA.

The paper work required can be completed at a Vehicle Testing Station (once the seat belts are fitted).

Be aware also that because of the higher ACC levies for a 'commercial' vehicle, the annual licence fees are higher for this (class NA) vehicle than a normal passenger car, i.e. it currently costs $333.51 a year to re-licence compared to $287.87 for a car.