Originally Posted by NissanGQ4.2
Thanks, I found the info reassuring. I must admit that I had thought maybe having changed from the 2.5 seating - bench seat + single driver seat (plate says seating for 3) in my Dx Ute to 2 bucket seats from an ST should have had an engineers certificate which I didn’t have. However that VicRoads link makes it clear that what I’ve done requires no engineers certificate, making me 100% legal. Yay!
Mind you my previous reasoning for not seeking certification was the fact that I believed that in any accident situation that it would need to be proved that the seat change had been a contributing factor to have been of any consequence, & just could not imagine any situation in which that could have been the case - but it’s good to know that the legal situation ‘agrees’ with me.
When re-insuring the car with Club 4x4 recently, they stated clearly that so long as the vehicle is roadworthy & legal in the state it’s registered in they cover me. Nevertheless I informed them of the plated GVM upgrade, & they politely acknowledged it, but they didn’t need it specified on the insurance certificate as Shannons had previously.
Follow up: After posting the above I read on that VicRoads web site page:
“ If the modification has changed the seating description of the vehicle, or a VASS Approval Certificate is required, then you must visit VicRoads Customer Service Centre with:
- evidence of identity
- the vehicle
- a VASS Approval Certificate, if required.
So as I had nothing better to do, I drove across town to VicRoads office & patiently sat in their queue.
When my turn came I told the VicRoads staff member what I had done & my reason for coming in.
I was directed to bring my car to the inspection bay, whereupon the staff member stuck her head into the vehicle & said “Yep, that’s two seats”
I then asked if I would be provided with some evidence that I had advised VicRoads of the change of seating as the compliance plate says seating for 3.
“We can’t change a compliance plate” she said, & further agreed that the number of seats is not shown on the Registration certificate so the change would not be recorded there. “So it was a bit of a waste of time bringing it in?” I said. She smiled & shrugged her shoulders.
So I have no evidence that I have advised VicRoads of the change. Considering they say that they MUST be advised this seems rather odd to me.
Anyone had a similar experience? I was expecting I would at least be provided with a written confirmation of having advised them (for insurance purposes).
Reply With Quote