Technical bulletins

24 Recording the number of seats for self-propelled motorhomes

Vehicle inspection requirements manual references

This bulletin gives guidance to vehicle inspectors in applying the following requirements in the VIRM: Entry certification:

Application

This bulletin applies to self-propelled motorhome vehicles undergoing entry certification in New Zealand.

Requirements

When recording the number of seats in a self-propelled motorhome, the vehicle inspector must take the following factors into account:

  • the number of seats recorded on the importation documents (eg the de-registration or export certificate), and
  • the number of seats fitted by the vehicle manufacturer, and
  • the date of manufacture or conversion to a motorhome.
Vehicles manufactured or converted to a motorhome before 1 October 2003

The inspector should only count the fixed seats originally fitted by the vehicle manufacturer, not additional seats constructed by folding up or repositioning squabs, tables or beds.

The number of seats recorded in LANDATA should not exceed the number of seats recorded on the importation documents.

The vehicle must be fitted with seatbelts appropriate for the class of vehicle it was recorded as when first registered as a motorhome.

Examples

1. A motorhome manufactured in 2001 is imported. Two seats are indicated on the de-registration certificate. There are six seating positions in the vehicle but four of these seating positions fold down into beds. The vehicle should be recorded in LANDATA as a two-seater.

2. A vehicle is imported with eight seats indicated on the de-registration certificate. There are three factory seats in the front, with two seats in the rear that fold down into beds. The vehicle should be recorded in LANDATA as a three-seater.

Vehicles manufactured or converted to a motorhome after 1 October 2003

The number of seating positions recorded in LANDATA should match the number of sleeping berths.

The vehicle must be fitted with:

a) seatbelts in front seating positions as specified for class MB vehicles in the VIRM: In-service certification Table 7-5-3 (column three).

b) seatbelts in rear seating positions as specified for class MB vehicles in the VIRM: In-service certification Table 7-5-3 (column three) for at least as many rear seating positions as the number of sleeping berths minus the number of front seating positions.

c) a notice displayed in a prominent location, which recommends on safety grounds that passengers use the seats that are fitted with seatbelts when the vehicle is travelling, and stating that it is compulsory to wear fitted seatbelts.

Example

1. A motorhome manufactured in 2004 is imported. The vehicle has five sleeping berths. There are two front seating positions. There must be at least three rear seating positions fitted with lap or lap-and-diagonal seatbelts. The vehicle should be recorded in LANDATA as a five-seater.

2. A motorhome manufactured in 2004 is imported. The vehicle has two sleeping berths. There are two front seating positions and there is a two-seat sofa in the rear. There is no requirement to have any of the rear seating positions fitted with belts. The vehicle should be recorded in LANDATA as a two-seater.

Page amended 1 March and 11 March 2016 (see amendment details).

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