Removed Seats? You Need a Modification Plate in Queensland
I inspected this Mercedes Sprinter in Alexandra Hills today. The owner was converting it and had removed the rear seats. Before I could complete the roadworthy, we needed to sort out the seating capacity with a modification plate. He did the right thing – got an LK1 mod plate from me for $250, and the van passed the inspection.
This situation comes up regularly, especially with van owners and 4WD owners. Here’s what you need to know.
The seating capacity must match the records
During a roadworthy inspection, I check that the number of seats in the vehicle matches what’s listed on the compliance plate or, for newer vehicles manufactured after 2022 that may not have a physical compliance plate, the RAV/ROVER record.
If seats have been removed and the actual seating capacity doesn’t match the official records, the vehicle cannot pass a roadworthy inspection. It doesn’t matter if the seats were removed neatly or professionally – without official certification, the seating capacity is wrong and it’s a fail.
The same applies if seats have been added. The number of seats must match the records, or the change must be certified.
Who needs to know this?
This catches a lot of people off guard. The most common situations I see:
Van conversions. Sprinters, HiAces, Transits – people converting vans for camping, trade use, or mobile businesses regularly remove the rear seats. Without a mod plate, the van fails the roadworthy.
4WD owners. Removing the rear seats in a Prado, Patrol, or LandCruiser for extra cargo space is common. Same rule applies – the seating capacity must be certified.
Tradies. Utes and vans with rear seats removed to fit tool storage or shelving. If the seats are gone, you need a mod plate.
Anyone who bought a vehicle with seats already removed. If the previous owner removed seats without getting a mod plate, the problem is now yours. You need to either refit the seats or get a mod plate before the vehicle can pass.
What is an LK1 modification plate?
An LK1 modification plate is a Queensland-issued plate that certifies a change in seating capacity. It gets permanently attached to the vehicle and officially records the new number of seats. Once the plate is fitted, the modified seating capacity is recognised and the vehicle can pass a roadworthy with the seats removed.
Important – modification plates from other states are not valid for Queensland registration. If your vehicle has a mod plate from NSW, Victoria, or any other state, it is not recognised in Queensland. You need a Queensland-issued plate.
I only fit LK1 mod plates. Seating capacity changes, nothing else. No other mod plates, of any kind. If you need a different modification code, you will need a specialist.
I also only do light vehicles – anything you can drive on a car licence. No buses, no trucks, nothing that needs a heavier licence class.
Motorcycles are a separate case: a seating capacity change on a motorcycle does not need a mod plate at all. Single seat vs double seat motorcycles in Queensland covers that one.
What about the floor where the seats were?
When seats are removed, the mounting bolts come out and leave holes in the floor. These holes must be properly closed. No sharp bolts or mounting hardware should be sticking up out of the floor where someone could step on them or get injured.
If seats have been removed and the bolt holes are left open with sharp edges or protruding bolts, that’s an additional fail point on top of the missing mod plate. Make sure the floor is clean, flat, and safe after removing seats.
Adding seats - get it done properly
Adding seats is the same story in reverse – the seating capacity changes and needs to be certified with a mod plate. But adding seats also comes with a safety consideration.
If the vehicle is pre-prepared for additional seats by the manufacturer – some vans have factory mounting points for optional extra rows – fitting them is straightforward. But if the vehicle was never designed for additional seats in that location, the installation needs to be done properly. Seats need to be securely mounted to handle the forces of a crash. I strongly recommend getting seat installations done by a professional if the vehicle isn’t already set up for them.
If the seats you are fitting are original – built by the manufacturer for that model of vehicle – it is usually straightforward. If you are fitting aftermarket seats, call me before you book. That one needs a conversation first.
One case that catches people out: a vehicle that left the factory as an eight seater, was mod plated down to two, and is now going back to eight still needs a new plate. Every change to the seating capacity needs its own plate – including a change that puts the vehicle back to its original seating capacity.
How to book
LK1 mod plates can now be booked directly through my online booking system – $250 booked online, $260 booked over the phone (see prices). You no longer need to book a roadworthy and add a note. The $250 covers the mod plate only – a roadworthy is not included. If you need a roadworthy as well, add it to the same booking for $110 and I do both in the one visit. Allow about 30 minutes for the mod plate on its own.
I also fit mod plates for campervan conversions. If you’re buying or selling a backpacker campervan, read this first.
Outside my service area? If you are in Brisbane, Ipswich or on the Gold Coast, send me your suburb through the contact form. Mod plates are hard to find and the extra travel is sometimes worth it. I will come back to you with a yes or no and a price. Not guaranteed.
Common questions
How much does an LK1 mod plate cost in Queensland?
$250 booked online, $260 booked over the phone. That covers the mod plate only – a roadworthy is not included.
Do I need a roadworthy as well?
Not necessarily – the mod plate can be done on its own. If you do need one, add it to the same booking for $110 and I do both in the one visit.
How long does an LK1 mod plate take?
Roughly 30 minutes for the plate on its own.
I am putting the seats back in – do I still need a mod plate?
Yes. Every seating capacity change needs its own plate, including a change that returns the vehicle to its original seating capacity.
Do motorcycles need a mod plate for a seating capacity change?
No. A seating capacity change on a motorcycle does not need a mod plate.
Can you fit other types of mod plate?
No. I only fit LK1 mod plates for seating capacity changes on light vehicles. No other mod plates.
