- Laws of Fiji

Last Updated: 25 April 2022

[LAT 10,285] Seating capacity of public service vehicles56

(1) In determining the number of persons for which a public service vehicle has passenger seating capacity, the following provisions apply—

(a)if separate seats for each person are provided, one person must be counted for each separate seat;
(b)the width of each separate seat must not be less than 400 mm when measured in accordance with paragraph (c);
(c)if the vehicle is fitted with continuous seats, one person must be counted for each complete length of 400 mm measured in a straight line lengthwise 150 mm above the level of the seat and 150 mm forward of the back squab;
(d)if a continuous seat is fitted with arms for the purpose of separating the seating spaces and the arms are constructed so that they can be folded back or otherwise put out of use, the seat must be measured with the arms down;
(e)in the case of perimeter seating, one seating position must be counted for each corner and the first seating position adjacent to it must be measured not less than 500 mm from the intersection of the front of the seat squabs;
(f)in calculating the passenger seating capacity of the vehicle, the driver's seat is excluded;
(g)if a radius edge is fitted on the edge of any seat to permit easy access for passengers, the seat must be measured as if there were no radius.

(2) For the purpose of this regulation a continuous seat which is contoured or shaped to provide defined seating positions is treated as providing separate seating.

(3) If the vehicle is required to be fitted with seat belts the number of seating positions must not exceed the number of seat belts.

(4) For the purpose of this regulation, “driver's seat” means—

(a)a separate seat provided to be occupied by a driver of a vehicle; or
(b)if no separate seat is provided, a part of a continuous seat of a vehicle—
- (i)if the gear shift lever is on the floor of the vehicle, that extends from the right edge of the seat if the vehicle is steered from the right hand side, or from the left edge of the seat if the vehicle is steered from the left hand side to a point directly behind the head of the gear shift lever when in a position furthest from the driver; or
- (ii)in any other case, 400 mm of the right hand edge if the vehicle is steered from the right hand side or 400 mm of the left hand edge if the vehicle is steered from the left hand side.