Is it legal for a seat to be facing sideways in a vehicle?

Question

I have a Jeep Wrangler and would like to adjust the back seat so it is facing sideways. Its easier to get into and would look better that way. Is that legal to do?

Answer 1

yes but aseat belt is still needed 3 point or a lap belt is legal

Answer 2

yes. be safe though.

Answer 3

I guess if they allow it on city buses they probably would not have a problem with it on a Jeep.  In fact, I have seen some vehicles on occasion where the seat has been moved to one side to make more room.  I would think, though, if you were foolish to put someone in a sideways seat, you would be risking them if a higher speed frontal collision or a rear ender.  Especially in a Jeep.

Answer 4

I don't know in that situation..maybe call the DMV and ask..I do know there are pickup trucks with seats facing sideways..they pull down and are called jumpseats

Answer 5

I would suggest that you contact you local department of motor vehicles first because to me that would be more dangerous, also if it is legal, I would suggest that you also contact your insurance company as well.

Answer 6

I would say it's probably illegal to modify it from factory specification.

My brother had a Nissan pickup extended cab that had two "jump seats" in the rear of the cab facing the center. This was a factory deal though.

Answer 7

I don't know of a legal prohibition,  remember on many buses there are seats turned that way.   The problem arises in the proper mounting and where the seat belts attach to the body.     Making the proper arrangements for that could turn out quite expensive.    Also, in case of accident,  the support the seat and seat belts would provide would be greatly diminished.

Answer 8

Yes its legal, as a matter of fact if you go look at some of the smaller compact pickups such as the extended cab Ford Ranger the rear seats (called jump seats) actually sit sideways.

Answer 9

have you ever seen a city bus?