Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations

2.3 In the case of any bench or split-bench seat having more than 1 270 mm of hip room, as measured in accordance with sections 6.1.34, 6.2.31 and 6.4.27 of SAE Recommended Practice J1100, Motor Vehicle Dimensions (February 2001), in a passenger car, truck or multi-purpose passenger vehicle having a GVWR of less than 4 536 kg, the seat shall be deemed to contain not less than three designated seating positions unless the seat design or vehicle design is such that the central space is not capable of being used as a seating position.