Are airlines allowed to leave the seats at overwing emergency exits/self-help exits empty?

Over-wing emergency exits, also referred to as self-help exits, may not be manned by cabin crew. Airlines have the discretion to manage the seating of their passengers at such exits if they have established procedures to ensure expeditious evacuation if required. Passengers seated at these exits may be required to operate the exits and are required to be briefed on the operation of these exits before take-off and if required, before landing.

For more information, please refer to Regulation 17 and Regulation 18 of Air Navigation Regulation - 121. For additional guidance, refer to Advisory Circular - AC 121-1-1.