Does anyone know of infant car seats need the padding on the straps?

[TruckLoadOfSubtleGlitter]

Because I really need to take them off.

I know they are there for comfort, but are they there for safety?

This is just a random internet picture example.
Those massive pads on his chest.

The straps keep getting twisted every time we use the car seat and I want to take those massive pads off to stop it happening.

Legally and safety wise I don't know. But I took them off with mine as they got in the way and made it difficult to tighten. I would warn that in the summer the straps rubbed baby's neck a little if we were not careful. But it's winter so not so much a issue