Are airbags a legal requirement?

There is no specific legal requirement for cars used on the road to have an airbag. However, most new cars have a front airbag for the driver as standard equipment. Airbags are sometimes referred to as ‘supplementary restraint systems’ ( SRS ) as they are designed to enhance the protection offered by seat belts.

Are airbags required for MOT?

This inspection is for all airbags fitted as original equipment other than on Class 3 vehicles. A passenger airbag that is switched off is not a defect….7.1. 5. Airbags.

Will no airbag fail MOT?

So whilst driving a car with possibly faulty airbags is far from ideal, an inoperative airbag light should NOT fail the MOT (refer your MOT garage to VOSA if they think otherwise). This will at least keep your car legal while you investigate and repair the light, and any faults it might indicate.

Can you disconnect airbags?

But the passenger airbag can be deactivated if the car is equipped with a Passenger Airbag Cut Off Switch (PACOS). In most cases, to disable the airbag you need to have the ignition switched off to avoid any possible malfunctions. The PACOS is usually located in the passenger side of the dash board.

How much does it cost to replace airbags UK?

Often, sensors, springs and other pieces must be replaced. Not forgetting the labour cost involved in replacing an airbag, which is not something to be done by an inexperienced mechanic. The total cost of replacing an airbag can be over £700, and in some cars the cost can be anywhere close to £2000.

Is it legal to remove the airbag steering wheel?

Are these aftermarket steering wheels illegal? If your car does have an airbag, there technically isn’t a law saying that you can’t change out your steering wheel, but you could end up getting a ticket if ever get pulled over since you removed the airbag from the car.

Will an airbag light fail inspection?

It depends on your state requirements if you fail a car inspection with an airbag light on. Although, in general, you’ll want to have your airbags checked right away if you notice this warning light turned on. If your airbag light is on, they may not deploy in an accident, causing you serious injuries or even death.

Is airbag light an MOT failure 2020?

If your car’s airbag warning light is on during your MOT, you will need to schedule a second visit. In fact, this indicator light is considered a major reason to fail your MOT, since it directly impacts your safety.

Will a car pass inspection with airbag light on?

It depends on your state requirements if you fail a car inspection with an airbag light on. Although, in general, you’ll want to have your airbags checked right away if you notice this warning light turned on. Usually, it’s just an easy, inexpensive fix.

Who can disable an airbag?

To legally disable an airbag you need to submit a written request to NHTSA and, if approved, the work has to be done by an authorized dealer or shop. They’ll install an on-off switch so that the airbag can be enabled whenever the vehicle occupant doesn’t meet the requirements for deactivation.

What happens when you remove an airbag fuse?

Every vehicle I’ve worked on has had an airbag fuse you can remove from the fuse panel to fully disable the airbag; the repair manuals recommend pulling this fuse when doing any work in the dash area since there’s some risk of triggering the airbags to go off while you’re working, which could result in serious injury …