Airbags

[simplicity05]

Is it illegal to take 'em out? I.e. aftermarket steering wheel?

[JonsZX2SR]

You have to check with laws in your state. It may be okay for the owner to drive without an airbag, but you may not be allowed to let anyone else drive the car, because of uncertain resonsibility for personal injuries.

There are insurance issues you should check. You may need to notify your insurance company and they may decide not to insure you. If you are involved in accident, even one that is not your fault, you may get reduced or not payout for you injuries if the airbag is removed or disabled.

The safety equipment is there for a reason. Athough it is not 100% foolproof, removing it can have consequences.

[simplicity05]

I understand all the consequences physically, I'm just worried about getting nailed if I get pulled over. Plus I have a weird shaped body I guess - my legs are long where I need the seat all the way back (and it's still not back far enough on stock rails) but I can barely reach the wheel. So I was thinking going with a aftermarket + spacer.

[Eckz]

Here in Ontario (Canada), its legal to take out the airbag, but the passenger has to have one.

they say you should call insurance and all the other non-sense.. your personal preference though ..

My clockspring is gone, and I bought a leather wrapped GT wheel, so Im just gonna put that on..

[mechtech]

In Illinois, you can switch off the passenger air bag. Since the factory HAS a switch [on many cars], that shows us something
Studies have shown that for young children, the death rate goes way up with those way overpriced air bags.
Check state and local laws. They are different and change according to how noble the politicians want to appear to be.

[iceracer]

" Noble Politicians", now there is an oxy moron.

[outkastrooster]

yes check with your staes law here in connecticut legal to remove both so i did

[simplicity05]

Anyone know of a resource to check these laws out online? I can't seem to find any via google.

[outkastrooster]

your state dmv.gov

[simplicity05]

Still nothing. Maybe I'll have to call the police station to find out for sure...

[mechtech]

Call the Police Station to make sure?

I wouldn't consider any opinion there to be up to Moses' 10 Commandments.

[iceracer]

I dunno. This one of those gray areas. They are required by the federal gov't for the manufacturer to install them. As for state laws and end use by the vehicle owner makes for a real conundrum.

[smoke-n-squeal]

Like everyone else says check your state law. But I don't think the insurance company can discriminate aginst you for taking them out I belive that's against the law. I'm not sure about anyone else but I would much rather not have those thing blowing up in my face. Nothing like crashing at 60 MPH and as your head flys forward having something blow up in your face. It's like your hiting it at 200 MPH. Just make the seat belts so you don't go flying forward. That's where racing technology needs to make it in production.

[Buster]

Your insurance company would remove the discount for them if they found out.

I don't know what would result if you had an accident and didn't have them while you accepted the discount. Insurance fraud? If they really wanted to...

[simplicity05]

I've been in a couple pretty crazy accidents and have never had the bags go off, so I'm inclined to chuck 'em to get a wheel/spacer to fit myself since I have to be in the car every day for a couple hours, not to mention the 6+ hour road trips I've taken in it.

I'm even content in leaving in the passenger side bag. Just to be able to get comfy in my car is enough for me.

And I'd call the PO Station to get their take on it since they'll be the ones breakin' muh bawls if it IS against the law to not have them.

Edit: Of course, useless frickin' PO... called 'em up and they refered me to the MN DMV, which is closed 'till monday. FAIL!

[Larka]

Like everyone else says check your state law. But I don't think the insurance company can discriminate aginst you for taking them out I belive that's against the law. I'm not sure about anyone else but I would much rather not have those thing blowing up in my face. Nothing like crashing at 60 MPH and as your head flys forward having something blow up in your face. It's like your hiting it at 200 MPH. Just make the seat belts so you don't go flying forward. That's where racing technology needs to make it in production.


The insurance company gives you discounts if you have airbags. If you take them out, they can take them away. If you don't notify them, you can get in big trouble.

And most cars DO have seat belts that stop you from flying forward. Go out somewhere and get up to speed and slam on your brakes. Or take a corner really fast. The seatbelt locks up when you do that.

[simplicity05]

I actually lean back as far as I can in my seat, then just give my belt a quick grab and tug (my seat belt mind you :P) to lock it in for my daily driving.