An on-off switch can deactivate the driver’s or passenger’s air bag. Almost all vehicles without rear seats or with small rear seats, such as pickups and sports cars, now include a passenger-side on-off switch as standard equipment. Check the Available Features chart for an individual vehicle at www.safercar.gov for the availability of on-off switches.

If you own a vehicle without an on-off switch and have a demonstrated need to have one installed by a dealer or repair facility, you may do so if you meet one of the following conditions:

• You must transport a child age 12 or under, including an infant riding in rear-facing infant seat, in the front passenger seat.
• You have a medical condition where the air bag poses a special risk that outweighs the risk of hitting your head, neck, or chest in a crash if the air bag is turned off.
• You cannot change your customary driving position and keep 10 inches between the center of the steering wheel and the center of your chest.

More details and an on-off switch request form may be obtained at www.safercar.gov/airbags. Given that on-off switches are not available for all vehicles, verify availability of a switch for the vehicle you want to purchase before you request authorization for switch installation.

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and www.safercar.gov