Air Bags: On-Off Switches

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