by Dr. Radut

Q&A - Replacing Airbags

Published by DriveSmartBC -

Q&A ImageIf my vehicle was originally equipped with driver's airbag(s) and the ARS is deployed in a collision, etc. and the vehicle is repaired, do I have to replace the ARS in order to legally operate the vehicle? Or can I drive without ARS?

Published by DriveSmartBC - 2012/11/03 - 11:18 | Permalink

I wrote about making sure that the air bags were operational after you either purchased a used vehicle or perhaps were the victim of less than scrupulous repair businesses.

The inspection manual used by Designated Inspection Facilities in British Columbia requires that the inspector reject the vehicle if there is evidence that the airbag is missing, disconnected, inoperative or not re-installed to OEM standards or the airbag indicator lamp fails to light in the manner prescribed by the manufacturer.

So, it is not legal to operate a vehicle on BC's highways if the air bags are not in proper working order.

Published by WARMAIT1961 - 2023/01/11 - 10:49 | Permalink

While your vehicle will have front airbags, Transport Canada doesn’t require them. The US government does – but Canada instead mandates a front occupant safety standard which, in theory, could let automakers use any system that meets it.

There is some definite grey areas here. While cars sold in BC will come with airbags, you can apply to install a switch to turn them off.

I feel that this is a liability rule (you must sign a waiver that you understand the risks.... ).

In the event that you have to take the vehicle through a provincial inspection, all oem installed devices (including airbags) must be in good working order.

This is more or less moot, as BC does not have yearly or safety inspections for passenger vehicles.

When I asked ICBC about this, their reply was that there was shown to be "No benefit shown, through all of their data. for the inspection program to be useful."

Now, what is the law regarding a vehicle being driven dailly with the airbags disabled due to a fault or an activation?

We make certain to add a message to the work order, explaining that, when the light is on, Airbags will Not deploy. And we have the customer sign it.

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