Steering Wheel legal?

[JxBrooks]

So what makes it legal to have a quick release steering wheel? Since it has no airbag

[firstkingofbeer]

arent most of them marketed as off road use only?

[TartanJack]

Legal?
Maybe. Some require all safety (and emissions) equipment to remain. Others don't. I doubt South Carolina really cares.
I removed the one on my 90 Miata, TOLD my insurance company, and it made ZERO difference on my rates.

It also gets down to state laws and IF you value its presence in a crash.


Personally, . . .
Like I said, my Miata HAS NO AIRBAG! Its first generation bag has ALL the negatives associated w/ airbags, plus they weren't actually required then (in the 1989 introduction)- just some form of passive restraint system in the US market and not in other markets at ALL. Mazda chose the bag as it was the simplist to include in some markets, leave off on others, and lowest impact on design and parts availability (used an off-the-shelf Ford system, even has the Ford logo on it! -the control box-). The system included the bag, computer, sensors, a plate to keep the steering column in place a split second longer (for the system to work) before it collapsed, and an overlapped seat belt. I also removed some of the sensors, the steering column plate, and the computer too. It was easy.
It's off.

On the xB2 . . .
It's system is FAR more advanced, plus the airbag actually looks nice visually. So, that system is fully intact. Also, the system is a complex one, with many integrated and integral parts. The Miata's system was SIMPLE, the xB's isn't.
So, it will remain installed on it mine . . .

[TartanJack]

arent most of them marketed as off road use only?
Legal for the owner to remove the airbag and use the aftermarket part or not . . .
The quick release manufacturer WANTS the legal protection of "off road use only" on the item.

[Spoofa]

. delete.

[aalbertson3]

In Indiana it is illegal and your vehicle cannot be insured.

[TartanJack]

So what makes it legal to have a quick release steering wheel? Since it has no airbag

Check the Texas law . . .
Look through these:
Dig around here: http://law.justia.com/texas/codes/2005/tn.html
This one may be relevant-
http://law.justia.com/texas/codes/2005/tn/007.00.000547.00.html
(And for lights, tint, and many other common mods)
What I see on airbags is:
§ 547.614. RESTRICTIONS ON AIRBAGS. (a) A person commits
an offense if the person knowingly:
(1) installs or purports to install an airbag in a
vehicle; and
(2) does not install an airbag that meets all
applicable federal safety regulations for an airbag installed in a
vehicle of that make, model, and year.
(b) An offense under this section is a Class A misdemeanor.

Added by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 910, § 3, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.


This one may be relevant for lowering vehicles in Texas:
http://law.justia.com/texas/codes/2005/tn/007.00.000727.00.html
2005 Texas Transportation Code CHAPTER 727. MODIFICATION OF, TAMPERING WITH, AND EQUIPMENT OF MOTOR VEHICLES
§ 727.001. MINIMUM ROAD CLEARANCE OF CERTAIN VEHICLES;
OFFENSE. (a) A person commits an offense if the person operates on
a public roadway a passenger or commercial vehicle that has been
modified from its original design or weighted so that the clearance
between any part of the vehicle other than the wheels and the
surface of the level roadway is less than the clearance between the
roadway and the lowest part of the rim of any wheel in contact with
the roadway.
(b) An offense under this section is a misdemeanor
punishable by a fine not to exceed $50."

Acts 1995, 74th Leg., ch. 165, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1995.




Here's the South Carolina law I operate under:
http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t56c005.htm

[Spoofa]

I dont know if you actually plan on driving this vehicle... but if so good luck if you get in a wreck.


:-(


Replacing the steering wheel isn't recommended.

[jahoppe50]

In Indiana it is illegal and your vehicle cannot be insured.


:'-(