Disabling Airbags: When and How?
When can the passenger airbag be switched off?
The passenger airbag must be switched off when a rear-facing child seat (reboarder) is installed on the passenger seat. This is legally required – an active airbag would hit the child seat with full force upon deployment and seriously injure the child. In all other cases, the airbag must remain activated.
Deactivating the passenger airbag is not a matter to be taken lightly. The airbag saves lives in an accident – its deactivation is therefore only permitted and sensible in precisely defined situations. The legal basis is § 35 para. 8 StVZO.
What does the law say?
According to § 35 para. 8 StVZO, rear-facing child seats may not be installed on passenger seats with an operational airbag. The passenger airbag must therefore be deactivated before a reboarder is installed on the passenger seat. With forward-facing child seats, the airbag remains active.
| Situation | Airbag Status | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Rear-facing child seat (reboarder) | Must be deactivated | Legal requirement (§ 35 StVZO) |
| Forward-facing child seat | Remains activated | Seat pushed back as far as possible |
| Booster seat | Remains activated | Child sits in direction of travel |
| Adult passenger | Must be activated | Airbag provides protection in accident |
| Empty passenger seat | Irrelevant (no deployment) | Seat occupancy mat detects empty seat |
Fine for violation
Anyone transporting a child in a rear-facing child seat on the passenger seat without deactivating the airbag risks a fine of 25 euros. More serious is the injury risk: if the airbag deploys, the force of the air cushion hits directly on the back of the child seat.
How is the passenger airbag switched off?
Most modern vehicles have a key switch in the glove compartment or on the dashboard that can be used to deactivate the passenger airbag. Some newer models automatically recognize the child seat via a transponder and switch off the airbag independently. A warning light on the dashboard shows the status.
| Method | Procedure | Vehicles |
|---|---|---|
| Key switch | Turn with ignition key in glove compartment | Most common solution for all brands |
| Automatic recognition | Transponder in child seat is recognized | Newer premium models |
| Workshop coding | Deactivation via diagnostic device | Vehicles without switch |
| Retrofit switch | Install key switch afterwards | Older vehicles (with expert report) |
Step-by-step: Key switch
- Turn off ignition: Stop the engine
- Open glove compartment: Find key switch (usually on the side)
- Insert key: Use ignition key or special key
- Turn to "OFF": Airbag is deactivated
- Check warning light: "Passenger Airbag OFF" must appear in display
- Install child seat: Rear-facing on passenger seat
Important: After removing the child seat, the airbag must be reactivated. The "Passenger Airbag OFF" indicator must never be lit when adult passengers are present.
What should be noted with forward-facing child seats?
With forward-facing child seats, the passenger airbag remains activated. It is important to push the passenger seat back as far as possible so that there is sufficient distance between the child and the dashboard. The operating instructions for the vehicle and child seat must be observed.
- Push seat back as far as possible: Maximum distance from dashboard
- Leave airbag active: Provides additional protection
- Follow instructions: Read vehicle and child seat manufacturer guidelines
- Do not put feet on dashboard: Risk of injury if airbag deploys
Can the passenger airbag be retrofitted?
For vehicles without a key switch, a deactivation option can be retrofitted. This requires an expert report according to § 22 StVZO and the modification must be entered in the vehicle registration document. The retrofit may only be performed by a specialist workshop.
Alternatively, the ADAC recommends using child seats on the rear seats as a general rule. The safest places for children are in the rear right or in the middle. Only in exceptional cases – such as with two-seaters – should the passenger seat be used for children.
When must the airbag NOT be switched off?
The passenger airbag must never be deactivated when an adult passenger is traveling. Even with forward-facing child seats, the airbag must remain activated. Permanent deactivation without reason is not permitted and endangers occupants in an accident.
- Adult passenger: Airbag must always be active
- Forward-facing child seat: Airbag remains active
- Booster seat: Airbag remains active
- Permanent deactivation: Not permitted, TÜV deficiency
Frequently asked questions about switching off the airbag
Here you will find answers to the most important questions about deactivating the passenger airbag.
Where do I find the key switch?
The key switch is located in the glove compartment (on the side of the inner wall) in most vehicles, sometimes also on the dashboard on the passenger side. The exact position is described in your vehicle's manual. Not all vehicles have a key switch – with some models, the workshop must perform the deactivation via coding.
Does the seat occupancy mat recognize the child seat?
Some modern vehicles recognize via the seat occupancy mat that a light child is sitting on the seat and automatically deactivate the airbag. However, this function is not available on all models. If in doubt, use the key switch – manual deactivation is always the safest option for rear-facing child seats.
What happens in an accident with the airbag deactivated?
With the passenger airbag deactivated, it will not deploy upon impact. This is intentional with a rear-facing child seat and protects the child. However, if an adult is sitting on the passenger seat with the airbag deactivated, that person has no airbag protection in a frontal collision.
Do I need to reactivate the airbag after removing the child seat?
Yes, absolutely. As soon as the rear-facing child seat is removed, the passenger airbag must be reactivated. If you forget, the next adult passenger will be driving without airbag protection. The "Passenger Airbag OFF" warning light serves as a reminder.