As I suspected my car failed on it's stupid Wishbone rear bushes -.- ordered some powerflex ones anyways. It also failed because I've got a Momo steering wheel fitted and it didn't have an airbag, apparently it's a new law so just a heads up for people with aftermarket steering wheels !

I cannot find the legislation for the MOT at the moment but I was under the impression that the only "new law" brought in recently was that the vechicle if fitted with a DPF must be present from Feb this year. 

 

I know if you have an after market steering wheel and the airbag light is on it's a fail. Is that light lit on your dash?

 

Niall 

Edited 14 February, 201412 yr by Gobsheene

I cannot find the legislation for the MOT at the moment but I was under the impression that the only "new law" brought in recently was that the vechicle if fitted with a DPF must be present from Feb this year.

I know if you have an after market steering wheel and the airbag light is on it's a fail. Is that light lit on your dash?

Niall

thats what I thought, airbag light isn't on either had it taken off.

My last mot had "aftermarket steering wheel fitted - no airbag" as an advisory. ******s getting harsh! 

 http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s02000101.htm

 

Have a look here and read through in-case you see something I miss. Currently looking at it myself.

 

 

I seen a thread on PH stating about Track dedicated cars and Rally cars, seeking their MOT from a specialist thats more likely to know the laws around this and there may be a more lenient yet still legal route taken. 

 

In Northern Ireland we don't have this luxury and have MOT centers which are government run not just local garages.

http://www.motinfo.gov.uk/htdocs/m4s05000401.htm

I suspect section 5.4 is the relevant one in this case.Especially the bit about original fittings.

Edited 14 February, 201412 yr by ilikeradios

Yep.

Method of inspection:

As far as practicable, check that all airbags fitted as original equipment are present and not obviously defective.

Reason for rejection

An airbag obviously missing or defective. Note: A passenger airbag that has been switched off is not a Reason for Rejection

The DPF/Cat change were two of a number of changes brought in.

A missing airbag that was fitted as standard is a fail.  I've never seen any Fabia without a drivers airbag, so it's a safe bet that the fail is justified, this can also be proven from the chassis number as it contains data as to how many airbags were fitted to the car when it was made.

 

This has been a fail since a load of new changes finally came into effect about half way through last year.

 

You've got it worse in N. I. as your aftermarket HIDs require a cleaning system to be fitted.

I was just told to put the steering wheel with the airbag back in for it to pass then take it back out after it's been retested

Damn, sounds like I need to get a steering wheel and airbag for mine (Momo leather steering wheel & airbag light off)

Couldn't removing the airbag affect your insurance?

As long as it's declared no, like any other mod

As long as it's declared no, like any other mod

 

I see.

 

Well, I'd rather keep something that may stop my face getting mashed in, but that's just me.

Why anyone would want to drive a car without an airbag really puzzles me ! 

Because standard steering wheels are **** and too big, a 300mm momo gives a lot better feel, a seatbelt is there too stop you slamming forward, an airbag smashes you in the face after your seatbelt has stopped you, rather not have one but each to their own like you said !

Also stops you head butting the steering wheel when a head on crash pushes the front end towards you. I don't want an argument about it but just seems daft to me. Can you not get something similar with one installed ? 

Better not too crash then I suppose ! Lol. You can buy a newer VW or audi/ audi RS wheel but your'e talking 4-500 pounds which I'm not prepared to pay I'm afraid. I'll stick with my momo and you stick with your normal wheel

OK. Safe driving bud 

Air bags are one of the most effective driver safety aids of modern times, second only to the actual seatbelt, anyone possibly thinking about removing one for "cosmetic" reasons... Please please think again.

Motor manufacturers spend a fair amount of time and money trying to make us a little safer... And if you see how air bags allow people to walk away from crashes that look really bad... Then you would appreciate their efforts.

If you don't want to spend too much on a mod that maintains safety levels.... Keep original stuff and save up.

Couldn't removing the airbag affect your insurance?

Yes it will

As long as it's declared no, like any other mod

I would most certainly doubt that especially if the cars original safety spec was compromised.

You can turn down the level of power steering assistance using VCDS if you want. Wouldn't that give the same decrease in 'leverage' as a smaller diameter wheel?

Why would I want too do that when I can just have a smaller wheel? I'm not looking for an alternative to it it's on and it's staying on airbag or not.

All part of modifying your 'own' personal car to how you want it!

My 280mm momo goes in today hopefully, looks like I'll be finding an indipendant garage who love a bit of extra back pocket cash for a pass

I would most certainly doubt that especially if the cars original safety spec was compromised.

Whys mine declared all nicely on my policy then?

As for not having a airbag, it's my choice I'm not trying to make it law that everyone has one.