Airbag removal - older vehicle

[unclefungus]

If the vehicle in question has a driver's airbag, but does not have a pre-tensioner seatbelt (actually has the same seatbelt that non-airbag versions of the same car have) then I would I still need to have the seatbelt replaced if the driver's airbag is removed?

Was looking at the frontal impact 2016 sheet:

2.3(2) D  "each seating position affected by the removal of an airbag has the

seatbelt replaced by a new seatbelt that meets one or more of the

approved standards specified in Schedule 2 of the Land Transport Rule:

Seatbelts and Seatbelt Anchorages 2002 (Rule 32011) that is appropriate

for use in a seating position not equipped with an airbag; and
"

But the reasoning doesn't really apply to the vehicle in question:

"NOTE 3: In relation to 2.3(2)(d) a pre-tensioner or ‘rip-stitch’ type seatbelt may not be suitable for use without an

airbag and a web-clamp type seatbelt must be installed instead. If a suitable web-clamp seatbelt is not

available for the make and model of vehicle in question, a dual-sensitive inertia reel seatbelt belt may

be used instead.
"

Vehicle in question is a 1992 Nissan Cedric in Japan with the SRS warning light on... most do not even have an airbag but this one does.



Also have a question which isn't specific to my situation but was just wondering.  Does the following statement mean people are free to remove side/curtain airbags as long as the front ones still work (not that you would want too).

"Section 5 Terms and definitions within this standard"

"Airbag means a supplementary occupant protection device together with its associated

equipment, fitted forward of the front seating positions, that deploys upon

impact during a collision and provides a inflatable cushion to protect the

occupants from injury as a result of contacting the vehicle structure, fittings,

controls, and surfaces.
"

[Leon]

Good afternoon.

Yes, where an airbag is removed, it always requires that a new belt be fitted. It helps slightly offset the reduction in safety that has taken place with the removal of a part of the manufacturer's occupant protection system. So while there is now no airbag, at least we know that now, there is a brand new belt and mechanism fitted. So that becomes more of a known quantity.

Currently there is no law regarding side impact regulations. So in theory yes, you could disable curtain / side airbags in a vehicle that is in service in NZ. I don't believe at this stage, that the legal side of it has been tested yet. Although to be confident on that, you'd need to consult with NZTA.