Some drivers prefer standard steering systems because they are more maneuverable and controllable. If your vehicle is modified, it should also have the appropriate insurance cover for modified cars. Aftermarket steering wheels, in general, are legal. Steering Wheel (Of your choice) 1. quick view. The specific requirements for these high-speed steering wheels vary depending on the type of vehicle and the quick-change steering wheel. Whether the modification passes the regulations will depend on a few things, an aftermarket steering wheel will pass an MOT test if it was well installed and meets the quality standards required. June 12, 2022 . Not Yet Reviewed. Almost all over the world, car owners face the problem of car thieves. Quick release steering wheels are a popular option but are not legal everywhere in the US. An additional electronic one is also fine to replace. In other words, it is illegal. As such, youd be able to remove it while driving. An airbag doesnt have any influence on the vehicles performance. JOES Momo Quick Disconnect Adapter Ring $ 43.95. . The 6 Bolt Universal Quick Release Locking system is the most convenient way to mount or dismount your steering wheel. If your car did not originally come with a fitted airbag from the factory, that is, vehicles before the early 90s, then you can replace your steering wheel with an aftermarket one. This means that you can only drive your vehicle if you install a steering wheel with an active airbag. It is also important to consider your driving habits when upgrading your steering system. You need to apply to the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Department of Transportation for installing acceptance. Learn more. Copyright 2023 Mechanic Base. If your vehicle is equipped with an airbag, there are no rules prohibiting you from replacing the steering wheel. $45.77 $ 45. First-time users may need more time and struggle at first to drive the car with an aftermarket device. Start By Disconnecting your battery and leave it for at least 15 Minutes **MAKE SURE YOUR WHEELS ARE STRAIGHT AND STEERING WHEEL IS STRAIGHT** **CRUISE CONTROL BETTER BE OFF OR YOUR GOING TO HAVE THE LIGHT ON AND YOU CANT TURN IT OFF**. Well, it is not illegal to buy or install an aftermarket steering wheel in your car. NRG Black Body and Neochrome Ring 3.0 Quick Release. Features. But whatever you do, follow the manual of a particular model. Driving a car built before 1990 could be fine. The quick-release steering wheel mounts onto a quick-release hub which allows you to disconnect the steering wheel. These regulations are in place to ensure the safety of the driver and other road users. In Quick Steps, When to Replace Skateboard Wheels? No Vehicle Specific Fitment. NRG Gen 3.0 Quick Release - The NRG Gen 3.0 Quick Release is considered the easiest-to-use quick release on the market. When installed, the steering wheel can be removed in seconds using a steering wheel puller that is sold with a paddle that attaches to the wheel hub and sticks out of the steering wheel for easy access. So you'd basically make the rear of the car unusable/unsafe for passengers. These are some safety measures you can follow. If I were going to do a modification to a car that could possibly introduce another point of failure, I'd avoid taking the risk of losing steering just for a hecktik quick release. However, the law has nothing to do with the fact that the steering wheels can be removed and installed easily. The cars supported with airbags just started to be made around 30 years ago, and those manufactured before 1989 work well without an airbag. In short, most people use them for safety reasons (since you can`t really steal a car without a steering wheel) and because they look cool. Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. Instead of being attached with a hidden nut, the quick-release wheel is attached with pins, push or pull rings and cams. Certified Automotive Diagnostic Technician. Now you know the answer is its not legal if you use the device for the daily roads. Instead of being attached with a hidden nut, the quick-release wheel is attached with pins, push or pull rings and cams. This makes it easier to drive with a spare steering wheel without being mentioned. When it comes to one of the main control components of your car, you (should) want the very best at hand. Whether it is dark window tinting, modifying your exhaust system so you can drag race, or altering your car's appearance by adding neon lights to the bottom, certainvehicle modifications are illegal. NRG SRK-132H (2008 or newer) Quick Release (Of your choice) *OPTIONAL*. Because the steering wheel is made differently, it may not be as reliable over time. I live in North Carolina if it helps, I want to get a spare steering wheel instead of the standard steering wheel because of my height/weight, but I was wondering if I would have any problems with the law or the insurance company. Crashing with an airbag is a lot less likely to result in death. In this case, you can install a spare steering wheel without an airbag. But, before installation, its important to understand the legal implications of using a quick-release steering wheel. Although it may not be a good idea for security reasons. However, their lack of airbags violates safety regulations in most countries and results in penalties or fines. With their convenient design, quick-release steering wheels prove to be a great option for all types of vehicles. (How do they work?) While these wheels are popular among race car drivers, you dont have to be one to enjoy the benefits. Bad? Other quick-release wheels come with a screw-in mechanism on the steering wheel hub and require no tools for installation or removal. This performance aftermarket part has many purposes and it looks good. Cars built without them dont need one, though. The quick-release steering wheel is a performance aftermarket part that detaches quickly from the steering column. For example, theres a hub with this steering wheel that is located beneath it. Cars did not come equipped with airbags until about 30 years ago, and cars made before 1989 function properly without airbags. If you have a car that didn't come with an airbag from the factory, which is typically cars made before the early 90s, then you can legally change your steering wheel to an aftermarket one. Since these dont, you cant have them . You can find different styles, all of which have their own set of pros and cons to consider. It`s best to prioritize your safety and passengers by installing the airbags first. Usually, its not too hard to replace the steering wheel, either! To travel through places, you should search about their rules before going and prepare all required documents. Not only does a steering wheel quick release give you the ultimate anti-theft solution but you'll be thankful for the extra space it gives you too, especially in an emergency. FS: NRG Quick Release 3.0, Quick Lock, Steering Wheel: akiranakayama: Interior Parts (Incl. If you replace your steering wheel with an aftermarket one that triggers an active airbag light on the dash, you will be violating vehicle safety standards. Most insurance covers become void when you change the steering wheel from one with an airbag to one with not. Unfortunately, it doesnt matter how much you love racing. Finally, consider your budget when upgrading your steering system. However, if you are going to add the method to your regular used car, you have to remember some important things-. Race cars use these thinner steering wheels wrapped in leather and Alcantara for better grip and to help drivers get in and out of the car. If possible, re-install the steering wheel using your original hardware. After installing the system, you must run some testing steps. Steering wheel airbags are required for any consumer vehicle built after 1989 and are considered a safety liability not to have one. Quick-release steering wheels have their benefits and perceived drawbacks. Theyve got to have fully functional airbags. $95.00. Or, you could get one with electronic controls. The hub is provided by removing the old wheel from the car. If you have any questions about using a quick-release wheel, please contact the manufacturer or a qualified car mechanic. Good? Quick-release steering wheels should be familiar to anyone who loves racing. Users just need to keep the safety button that secures the component, and nobody can attack the car without a rotation mechanism. Hey everyone, If anyone happens to know the law regarding quick releases in Tasmania would really appreciate it if you could enlighten me. Have a look around the parking lot; you may see many car owners doing so (with their Subaru WRX or Chevrolet, for example). Thats because theyre not built with airbags in them. All Rights Reserved. Some of these states include; Arkansas, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Maine, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia. (a) A person who holds legal title to a vehicle. All steering wheels must have airbags to be considered legal. However, their lack of airbags violates safety standards in most countries which may be liable for penalties or fines. Always use caution when using a steering wheel puller, and be sure to wear protective gear, such as safety goggles and gloves. DOES NOT fit grant wheels. Just imagine how much more performance-minded your WRX or Honda Civic could be. Copyright 2023 Endgame360 Inc. All Rights Reserved. Even in other states, you should pass some safety inspection standards to install one. Not for street-registered vehicles. Bit late but yes it's legal, as long as you have a proper bucket seat with a 5 point harness connected to a chassis bar behind it. Hence, you may need to consult the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Department of Travel before you install your steering wheels. (5) `autocycle` means a three-wheel motorcycle on which the driver and front passenger drive in a fully or partially enclosed seating area, equipped with a roll bar, seat belts for each occupant and anti-lock braking systems, and designed to be controlled with a steering wheel and pedals. We've assembled a handy chart with links to all 50 state laws relating to illegal car modifications. Searching through each state's statutes, there were no laws in the 50 states banning the use of steering wheel knobs on regular cars. There are no laws on the size of your steering wheel. In that case, you could install an aftermarket steering wheel without an airbag. 3 x /" on a 1" Bolt Circle. Hi, I'm the founder of VehicleAnswers.com! In short, most people use them for security reasons (since you cant really steal a car without a steering wheel) and because they look cool. Quick-release wheels can be a great choice for drivers who need better control and maneuverability in their vehicles, but may not prefer the look or feel of a standard steering system. In countries and states where driving without an active airbag is illegal, installing a quick-release steering wheel will make you liable for penalty fees. Quick-release steering wheels are used in racing applications because they feature a hub that has a mechanism that allows the driver to remove the steering wheel quickly. No, racing steering wheels are not illegal. but dont have the time to do all the research and comparisons to figure out what wheels they should get next and where they should get it. quick view. Not all modifications qualify for coverage, though. The penalty for this violation varies in different states, and you may have to pay a fine or receive a warning to install a proper steering wheel. With the detachable steering wheel, you could free yourself from these situations. BergenCustoms. Considering you will lose your airbag and steering wheel-mounted controls, we wouldnt condone swapping out your steering wheel. Quick-release wheels might be growing in popularity, but that doesnt make them legal everywhere you drive. Safety Considerations For Using Quick-release steering wheels $ 129.99 YOU SAVE $26. Steering Wheels & Components Part Steering Wheels -7% Speedway Motors | #60409020 15 Inch Cushion Grip Steering Wheel, 2.75 Inch Dish (72) Steering Wheel Style: Racing Outside Diameter: 15" Spoke Material: Steel as low as $36.99 /each $39.99 Add to Cart Speedway Motors | #91032747 Speedway Classic 9-3/4 Inch Black Steering Wheel w/ Holes (16) Why Is My Steering Wheel Shaking? They are equipped with a screw-in mechanism on the steering wheel hub that allows for easy removal. keys to navigate, use enter to select, Stay up-to-date with how the law affects your life. The leather device is becoming popular because its lighter and gives you a better grip. They are usually sold with a paddle attached to the wheel hub, allowing for quick and easy removal in a matter of seconds using a steering wheel puller. Quick Release Fire Extinguisher Mount Brackets Holder for Jeep Wrangler UTV USA. They are not illegal unless they are unsafe, that is, incorrectly installed in the car. When she's not working, she likes to spend time with her family and friends. I've heard wonderful things about the Works Bell items, but the price tag isn't budget build friendly. Pennzoil vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Again, using this appliance is not legal in all states. It can be half size or double the original one. Castrol Edge vs. Mobil 1 Oil: Differences & Which Is Better? Explained. Though the detachable component is designed for racing cars, its also popular among those who like to go fast with their WRXs or Honda Civics. You can not find much information about it from the Department of Highway Safety. But a quick-release steering wheel is legal for racing cars only. Car Mods Australia provides a HUGE range of NRG Steering Wheel Online. You can use these lighter leather steering wheels in race cars to increase grip and make it easier for drivers to get in and out of the vehicle. Many rules and regulations are surrounding the use of quick-release steering wheels in particular. Look for the hook pick I listed for you and check the rear part of the now-removed steering wheel assembly, you should see a gold ring there. You need a proper wheel boss adapter. Your badass rig deserves better than disappointing stock steering wheels. The NRG short hub mounting flange is 0.16" (4mm) behind the end of the steering shaft. No, they have differences between them. But because most aftermarket steering wheels do not have an airbag, it will fail the test if an airbag is mandatory. If I was driving my dream car then I would put a quick release steering wheel on it. However, this system fits most streetcars, and installing the device is easy. Are Quick-Release Steering Wheels Legal: What You Need To Know. Also confirm the changes with your insurance company to avoid being denied compensation in the event of an accident.