Only authorized dealers and repair shops can install ON-OFF switches and can do so only with an authorization letter from NHTSA. If you are interested in having an air bag ON-OFF switch installed in a vehicle you own or lease (check with the leasing company first to see if installing an ON-OFF switch would violate the terms of your lease), you will need to:
Before filling out the form, ensure you have read the brochure carefully: you may decide that an ON-OFF switch is not appropriate for you.
If you decide to request an ON-OFF switch, you will need to certify on the request form that you have read the brochure and that you (or other occupants of your vehicle) fall into one or more of the high-risk groups for the air bag(s) for which you request a switch.
Fill out and submit the request form to NHTSA at the following address:
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Attention: Air Bag Switch Requests 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590-1000
For a faster response, write your phone number on the form and fax it to: 202-493-2833. For questions, call the Air Bag Division at 202-366-0296.
If the form is properly and completely filled out, NHTSA will then send you an authorization letter that you can take to your dealer or repair shop.
In most cases, you can expect a response back to your request within one week from the date your request is received by NHTSA - and not longer than two weeks.
Check with your auto dealer or repair shop to see if an ON-OFF switch is available for your vehicle and how much the switch will cost. If a switch is available and the dealer or repair shop is willing to install it, give the authorization letter directly to the dealer or repair business. After the dealer or repair shop installs the ON-OFF switch, they will return a form along with the authorization letter to NHTSA, indicating the work has been done for you.
