Can I drive my car with the airbag light on?

Yes, you can physically drive with the airbag (SRS) light on, but it’s unsafe and not recommended: the system may be partially or fully disabled, meaning airbags and seatbelt pretensioners might not deploy in a crash. In many places it’s not illegal to drive, but the car can fail safety inspections, and ignoring the warning could complicate liability after a collision. Plan only short, cautious trips to a repair facility as soon as possible.

What the airbag (SRS) warning means

The Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) monitors airbags, seatbelt pretensioners, crash sensors, the clock spring in the steering wheel, and related wiring and modules. When the light illuminates or flashes, the system has detected a fault and typically disables affected components to prevent accidental deployment. That also means you could lose vital crash protection while the warning is on.

Safety implications on the road

Driving with the airbag light on changes how your car will protect you in a crash. Here are the key risks to understand so you can make an informed decision about whether to continue driving and for how long.

• Reduced protection: One or more airbags and seatbelt pretensioners may not deploy, increasing injury risk in even moderate collisions.
• Unpredictable system behavior: Some vehicles disable the entire SRS when a fault is present; others disable only the affected circuit.
• Child and passenger safety concerns: A fault can disable the passenger airbag or misread the seat sensor, leaving a front passenger unprotected.
• Accidental deployment risk is low but real: Modern systems usually default to “no deploy,” yet wiring faults or water damage can create unpredictable outcomes.

Because you cannot know which components are affected without a proper scan, the safest approach is to minimize driving and schedule diagnosis immediately.

Is it legal—and will it pass inspection?

In most regions, it’s not specifically illegal to drive with the SRS light on, but many jurisdictions treat it as a safety defect during inspections and may refuse registration renewal until it’s fixed.

• United Kingdom: An illuminated airbag warning is an MOT failure.
• United States (varies by state): States with safety inspections—such as Virginia, New York, and Texas—typically fail vehicles with SRS faults.
• Canada (varies by province): Provincial safety inspections commonly require an operative SRS with no warning lights.

Regardless of legality, a failed inspection or registration hold will keep the vehicle off the road until repairs are completed.

Insurance and liability considerations

Insurers generally do not void coverage solely because a warning light is on, but knowingly operating a vehicle with a safety defect can complicate claims or liability after a crash.

• Claims may still be paid, but opposing parties could argue negligence if injuries were worsened by disabled restraints.
• Some policies require maintaining the vehicle in safe condition; prompt repair is the prudent choice.
• Rental and fleet operators typically sideline vehicles with SRS warnings due to liability and duty-of-care standards.

Addressing the fault quickly reduces legal exposure and ensures the car’s safety systems perform as designed in a collision.

Common causes of an airbag light

Understanding frequent triggers can help you and your technician pinpoint likely culprits, especially if the light appeared after a specific event such as a jump-start or seat removal.

• Weak or recently disconnected battery; voltage dips after a jump-start
• Loose or damaged seat wiring/connectors (often under front seats)
• Faulty clock spring in the steering wheel (affects driver airbag and horn/controls)
• Seat occupancy sensor faults (passenger seat mat/sensor)
• Seatbelt buckle switch or pretensioner circuit faults
• Blown SRS fuse or damaged wiring after interior work
• Water intrusion/corrosion in connectors or the SRS module
• Uncleared crash data or module fault after a previous collision
• Active recall (e.g., Takata inflators) or manufacturer software updates needed

Because SRS components are sensitive and explosive devices are involved, most troubleshooting is best left to qualified technicians with the right tools.

What to do when the light comes on

If the airbag light appears while you’re driving or at startup, take these immediate, low-risk steps to reduce danger and set up proper diagnosis.

1. Check seat positions and connectors: With the vehicle off, move front seats gently and ensure nothing is pinching the wiring under them; do not tug connectors.
2. Cycle the ignition: Restart the car once; if the light persists, treat it as a confirmed fault.
3. Buckle all seatbelts: Some systems monitor buckle switches and may flag faults if they read inconsistently.
4. Assess the battery: If the light followed a jump-start or a weak start, have the battery tested and charging system checked.
5. Schedule a professional SRS scan: Generic OBD-II readers often cannot access airbag modules—ask for a scan with SRS-capable equipment.
6. Avoid DIY resets: Clearing codes without fixing the cause can mask a serious issue and may worsen liability.

If the light remains on after these checks, drive only as needed to reach a qualified shop and avoid carrying front-seat passengers until the fault is resolved.

When to stop driving immediately

Certain signs indicate a higher risk scenario that warrants parking the vehicle and calling for professional help or a tow.

• Burning smell, melting plastic odor, or visible wiring damage around seats or dash
• Water intrusion from flooding or a soaked carpet near the SRS module
• Recent collision—even minor—without a subsequent inspection and clear
• Airbag or seatbelt pretensioner previously deployed and not professionally replaced

These conditions can escalate from a simple warning to a hazardous situation; towing eliminates additional risk.

Costs, timelines, and who should repair it

Repair costs vary by vehicle make, model, and fault. Here are typical ranges to help you budget and plan.

• Diagnostic scan and pinpoint testing: $100–$200
• Battery replacement (if voltage-related): $100–$250
• Clock spring replacement: $150–$400
• Seat occupancy sensor/mat: $200–$700
• Seatbelt pretensioner or buckle switch: $150–$300 each
• SRS control module repair/replacement and programming: $400–$1,200

Because airbags and pretensioners are pyrotechnic devices, DIY repairs are not recommended; improper handling can cause injury or accidental deployment.

Recalls and free fixes

Before paying for repairs, check for open recalls or service campaigns—manufacturers fix safety recalls at no cost, and many vehicles still have active airbag-related recalls.

• United States: Search your VIN at NHTSA.gov/recalls
• Canada: Use Transport Canada’s recalls database
• United Kingdom: Check with DVSA or the manufacturer’s UK site
• Global: Your brand’s official owner site often lists recall and service campaign status

If a recall applies, schedule dealer service promptly; driving with an outstanding airbag recall can prolong risk and may be covered entirely.

Professional handling and safety notes

Technicians disconnect the battery and wait several minutes before working on SRS components to allow capacitors to discharge. If you must move seats or inspect connectors yourself, turn the car off, remove the key, and avoid disturbing yellow SRS connectors. When in doubt, leave it to professionals.

Bottom line

You can drive with the airbag light on, but you shouldn’t except to reach a repair facility. Your restraint system may not protect you in a crash, inspections can fail, and insurance or legal complications can follow. Get a proper SRS scan, fix the root cause, and check for any free recall repairs.

Summary

Airbag lights signal a fault that can disable lifesaving restraints. While it’s typically legal to drive short distances, it’s unsafe and may lead to inspection failures and liability issues. Minimize driving, verify battery health, avoid DIY resets, get an SRS-capable diagnostic scan, and check for recalls. Repair promptly to restore full crash protection.

How serious is an airbag light?

Yes, the airbag light being on is dangerous because it indicates a malfunction in the car’s safety system, which means the airbags may not deploy correctly or at all during a collision. While your car may still drive fine, the risk to your safety in an accident is significantly increased. You should not ignore the light and should have the system diagnosed and repaired by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
 
Why is it dangerous?

• Airbags may not deploy: The primary danger is that the airbags, which are critical for protecting you in a crash, may fail to deploy when you need them most. 
• Premature deployment: In some cases, a malfunctioning airbag system could even cause an airbag to deploy unexpectedly, potentially causing serious injury to occupants. 
• Component failure: The airbag light signifies a problem with one or more parts of the supplemental restraint system (SRS), such as faulty sensors, wiring, or the airbag module itself. 

What to do if your airbag light is on:

1. Do not ignore it: Do not treat the airbag light like a minor issue; it’s a sign of a serious safety concern. 
2. Have it diagnosed: Take your car to a qualified mechanic or dealership to have the SRS system scanned and the underlying issue identified. 
3. Do not delay repairs: The system is complex, and a professional can determine the exact cause and perform the necessary repairs. 

How long can you drive with the airbag light on?

You should not drive with the airbag light on, as it indicates a problem with the safety system that could prevent airbags from deploying in an accident, putting you and your passengers at risk. While some systems may check themselves and the light may turn off after a short time, it is best to have a qualified technician diagnose the issue with specialized equipment as soon as possible to ensure your safety. 
Why you shouldn’t drive with the light on:

• Airbags may not deploy: Opens in new tabThe light signifies a malfunction in the supplemental restraint system (SRS). This could mean the airbags will not inflate in the event of a collision. 
• Risk of accidental deployment: Opens in new tabIn rare cases, a faulty system could lead to airbags deploying unexpectedly, causing injury. 

What to do if the airbag light comes on:

1. Do not ignore it: Never assume it’s safe to continue driving. 
2. Check the system: Restarting the car may sometimes reset the system, and ensuring your seatbelt is securely fastened can also be a first step, according to a YouTube video. 
3. Get it diagnosed: Take your vehicle to a qualified technician or dealership for a proper diagnostic check using specialized equipment. 
4. Have the issue fixed: Once the cause of the problem is found, have the system repaired so your airbags will function correctly again. 

What it doesn’t mean:

• It’s not illegal: While not recommended for safety reasons, there are generally no specific laws against driving with an airbag light on in the United States. 
• It won’t always fail an inspection: However, some states will fail a vehicle during its regular inspection if the airbag light is illuminated. 

Will an airbag light clear itself?

No, the airbag light will not go off on its own if there is a persistent fault in the system; it indicates a problem that needs to be addressed by a professional, as it means the airbags may not deploy in an accident. While the light normally goes off after a system check, it stays illuminated to signal a detected malfunction, such as a disconnected sensor or a failed component like the clock spring. You must have the system diagnosed with a special scanner to identify and clear the stored fault codes to ensure the airbags will function correctly. 
Why the Light Stays On

• System Malfunction: Opens in new tabWhen the airbag light stays on, it signifies a fault has been detected in the Supplemental Restraint System (SRS), which includes the airbags. 
• Safety Risk: Opens in new tabA persistent airbag light means the system is disabled, leaving you and your passengers vulnerable in a collision. 
• Not a “Check Engine” Light: Opens in new tabUnlike some check engine lights, the airbag light does not automatically reset after the issue is resolved; it requires a proper diagnosis and code clearing. 

What to Do When the Airbag Light Is On

1. Do Not Ignore It: A flashing or illuminated airbag light is a serious warning, and the system should not be considered functional. 
2. Check for Simple Issues (with caution): In some cases, disconnecting the battery for a period and reconnecting it can reset the system and turn off the light if the fault was temporary. However, this does not fix the underlying problem. 
3. Get a Diagnostic Scan: The only way to effectively address the issue is to take the vehicle to a qualified technician with a specialized scanner capable of reading airbag system (SRS) codes. 
4. Professional Inspection: A professional can diagnose the exact cause, whether it’s a corroded sensor, a faulty clock spring (a component in the steering wheel that allows it to turn while connected to the airbag), or a failed airbag module, and perform the necessary repairs. 

Is it illegal to drive a car with the airbag light on?

Safety Concerns and Legal Implications
Moreover, while it’s not typically illegal to drive with an airbag light on, it can cause vehicles to fail state safety inspections.