There is no requirement to have airbags fitted in motor vehicles. However, where airbags are installed in new vehicles, they must conform with the technical specifications laid down in Directive 96/79/EC as amended by Directive 1999/98/EC on the protection of occupants of motor vehicles in the event of a frontal impact.
Under article 34 of the Road Traffic (Construction, Equipment and Use of Vehicles) Regulations 1963, a vehicle for use in a public place must, together with all of its parts and equipment, be maintained in good and efficient working order. Under this provision there is, therefore, an onus on the owner of a vehicle to have airbags replaced where they have been activated. It is an offence for a motor supplier to supply or offer to supply a vehicle which does not comply with road traffic regulations on the construction, equipment and lighting of vehicles.