Air bag question for state of Virginia?

Question

My son's air bags deployed in a recent accident. He was told by the state trooper it is illegal to drive without them. He can.t afford to have them replaced right now - is it really illegal? What is the penalty if caught?

Answer 1

Yes it is illegal both to drive and the vehicle will not be allowed to pass your vehicle inspection on line 20 of the inspection laws......

20. – INSPECT AIR BAG AND AIRBAG READINESS LIGHT FOR:

Any defects in the air bag system noted by the air bag readiness light, or otherwise indicated.

The air bag has been deployed and has not been replaced (and is not deactivated because of a medical or other exemption and a notice is posted to indicate that it has been deactivated).

Any part of the air bag system has been removed from the vehicle.

If the air bag indicator fails to light, or stays on continuously.

Answer 2

And the body damage won't tip off the police that the car has been in a wreck?  Better get it repaired or the next wreck may be worse. Performance driving school is a good idea learning car control really helps. Many cars have seat belt pretensioners that blow off too so get that car fixed or replaced.