View Full Version : Question on the legality of quick release steering wheels
OK, probably a bit late to be asking this question, especially since I live in the People's Republic of Kalifornia, but are there any laws against us putting one in these cars? Just asking because if I get stopped and am asked to exit the vehicle, I need to remove the steering wheel to do so. I know, I'm old and inflexible (in more ways than one!).
RoadRacer
02-20-2024, 05:43 PM
I bet that's going to be hard to answer definitively. My 2c is "no", but CA/NY make their own rules :D I've 'heard' that you can't put them legally in cars that had airbags in CA, but also that people get stopped for no front plates in states where you don't need one. So, law vs the cop in front of you ain't the same thing.
Ted G
02-20-2024, 07:39 PM
I don't think so. But I just passed my CHP inspection and got it registered last year. I have the NRG quick release and I love it!
Alan_C
02-20-2024, 09:00 PM
I don't think so. But I just passed my CHP inspection and got it registered last year. I have the NRG quick release and I love it!
Just to be clear, was the quick release steering wheel installed for your CHP inspection?
When I had mine inspected back in 2014, the officers at the Baldwin Park station were so enamored with the car, I really don't think they were looking at details such as what kind of steering wheel was on it. I mean, just through your jacket over the steering wheel, they won't even see the SW in that case.:rolleyes:
Ted G
02-20-2024, 09:33 PM
Just to be clear, was the quick release steering wheel installed for your CHP inspection?
When I had mine inspected back in 2014, the officers at the Baldwin Park station were so enamored with the car, I really don't think they were looking at details such as what kind of steering wheel was on it. I mean, just through your jacket over the steering wheel, they won't even see the SW in that case.:rolleyes:
Yes it was. Same, they are pretty enamored with them.
Sarcasticshrub
02-20-2024, 11:53 PM
If you are being asked to step out of the car, getting a ticket is the least of your worries :p
It's more of an issue if the car originally came with airbags and you replace the factory steering wheel (airbag) with one that does not (no airbag). The presumption is the retraining system will no longer work as designed using a quick release. I doubt any peace officer would look twice at it (except to say 'how cool is this?').
Just was thinking about it. I also have the NRG quick release, and it was in place for the CHP inspection. It also didn't have wipers, and the windshield had been replaced with a polycarbonate from 520 speedworks, and the officer never said anything. It would be really bad if I tried to get out without removing the steering wheel!