Air bags — New York Permit Test
Air bags on the New York permit test — 5 rules, each with the reason behind it and a question on it while it is fresh.
The rules
Air bags are meant to work with seat belts rather than to replace them, and the combination of a seat belt and an air bag offers maximum protection.
The belt holds you in place so the bag can catch you. Without it you arrive at the wrong angle.
Air bags are meant to work WITH seat belts, not to replace them.
An air bag protects a front-seat occupant in a head-on crash by inflating on impact and providing a cushion, so the occupant does not collide with the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield.
The crash stops the car but not the people. The bag is what stops them gently.
An air bag protects a front-seat occupant in a head-on crash by inflating on impact and providing a cushion so the occupant does not collide with the steering wheel, dashboard or windshield.
A driver should sit with at least 10 inches between the center of their chest and the cover of the air bag, because the pressure of an air bag as it opens could injure somebody who sits too close.
The bag comes out fast enough to hurt. The distance is what turns it into a cushion.
You should sit with at least 10 inches between the center of your chest and the cover of the air bag.
A driver should place their hands on opposite sides of the steering wheel, at the 3 and 9 clock positions, to keep them away if the air bag engages.
Hands on top of the wheel sit on top of the bag. It throws them into the driver's face.
Place your hands on opposite sides of the steering wheel, at the 3 and 9 clock positions, to keep them away if the air bag engages.
For added protection a driver should adjust the vehicle head rest, lock the doors, and put loose, heavy objects in the trunk rather than the passenger area.
A toolbox on the back seat keeps moving after the car stops. The trunk keeps it away.
For added protection, adjust your vehicle head rest, lock the doors and do not keep loose, heavy objects in the passenger area.
On the test
How are air bags meant to be used?
Together with a seat belt. The belt holds you in place so the bag can catch you. Without it you arrive at the wrong angle. New York State Driver's Manual, p.49: “Air bags are meant to work WITH seat belts, not to replace them.”
How this works
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Where these come from
Every rule here is checked against New York State Driver's Manual, published by the New York State Department of Motor Vehicles, and against the state code itself. Last checked 2026-09-15.