The legal situation for tuning the interior!

These are the statutory regulations in car interior tuning! There are many different variants of Sports steering wheels, which consist of leather as well as wood and other materials and look small and sporty. Although changing the steering wheel can improve handling, it often has disadvantages in modern vehicles, which have steering wheels that come standard with radio, mobile phone, etc. controls. Not having an airbag in order to ensure more sportiness is also a no-brainer not recommended. Therefore, such an exchange is sometimes difficult.

Danger! If you replace the steering wheel, you have to consider the following:

1. It may only be used with an approved hub.
2. The instrument panel must remain visible.
3. Compatibility with the security systems must be guaranteed. (on certain vehicle models, replacing an airbag steering wheel with a Special steering wheel without airbag not permitted)
4. The accessibility of the operating elements must be guaranteed.
5. The steering forces must not exceed the defined limit values.
6. Special steering wheels require a Teilegutachten or ABE for vehicle parts.

For tuning lovers is a bucket seat an important element to bring some feeling of motorsport into the car. Significantly improved lateral support when driving and the feeling of being closely connected to the vehicle even contribute to driving safety. IMPORTANT: An FIA approval for the seat does not mean that the bucket seat is also approved for use on public roads.

There is a lot to consider!

1. The approval-relevant / manufacturer-specific regulations must be followed.
2. Sports seats are allowed only with a suitable and permissible Seat console should be used.
3. The conditions specified in the documents must be observed.
4. You should also make sure that the backrest can be adjusted.

If all vertices fit, then there is one modification acceptance by a testing organization (TÜV, Dekra, KÜS, GTÜ etc.) required.

Seat belt issue

• The 3-point seat belt can easily be put on a 4, 5 or 6 point harness converted to increase motorsport flair and driving safety. However, it is important that only an approved and correctly installed sports harness is the standard safety equipment replaced.
• When replacing, it should be noted that the rear seats when using Harness belts are no longer usable and these must be tightened to the body.
• NOTICE: If new belts are installed, then you should consider that these are often only tested and approved with the standard seat. If a sports seat is added, it is not necessarily guaranteed that this combination can be used legally and registered without any problems. For that please BEFORE contact the manufacturer of the tuning parts and a testing organization (TÜV, Dekra, KÜS, GTÜ etc.).

Topic rollover device

• Tuning enthusiasts sometimes prefer the use of rollover devices (also called "Roll cage" designated). Tested aluminum or steel rollover devices offer increased occupant protection and thus greater road safety.
• It is important to note that motorsport uses aluminum cages verboten and that you cannot change anything by making an entry in the vehicle documents if you later want to use the vehicle in motorsport. NOTICE: Rollover devices are only allowed if you have a test certificate for them or if an assessment by an aaS (officially recognized expert) was carried out!

Theme pedal pads

Through the use of sporty pedal pads Not only can optical changes be made to standard pedals that are no longer attractive and worn, but also the operability and thus safety when driving can be improved. In order to use a sports pedal, the following must be guaranteed:

1. that it is fully articulated
2. you can't slip
3. the usability does not get worse,
4. proper attachment is in place.

Pedal pads can be purchased with an ABE or a parts certificate. However, a necessary change acceptance or a formal obligation to provide evidence may also be required.

Conclusion

• In order to have full control of your vehicle, you should choose quality products that do not cause usability or approval problems when choosing a steering wheel.
• More comfort and safety are often achieved by seats with tested stability and increased adjustment options that enable an optimal seating position.
• In order to be protected in the event of an accident, the seat belts and roll bars must ensure that the expected standards are met.
• Safety is also the top priority when selecting the pedal pads.

Can sports steering wheels without an airbag be installed in a vehicle that has an airbag?

• It is only permitted to use a vehicle without an airbag if the seat belt system is suitable for vehicles without an airbag. This would mean that the vehicle must be quite old. Vehicles where the airbag was an option are applicable in this case.

Can a testing organization enter a roll cage that only has a material certificate in the papers?

• When issuing an individual operating permit according to § 21 StVZO, the admissibility must first be checked. Equipment details such as the design of the bracket and the position of the cross bar may lead to difficulties. If there is also a risk for the passengers due to the cage structure on the back seat, a conversion to a 2-seater may be required. It is therefore advisable to obtain information about the necessary measures from an expert beforehand.

Sports seats for the vehicle. What to look out for when buying? What provisions must be in place?

• The safety of seats must be guaranteed by appropriate evidence and tests that are relevant to the respective vehicle type. Without valid papers, the vehicle's operating license will expire. Unfortunately, the market offers a large number of sports seats without the necessary documents.

Of course, that wasn't the end of it.

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