In recent decades, airbags have become an integral part of modern cars in Spain. While in the 1990s they were a rarity, today it is almost impossible to find a new vehicle without this safety system. Some models feature up to ten airbags, though there are also cars equipped with just a single driver airbag.
Nevertheless, there are Spanish drivers who prefer to opt out of airbags. It is important to understand how this issue is regulated by law and what requirements apply to vehicles in the country.
Since 2006, European Union countries have enforced a rule requiring all new cars sold to be equipped with at least one airbag for the driver. This airbag is installed in the steering wheel and is mandatory for a vehicle to be approved for sale on the market. Without it, a car cannot be certified or permitted for use.
Most modern models undergo mandatory crash tests that assess safety levels, including airbag performance. Based on these tests, a vehicle receives a safety rating ranging from one to five stars. These scores are taken into account when choosing a car and influence buyer trust.
It is worth noting that the requirement for a mandatory airbag applies only to vehicles registered after 2006. Cars produced earlier may be sold and used freely without retrofitting an airbag system. This is especially relevant for the used car market, where models without modern passive safety features are still found.
The operation of the airbag is based on special sensors that detect the vehicle’s sudden deceleration during a collision. At that moment, the system triggers a pyrotechnic charge, instantly inflating the airbag with gas. The entire process takes just a few milliseconds, and the deployment speed can reach up to 250 km/h.
Depending on the nature of the accident—frontal, side, rear impact, or rollover—only those airbags are activated that are needed to protect passengers in a specific situation. This helps minimize injuries and increases the chances of survival in severe accidents.
Despite obvious advantages, some drivers still question the necessity of airbags. However, crash statistics and test results confirm that having these systems significantly reduces the risk of serious injury and fatalities.
When purchasing a new car in Spain, drivers can be confident that the vehicle is equipped with all necessary passive safety features. When choosing a used car, it is important to pay attention to the year of manufacture and equipment package to understand which safety systems are provided by the manufacturer.
Thus, airbags have become standard for new cars in Spain, and their absence is only permitted in older models released before 2006. Legislation strictly regulates this matter, ensuring a high level of road safety in the country.
