Even that thread addresses they are srs items, you may personally remove them and still be federally legal.
Exemption From the Make Inoperative Prohibition
They are also required to fail everyone with test pipes and HFCs, and we all know how that goes.
List of things inspected in tx.
Quote:
05.01 Inspect Every Passenger Car For: (Listed in suggested order of inspection)
* Check for evidence of Financial Responsibility
1. Horn
2. Windshield Wipers
3. Mirror
4. Steering
5. Seat Belts
6. Brakes (system) (Parking - beginning with 1960 models)
7. Tires
8. Wheel Assembly
9. Exhaust System
10. Exhaust Emission System (beginning with 1968 models)
11. Beam Indicator (beginning with 1948 models)
12. Tail Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
13. Stop Lamps (2); (1) if 1959 model or earlier
14. License Plate Lamp (1)
15. Rear Red Reflectors (2)
16. Turn Signal Lamps (beginning with 1960 models)
17. Head Lamps (2)
18. Motor, Serial, or Vehicle Identification Number
19. 1988 & newer - inspect for window tinting or coating
20. Gas caps on vehicles 2-24 model years old.
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Most people seem to have no issue passing sans airbag:
Texas inspection????? - JDM Universe.com
Inspection.....Airbag? - NASIOC
I'm curious what you think an officer might cite you for, since you mention " big $$$ tickets"
http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/pdf60/123015_web.pdf
http://www.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/rules/interps/