Summary

18 items · 20–40 minutes

Why This Checklist Matters for Older Drivers

Adding a safety accessory to your car seems straightforward — until you discover the device blocks an airbag sensor, conflicts with a driver-assist system, or violates a local ordinance. For older drivers who rely on these aids to stay comfortable and confident behind the wheel, a misstep at the installation stage can create new hazards rather than reduce them.

This checklist is designed to be completed before you purchase or fit any safety device — from a wide-angle mirror to a steering wheel assist knob. It covers compatibility, legal considerations, installation safety, and when to bring in a professional. For a broader overview of devices worth considering, see Safety Accessories Every Older Driver Should Know About.

If you are evaluating mobility aids specifically — such as transfer handles or swivel seat cushions — a parallel checklist is available: What to Check Before Fitting Any Mobility Aid to Your Car.

Vehicle Compatibility

Locate your owner's manual and confirm the accessory type is not explicitly prohibited or restricted for your vehicle model. Must
Check whether your car has active driver-assist systems (such as lane-keep assist, automatic emergency braking, or blind-spot monitoring) that a new device could obstruct or interfere with. Must
Verify the mounting surface, attachment point, or power source the accessory requires actually exists and is accessible on your specific vehicle. Must
Confirm the accessory's weight and dimensions are appropriate for the intended location — oversized mirrors, for example, can affect door operation or visibility. Should

Legal and Regulatory Review

Research your state's laws on the accessory category — windshield-mounted devices, window tints, and certain camera systems are regulated differently across states. Must
Confirm the accessory does not obstruct your front or side sightlines in a way that violates your state's visibility requirements. Must
Check whether the device requires registration, inspection, or professional certification to install legally in your state. Should

Warranty and Insurance Considerations

Review your manufacturer's warranty terms to identify whether aftermarket modifications to the affected component area can void coverage. Must
Contact your auto insurer to ask whether adding the accessory affects your policy terms or requires you to declare the modification. Should
Keep a written record (photo or note) of the vehicle's condition before installation so any pre-existing issues are documented. Nice to have

Installation Safety Assessment

Determine whether the installation involves the electrical system, airbag zones, or structural components — if so, plan to use a qualified installer rather than attempting DIY. Must
Read the accessory's full installation instructions before purchasing to confirm you have the necessary tools, skills, and physical ability to complete the task safely. Must
Identify whether the accessory placement is near any airbag deployment zones — check your owner's manual for airbag location diagrams. Must
Confirm you will not need to drill, cut, or permanently alter the vehicle body unless you are prepared to accept that consequence. Should
Plan to have a second person present during installation for tasks that require holding components, reaching awkward spaces, or monitoring for hazards. Nice to have

Professional Review Triggers

If the device is classified as adaptive mobility equipment, consult a certified adaptive equipment dealer or occupational therapist before purchasing. Must
Schedule a dealer or mechanic review if you are unsure whether the accessory is compatible with any existing electronic or sensor-based system in your vehicle. Should
After installation, test all existing safety systems (parking sensors, lane warnings, rear camera) to confirm they still function correctly. Must

How to Use This Checklist Effectively

Work through each group in order before you buy or install anything. Items marked must are non-negotiable — skipping them risks safety, legal, or warranty consequences. Items marked should are strongly recommended and will save you time and trouble. Nice-to-have items add confidence without being critical.

Airbag Zones Are a Hard Boundary

Never attach any accessory — including sun shades, holders, or handles — to a surface identified as an airbag deployment zone in your owner's manual. Airbags deploy with significant force and can turn an improperly placed object into a serious hazard. If you cannot confidently identify airbag locations on your vehicle, ask a dealer or mechanic to point them out before you proceed.

Once you have completed this checklist and are ready to proceed with fitting, the next step is understanding safe installation methods. Our guide on Fitting Safety Accessories Without Voiding Warranties or Causing Damage walks through recommended approaches in detail.

You may also find it useful to cross-reference Routine Car Checks to ensure your vehicle is in good baseline condition before any new device is added. If you are evaluating a new vehicle purchase and want to assess its built-in safety technology first, see What to Check When Evaluating Safety Features on a New Car.

Required

Vehicle Owner's Manual

Identifies prohibited modifications, airbag zones, and mounting restrictions specific to your vehicle.

Required

State DMV or DOT Website

Provides current regulations on device categories such as window tints, dashboard cameras, and windshield-mounted accessories.

Optional

Smartphone or Digital Camera

Documents the vehicle's pre-installation condition for warranty or insurance purposes.

Optional

Certified Adaptive Equipment Dealer

Offers professional compatibility assessment and safe installation for mobility or adaptive safety devices.

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Car Accessories Editorial Team · Contributor

Car Accessories Editorial Team is the collective byline for our editorial team and contributor network. Articles published under this byline or an editorial pen name are researched, written, and reviewed according to our editorial standards for clarity, consistency, and independence before publication.

The content on this site is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified professional for guidance specific to your situation.