The red airbag light on drivers dash stays on but the passenger airbag light comes on and off as designed.

This is a 2006.5 Kia Optima 4 cyl. I was told the red airbag light is on because there is a problem with the passenger airbag sensor and the passenger seat has to be replaced at a cost of $1500.00 Can this sensor be replaced without having to replace the seat? The car will not pass inspection with the red airbag light on and I don't carry a passenger often. Can the sensor be disabled so the light will go out and the car will pass inspection so I can drive it?