In 2024 fresh rules on mandatory car equipment were introduced. From 10 August, drivers must guarantee that their vehicles are adequately equipped, not only for their own safety and passengers, but besides for compliance with the applicable law. The article will discuss what items of equipment are required now and why their possession is crucial.
First-aid kit
One of the most crucial elements of the mandatory equipment is the first aid kit. The fresh rules specify precisely what should be in it. Having a well-equipped first aid kit in the car may prove invaluable in emergency situations specified as road accidents, where the first minutes are crucial to saving lives.
The first-aid kits should include, inter alia:
- Gas compressors
- Idle dressings
- Band-Aids
- Flexible and plain bandages
- Scissors
- Thermal blanket
- Artificial breathing mask
- One-off gloves
It is crucial that the first aid kit is regularly checked and refilled. Ingredients specified as bandages or dressings may lose their properties over time, so their actuality should be continuously monitored.
Reflector vest
Another mandatory component of the equipment is the reflective vest. This is an highly crucial safety component, especially during a vehicle failure on the road. The vest ensures visibility of the driver and passengers under restricted visibility conditions, which importantly increases road safety.
The regulations require that the vest be easy accessible and be in the vehicle cab alternatively than in the trunk. In an emergency, getting out of the vehicle without wearing a vest is not only dangerous, but besides fined.
Warning Triangle
The informing triangle is simply a standard component of the car equipment, which is besides subject to fresh regulations. Its correct usage is crucial in an emergency as it warns another traffic participants about the danger in the road.
The triangle should be set at an appropriate distance behind the vehicle – usually about 30-50 meters in built-up terrain and 100-150 meters on velocity roads or highways. Correct triangle alignment increases safety and avoids additional collisions.
Fire extinguisher
Fire extinguisher is another mandatory component that should be in each car. In Poland, fire extinguishers should have a capacity of at least 1 kg and be regularly serviced to guarantee their efficiency in case of fire.
Keep in head that the fire extinguisher should be placed in an easy accessible place, allowing for fast consequence in emergency situations. The fire extinguisher can not only prevent the spread of fire, but besides save life and property.
Set of fuses and bulbs
The fresh rules besides require drivers to have a set of spare fuses and bulbs in their vehicles. Although not all driver can replace a bulb or fuse on his own, having them on board can importantly facilitate repair in emergency situations.
This set shall be adapted to the vehicle model and shall cover all types of filament lamps utilized in the vehicle, including headlamps, halt lamps and direction indicator lamps.
Spare wheel or Repair kit
Another crucial component is the spare wheel or, in the absence of it, the tyre repair kit. Modern vehicles are increasingly equipped with repair kits alternatively of full-sized spare wheels, which saves space and reduces weight.
Having a spare wheel or repair kit is crucial if the tyre is punctured. This allows you to travel rapidly and safely to the nearest vulcanization workshop.
Obligation to comply
The fresh mandatory equipment rules aim to increase road safety and minimise the risks of accidents and another emergency situations. Compliance with these regulations is not only a legal but besides a moral issue – each driver has a work to guarantee the safety of his/her passengers and another road users.
Failure to have the required equipment may consequence in the imposition of a mandate and a punishment point. In the event of an accident, the deficiency of adequate equipment may besides affect civilian liability and compensation.
In summary, as of 10 August, mandatory car equipment includes:
- First-aid kit
- Reflector vest
- Warning triangle
- Fire extinguisher
- A set of spare fuses and bulbs
- Spare wheel or repair kit
Each of these elements plays a key function in ensuring road safety. Regular checking and maintenance of equipment in good method condition is the work of each driver. This will enable us, if necessary, to respond effectively and guarantee the safety of all road users.
Read more:
New Mandatory Equipment in Cars from 10 August: What Do You Have?
