First aid kit in the car: where it is mandatory and where it is not: its characteristics

Traveling safely by car is very important. But unexpected events can always happen, so it's best to be prepared, for example, with a first aid kit in your vehicle. Therefore, it's helpful to know where a first aid kit is mandatory and where it isn't. In Italy, a first aid kit is not mandatory . In our country, whether or not to keep a first aid kit in your car is essentially optional. The European Union is working to harmonize regulations at the EU level, but for now, the rule still varies from state to state. As mentioned, in Italy, according to the Highway Code, having a first aid kit in your car is not mandatory for private or work-related travel with your own vehicle. However, it is mandatory for company cars , school vehicles, and other vehicles intended for professional transportation, as established by Ministerial Decree 388 of July 15, 2003. In general, all drivers are required to carry a reflective vest and a warning triangle , which are always mandatory in the event of a road accident.

However, if you plan to travel by car from Italy to another European country, it's important to know where it's mandatory to always have a first aid kit on board and where it isn't. A first aid kit is mandatory in Austria for all vehicles, including motorcycles, even those registered abroad. In this country, the kit must be contained in a sturdy, airtight box . It's also mandatory in Croatia , while an EU-approved first aid kit is recommended in Slovenia . In these latter two countries, it's also necessary to have a set of spare bulbs and a fire extinguisher on board for commercial vehicles. A first aid kit is not mandatory in France , but in addition to a high-visibility vest and warning triangle, you must carry a functioning breathalyzer and EU-approved gloves. There's no obligation to carry a first aid kit in Spain or Switzerland .

This first aid kit in your car isn't a substitute for medical care, but it can be invaluable while waiting for the ambulance to arrive. The kit, mandatory for company vehicles and optional for private individuals in Italy, must comply with the DIN 13164 standard , according to European regulations on road traffic licenses. The kit should include sterile gloves, a skin disinfectant solution, saline solution, sterile gauze, tweezers, cotton wool, plasters of various sizes, elastic bandages, medical scissors, a tourniquet, dry ice, a disposable bag for collecting medical waste, and first aid instructions. Each package contains a label with the product's expiration date , which is typically five years. This kit, contained in a hard case or bag, can be purchased at gas stations, specialized online stores, and major e-commerce sites. The price of this first aid kit varies depending on the contents, but the starting price is around 10-15 euros.