What do you need and what should you have in the car

First aid kit, fire extinguisher and reflective vest in some countries are required, others are not. How is the situation in Poland? What every driver must have in the car and what penalties threaten to disobey the rules?

According to the regulations, a fire extinguisher and warning triangle with an approval mark must be present in each vehicle. No fire extinguisher can result in a mandate of 20 to 500 zł. A police officer can also punish a driver if the fire extinguisher is not in a place where there is no easy access, so it should not stick in the trunk. Interestingly, we are not threatened with a mandate if its usefulness has expired. Fire extinguishers should be inspected at least once a year and the extinguishing agent content must not be less than 1 kg. No fire extinguisher can also contribute to the negative result of the vehicle's technical inspection.

A warning reflective triangle with a valid approval mark must be present in each vehicle. According to the tariff for non-signaling or incorrect signaling of a stopover due to its damage or accident threatens 150 zł or 300 zł. The triangular must also be marked with the vehicle that is towed - in the absence of this marking, a mandate of 150 zł.

In Poland, possession of a first aid kit in a car is not necessary, but useful. You never know when it will be helpful, especially since first aid is compulsory in our country. What should be found in it? It is worth investing in a first aid kit that includes bandages, gas compresses, patches and dressings, compression band, disinfectant, mouthpiece for artificial respiration, protective gloves, triangular scarf, thermal blanket, scissors, safety pins and first aid instructions. Having a first aid kit is mandatory for those who carry people - taxi drivers, bus drivers and even driving instructors.

It may also be useful to wear a reflective yellow vest. It does not take up much space and is especially valuable in the event of an accident or minor repair on the roadside, such as a wheel change. It is also good to have tools that will allow you to do this yourself. Additional equipment includes a towing cable, a spare bulb or CB radio or a mobile alternative to Smartphone.