Spare tires, first aid kit, driver's license: What do you have to have in the car?

Breakdown, accident or police check – why vehicle documents, warning triangles, first aid kits and high-visibility vests absolutely belong in the car. You need to keep this in mind.

A first aid kit belongs in every car
Always in the original: driver's license and vehicle documents
A spare tire is not required

It is not without reason that the legislator prescribes certain safety equipment for every car. If you don't have it with you, you can expect a fine in the event of a police check.

Table of Contents

First aid kit is mandatory

Spare tires not mandatory

Warning triangle: Who needs to have it with you

Driver's license and vehicle documents

High-visibility vests must be in the car

First aid kit is mandatory

In Germany, motorists must have first aid material kits with them. Their content is based on DIN 13164 and Section 35 h of the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO). This DIN was last updated in 2022. And even though the StVZO has not yet been adapted, the new first aid kits may already be used, according to the Federal Ministry.

The most important change: Two masks must be included in the first aid kit. In addition, two triangular cloths were previously mandatory, now one is sufficient. And the bandage cloth (40 by 60 centimeters) has been deleted without replacement.

In the event of a violation of the obligation to carry, a warning fine of up to 10 euros may be imposed.

Spare tires not mandatory

Even if spare tires are not mandatory in the car, it is in your own interest that you should have one with you. An alternative can be so-called tire sealants. However, these breakdown kits (liquid sealant for blowing into the tire with a 12-volt compressor) only allow you to continue your journey in the event of puncture injuries in the tread or small cracks.

If the spare tyre does not have sufficient tread or is not roadworthy for other reasons, it may only be used to take the vehicle out of circulation by the shortest route, e.g. to the nearest car park or workshop.

How to fix a flat tire

Warning triangle: Who needs to have it with you

The warning triangle is intended to prevent rear-end collisions and must be carried in the vehicle in an approved form. This also applies to quads. Motorcycles, i.e. motorcycles, scooters or mopeds, do not need a warning triangle.

The triangular warning sign must be reflective, portable, stable and designed in such a way that it can be seen from a sufficient distance when in use. When breaking down, it must be set up in a clearly visible manner immediately after switching on the hazard warning lights.

The distance behind the breakdown vehicle depends on the speed of the traffic. In fast traffic, this is about 100 meters. On the motorway, the warning triangle should be at least 150 metres, which corresponds to about 200 steps, in front of the danger spot.

In the event of a violation of the obligation to carry with you, a warning fine of 15 euros may be imposed.

Driver's license and vehicle documents

The original driver's license and the registration certificate Part I (vehicle registration document) must be taken with you and handed over on request - e.g. by a police officer. A certified copy is not sufficient as a substitute for the original papers. Anyone who cannot show the required vehicle documents on request risks a fine of 10 euros.