Most drivers are concerned about filling up with gas, checking tire pressure, washing their car, or taking it to the garage for service. However, few consider carrying an emergency kit or checking that all the essential items are there. In this Help Flash article , we explain the mandatory and optional items in a car emergency kit.
What is a car emergency kit?
A car emergency kit is a set of mandatory items that you should always carry in your vehicle. The kit is made up of several items that must be in perfect condition so that, when used, there are no problems. It's often thought that having an emergency kit isn't essential, since no accident has ever happened. However, as they always say, prevention is better than cure. Imagine that, unfortunately, you're driving down the road and a situation arises where you need to use the kit. The items in that kit could be crucial in saving someone's life or your own.
Types of emergency kits
There are two types of car emergency kits:
- A basic (mandatory) one: This includes all the items that the General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) indicates as mandatory, and which must always be carried in the car and in optimal condition.
- An optional one : in addition to the mandatory elements, this also includes a series of items that may be of vital importance in the event of an accident.
Mandatory emergency kit by 2026
The General Directorate of Traffic marks the following items as mandatory:
- Reflective vest : If you get out of your car on the road, it's essential that you wear a vest, regardless of the reason you're leaving. The vest helps other drivers see you.
- A V16 hazard warning light or two warning triangles : Until 2021, triangles were mandatory, and they had to be in good condition and approved. However, triangles can now be replaced with the V16 hazard warning light, which will also become mandatory starting in 2026.
- Documentation : Carrying all the vehicle's documentation in the vehicle is required. Documentation includes insurance, the vehicle's technical data sheet, a favorable vehicle inspection (MOT), and a valid driver's license.
Optional emergency kit
The optional emergency kit isn't mandatory, so you won't be penalized if you don't carry it. However, it's always helpful to have one, so we recommend keeping both kits in your car. These are the items included:
- Flashlight : If you find yourself in a night situation or where there is poor viability due to the weather, the flashlight will illuminate you.
- First aid kit : Having a first aid kit with hydrogen peroxide, betadine, gauze, bandages, and gloves is always helpful for disinfecting any wound.
- Jump-start clamps : If your car breaks down and won't start because it's cold or the battery is in poor condition, a jump-start clamp will be useful.
- Safety hammer : If you had to break the windows or the belt for any reason, a safety hammer would be necessary, as it has a blade.
- Fire extinguisher : It may seem like a bit of an overkill, but having a small fire extinguisher is a good idea. While it can't put out an entire car, it can reduce the flames in the event of a fire. For example, if a tragic situation occurs, a fire extinguisher can help put out any flames that reach a victim. If you decide to carry one, keep in mind that they lose pressure, so it won't be as effective.
- Ropes, cable ties, and wires : Keep some of these materials in your emergency kit so that, in case something comes loose, you can secure it. Also, in case of a breakdown. Damage from falling off is common in older cars or on roads with poor asphalt condition.
- Empty container : Has your car run out of gas and left you stranded? You can carry gasoline in the container. If you need water for your windshield wipers, then carry water. An easy-to-carry container, such as a bottle, is also an option.
At Help Flash , we specialize in safety with our emergency lights for cars . Our devices are approved in accordance with DGT regulations and were created with the aim of saving lives. We believe that technology facilitates and protects, which is why we have become pioneers in the development of connected V16 signals, with the launch of Help Flash IoT, the NB-IoT-connected beacon that will be indispensable in all vehicles. We work daily to improve road safety with our products, which is why you will find us in the main points of sale. Do you have any questions about our products? Contact us via email, WhatsApp, or phone. We will respond as soon as possible.
