Mandatory First Aid Kits for New Cars Starting in 2027

The Polish Ministry of Infrastructure is proposing a new regulation requiring first aid kits in all passenger cars registered for the first time after March 31, 2027, to enhance road safety.

Scope of the New Regulation

The Ministry of Infrastructure has introduced draft regulation No. 173, currently under public consultation, which proposes adding first aid kits to the mandatory equipment for passenger vehicles. While taxis, buses, and driving school cars are already required to carry them, this change would extend that obligation to the broader category of private passenger cars.

The new mandate will not apply to existing vehicles. Instead, the requirement will only affect passenger cars registered for the first time in Poland after March 31, 2027. This phased approach avoids placing an immediate financial and logistical burden on the millions of car owners currently using older vehicles.

First Aid Kit Standards and Costs

The draft regulation does not define a specific list of required items for the kit, as there is no national Polish standard for such contents. However, the Ministry points to the widely adopted German DIN 13164 standard, which is already used by many European countries and is common in kits currently sold on the market.

Drivers will have the flexibility to choose from various manufacturers and models. Prices for compliant sets typically range from 30 to 100 PLN, depending on the quality and range of medical supplies included. More advanced kits designed for larger family vehicles may be priced higher.

Rationale Behind the Proposal

The Ministry argues that standardizing first aid equipment will better utilize the skills taught during mandatory driver training and improve the chances of providing effective assistance during accidents or sudden health emergencies. By making kits mandatory in new cars, the government aims to increase the availability of basic medical supplies on the road.

While this proposal represents the most significant change for the average motorist, the draft regulation also includes several other updates concerning vehicle technical conditions and safety equipment. The final requirements will be determined once the legislative process concludes and the regulation is officially signed.