Ignoring the fire extinguisher and first-aid kit check: small fine – but mandatory compliance
A fire extinguisher and a first-aid kit in the car may look like secondary items that don’t need regular inspection, especially if they have never been used.
In Germany, however, having them in a proper, approved condition is not just a recommendation, but a legal requirement.
Many drivers are unaware that the expiry date of the first-aid kit (Verbandkasten) and, where applicable, the validity of the fire extinguisher (Feuerlöscher) – even in private, non-commercial vehicles – are subject to checks by the police during periodic inspections or random roadside controls. Any deficiency can result in an on-the-spot fine.
What is legally required in the car?
According to § 35h StVZO and Annex 7 to § 35h (1) StVZO, every driver in Germany must carry:
A first-aid kit (Verbandkasten) complying with DIN 13164
Medical materials that are within their expiry date
A complete kit, with no missing or used items
In certain cases (e.g. commercial vehicles, buses): a functional, charged fire extinguisher
What are the penalties for missing or expired equipment?
| Type of deficiency | Fixed fine | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| No first-aid kit at all | €10 | Classified as a simple administrative offence |
| Incomplete or expired first-aid kit | €5 | Even if it looks new from the outside |
| No fire extinguisher where it is legally required | €15–25 | Depending on vehicle type (bus, truck etc.) |
Important: If an accident occurs and it is found that the first-aid kit or a mandatory fire extinguisher is missing or unusable, you may face civil liability or even criminal consequences in certain situations.
How long is the first-aid kit valid?
The medical materials in a Verbandkasten are usually valid for about 4–5 years.
Always check the expiry date printed on the box or on individual packages such as bandages or disinfectant.
With the DIN 13164 update in 2022, it also became mandatory that the first-aid kit contains two medical masks (Mund-Nasen-Schutz).
How is it checked?
Inspections may happen in several situations:
During the regular technical inspection (HU/TÜV)
At random traffic controls by the police
After an accident, even a minor one
During annual checks of commercial vehicles and buses
Practical recommendations
Check the expiry date of your first-aid kit at least every six months.
Keep it in a readily accessible place, not buried under luggage in the boot.
Do not use items from the kit for minor personal needs without replacing them immediately.
Consider keeping a charged fire extinguisher in your car even if it is not mandatory – it may save a life.
A real-life example
In 2023, a family car was stopped in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate. The police discovered that the first-aid kit was incomplete and contained no masks.
Although the offence was minor (a €5 fine), a formal warning was issued and the driver was instructed to buy a new first-aid kit immediately.
Conclusion
The fine for missing or defective first-aid equipment or a fire extinguisher may be small, but it is mandatory and leaves little room for discussion once the deficiency is established.
More importantly, having this equipment in your vehicle is not just a matter of legal compliance, but a human duty that may make the difference in a critical moment.
The editorial team of this website strives to provide accurate information based on thorough research and consultation of multiple sources. Nevertheless, errors or incomplete details may occur. Please regard the information in this article as an initial reference and always consult the competent authorities for binding, up-to-date information.
