When it comes to first aid on the road, many UK drivers wonder what the official requirements are. While private car drivers are not legally required to carry a kit, there is a recognised British Standard — BS 8599-2:2014 — that sets out the recommended contents for vehicle first aid kits.
This guide explains what BS 8599-2 means, which vehicles it applies to, and why it matters for employers, fleet operators, and drivers.
BS 8599-2 is the British Standard for vehicle first aid kits. It sets the benchmark for kit contents, sizes, and suitability depending on vehicle type and passenger numbers.
The standard ensures that kits are equipped with the right items to handle injuries that might happen on the road — from minor cuts to more serious roadside emergencies.
The BS 8599-2 standard covers all types of vehicles used on UK roads, from private cars to heavy goods vehicles and passenger coaches. The recommended kit size depends on the vehicle class and the number of passengers it is designed to carry. In general:
To make it easier, here’s a quick reference table you can use to match your vehicle type with the correct kit size under BS 8599-2:
| Vehicle Type | Vehicle Class | Recommended Kit Size |
|---|---|---|
| Cars, Taxis, Private Hire, Minibuses (up to 8 passengers) | M1 | Small Kit |
| Minibuses, Buses, Coaches (more than 8 passengers) | M2 / M3 | 1 Medium Kit per 16 passengers |
| Vans and Light Goods Vehicles (up to 3.5 tonnes) | N1 | Small Kit |
| HGVs and Lorries (over 3.5 tonnes) | N2 / N3 | Medium Kit |
For a full overview of UK first aid kit sizes, see our detailed comparison guide.
Each kit includes contents tailored for vehicle use, such as:
The exact list varies depending on whether it’s a Small or Medium kit.
👉 For a full contents checklist, see our UK first aid kit contents guide.
Vehicle kits are exposed to temperature changes, moisture, and constant movement, which can shorten shelf life. Items like sterile dressings, antiseptic wipes, and burn gels often expire.
👉 See our full guide on do first aid kits expire? for expiry timelines and restocking advice.
In the UK, private cars do not legally need a kit, but when driving in Europe, many countries (e.g. Germany, Austria, France) require a car kit by law.
If you’re planning to travel abroad, check our car first aid kit UK requirements guide for details.
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