Do UK drivers need a car first aid kit? Find out what’s recommended, what’s required abroad, and why every driver should be prepared.
While not a legal requirement for private vehicles in the UK, keeping a first aid kit in your car is strongly advised by government bodies, health professionals, and road safety experts. Whether you're commuting, road-tripping, or driving abroad, a car first aid kit ensures you're prepared for the unexpected—from minor cuts to more serious roadside emergencies.
No, UK law does not require private motorists to carry a first aid kit. However, The Highway Code (Annex 7) recommends all drivers carry basic first aid supplies and learn how to use them. If you're self-employed or drive as part of your job, employers may be legally obliged to provide a kit under the Health and Safety (First-Aid) Regulations 1981.
For businesses, taxis, delivery services, or fleet operators, a vehicle first aid kit compliant with BS 8599-2:2014 is considered best practice.
Even without a legal obligation, there are strong reasons to keep a car first aid kit:
The recommended standard for UK vehicle first aid kits is BS 8599-2. A standard small vehicle kit typically includes:
You can also build your own kit, but ensure it covers bleeding, burns, minor trauma, and CPR basics.
If you're travelling to Europe by car, many countries legally require you to carry a first aid kit in your vehicle. These include:
You may also need to carry other items such as warning triangles, high-visibility vests, and headlamp beam deflectors. Failing to carry the required equipment could result in on-the-spot fines of €100–€750 or more, depending on the country.
Before travelling, check the foreign travel advice section on GOV.UK.
Annex 7 of The Highway Code provides basic first aid steps for drivers. It recommends the D-R-A-B-C method:
You don’t need to be a medical professional—basic knowledge and a small kit can make all the difference.
To keep your kit ready when you need it:
It’s also worth keeping an emergency contact card and a first aid instruction leaflet in the kit.
At FirstAidKitsUK.co.uk, we stock a wide range of car kits that are compact, affordable, and ideal for daily or long-distance driving.
No, private drivers in the UK are not legally required to carry a first aid kit. However, it’s strongly recommended in The Highway Code and by safety organisations.
BS 8599-2 is the British Standard that outlines recommended contents for vehicle first aid kits, designed for private and commercial use.
Yes, you can build your own, but it should include essentials like bandages, dressings, gloves, wipes, and a foil blanket. A BS 8599-2 kit ensures nothing important is missed.
Typical items include sterile dressings, plasters, cleansing wipes, gloves, a burn dressing, trauma bandage, and a first aid guide.
Several European countries, including Germany, France, Austria, and Belgium, legally require drivers to carry a first aid kit in the car.
Yes. Under UK health and safety law, employers must assess risks and may need to provide a compliant first aid kit for employees who drive for work.
Store it somewhere accessible—commonly in the glovebox, under the seat, or in the boot, ideally inside a dry, secure case.
Review your kit every 6–12 months and replace any used, damaged, or expired items promptly to keep it fully stocked.
Written by: First Aid Kits UK
Leading UK supplier of first aid kits for home, car, travel, and workplace safety.Updated August 2025 · Based on UK driving laws, HSE guidance, and British Standard BS 8599-2
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