Respecting the driving rules and having a car in good condition are essential to driving safely. But certain objects are also essential on board a vehicle to comply with the law.
Driving your car safely and legally involves respecting many rules. While most of them concern the equipment of the vehicle itself, such as tires, brakes, windows or even lighting, certain very specific objects are also mandatory inside any car in circulation. And their absence, in addition to putting yourself and other road users in danger, exposes you to a hefty fine in the event of an inspection.
First of all, you must have a fluorescent safety vest, the famous yellow vest, approved by CE marking and which must be at hand, because you must be able to put it on before getting out of your vehicle in the event of emergency stop. Therefore, having a compliant safety vest in your trunk is not regulatory. The absence of the yellow vest in your vehicle or its incorrect location can result in a fine of up to €750, especially if you do not wear it in the event of dangerous immobilization of your car.
Secondly, you must have a danger warning triangle, approved with an E 27 R marking, which you must place on the road at least 30 meters from your vehicle in the event of immobilization representing a danger to traffic. However, you are not required to place the triangle if doing so poses a danger to your life, such as during an emergency stop on the highway that is encroaching on the lanes. However, the presence of a triangle in your car remains mandatory and its absence can once again result in a fine of up to €750.
Then, although they are not strictly obligatory, it is strongly recommended to have the following items on board your vehicle. First of all, a spare wheel with an installation kit, or a roller wheel or even an anti-puncture kit. In fact, it is strictly forbidden to drive with a damaged tire, even to go to a garage in the event of a puncture. In the absence of a spare wheel, your vehicle will therefore be immobilized and driving with it will incur a fine of €750.
The same goes for your car’s headlights and signal lights, which must always be in good working order. Driving with faulty lights can result in a penalty of up to €450, which is why you must replace any faulty lighting equipment immediately. Having a box of replacement bulbs suitable for your car’s lights, and knowing how to replace them, is therefore a good habit to get into, even if it is unfortunately increasingly difficult to replace the lights on vehicles yourself. recent.
Finally, it doesn’t hurt to have a few extra items when you’re driving around. For example, a first aid kit and a small fire extinguisher can be very useful in the event of an accident, as can a battery-powered flashlight in the event of an unexpected stop at night. A pair of protective gloves and a few basic tools can also come in handy if needed. And of course, having a few unused breathalyzers in stock is always a good idea, to ensure that you are able to drive safely, even if you feel like you are after a few drinks.