Regarding a vehicle operated in Europe, is there a standard or a specification for these items? EC/ECE approval code? I need to buy them and I'm wondering if there's something I should look for.
Thanks!
All,
I just purchased regular stuff. When I took the car for its test the guy seemed happy with all the kit.
I think you will find that nearly all the equipment sold here will have had to meet type approval prior to sale in the shops, wether it be UK or European.
One other peice of equipment I bought was a small Army trenching tool/shovel which I got from the ex military store near to Glatt Centrum, Zurich. Has proved to be quite handy
Nope, agree with others in that I don't think they need to meet any specific criteria.
Just don't forget the yellow hi-vis jacket needed in France - this must be stored inside the passenger compartment and should be worn on exiting the vehicle when stopped for an emergency.
Available cheaply at any Ikea store.
Thanks all. There's disagreement here in the office over how many of these items are required in Switzerland . People are saying "none of them" but I'm not so sure.
The reflective vest is mandatory in Italy too. A first aid kit is mandatory in Germany (can be bought in any supermarket/diy in Germany, it's called "Verbandskiste" or something similar and must be TÜV approved).
For Switzerland I think only the triangle is mandatory.
In Italy also a spare set of light bulbs is mandatory.
In Switzerland and neighbour-lands it's also mandatory to have snow chains on board in certain areas (except for 4x4 cars equipped with winter tyres) during winter.
Given the fact that Switzerland is in the middle of Europe, it make sense to have on board all the safety equipment needed in the neighbouring country.
In Switzerland , only the triangle is required.
thanks... Hornbach doesn't seem to have one. I'll try the huge Coop at Aubonne.
In Switzerland only the triangle is required, but it must be kept within reach of the driver. You can't leave it in the boot or trunk or kofferraum.
When driving in the mountains you do always not have to carry snow chains. But when there is a snow chain sign you must mount them on the tyres, or start walking.
You can be fined for driving without winter tyres, and definitely lose an insurance claim if you have an accident in wintery conditions.
In neighbouring countries you have to respect their laws and keep the first aid kit, and the pretty safety waistcoats (one for each person!) in the car. The waist coat thing is also mandatory I think in Austria. The first aid kit in Germany has to be approved (Look for the TUV emblem, it then contains gloves and scissors etc. ) A friend of mine was fined for having an old first aid kit, he had to show the police within the week that he had bought a new one.
Last time I saw a debate on this, the conclusion was that they are not required by law here, only by the insurance companies.
Yes, the winter tyres are thoroughly discussed in an old thread.