Coming from Poland to Spain you can choose from several variants of roads. Let’s stay at the one that will run us through the German and French motorways. Because in Poland the obligatory vehicle equipment consists only of a warning triangle and a fire extinguisher, you may find that you will need to replenish it.

 

When driving into Germany we have to prepare for the fact that during the inspection the police will want to see if we have: vest (reflective vest), first aid kit and warning triangle. These elements make up for mandatory equipment. When entering France we must leave the vests and the warning triangle in the vehicle, and theoretically we can get rid of the first aid kit (although it will probably still be necessary to return to Germany). In addition, we should equip the station with a set of light bulbs.

 

In summary, in France, the car must be high visibility vests, warning triangle and spare bulbs. The first aid kit and fire extinguisher are the recommended equipment, but are not compulsory. And what about the end of our trip, that is in Spain? First of all, if we do not have it, then we should buy this … spare wheel. In addition to the reflective vests for the driver and passengers, and the warning triangle, this is the stock of equipment required. On the other hand, items like the first aid kit, the fire extinguisher, or the set of spare bulbs belong to the recommended equipment.

 

It is worth emphasizing that the obligation to have reflective vests in all cases is associated with the obligation to have easy access to them. The point is that the driver (the passenger) leaving the car outside the built-up area, particularly on expressways and highways, had a safety vest on him. And it will not be possible if it is carried in the trunk and can still be dropped on the bottom of all bags and packages. Therefore, during the inspection you must show that it is in the cab and the driver has easy access to it.