Spain’s Dirección General de Tráfico (DGT) does not require drivers to carry a first aid kit, and leaving one out carries no fine. The official list of mandatory items appears in annex XII of the Reglamento General de Vehículos. First aid kits are not on it.
That resolves a long-running debate, especially because some European countries do require first aid kits. In Spain, the law spells out which items drivers must carry.
From 2026, a connected V-16 emergency beacon will replace traditional warning triangles for roadside incidents. The requirement covers vehicles weighing up to 3,500 kg, including cars and vans. Light goods vehicles in that weight class are covered too. Each must carry a V-16 emergency warning light and a high-visibility reflective vest that meets Spanish and EU standards. For mobility, drivers need either a full-size spare wheel, a temporary-use wheel with the right tools, or an approved alternative. The vest is compulsory: drivers must wear it when stepping onto the road or hard shoulder outside cities. Motor EL PAÍS reports that the DGT confirms these rules, which Spanish authorities enforce.
A first aid kit remains optional, though it can be useful for minor injuries. The DGT recognizes its value, particularly for treating small wounds while waiting for emergency services, but the law does not require one. The rules differ in countries such as Germany and France, where missing a kit can mean a fine. EL PAÍS advises drivers heading outside Spain to check local rules, as requirements vary across the EU.
Drivers must also carry their license and the vehicle’s technical inspection card. They also need the circulation permit. In Spain, these documents can now be shown digitally using the miDGT app. Proof of insurance and payment receipts are no longer needed because police can check coverage electronically. The change is part of the DGT’s wider modernization of traffic regulations.
Failing to carry a spare wheel or an approved repair kit can result in a fine of up to 200 euros. In some cases, authorities may detain the vehicle until the driver complies. The Guardia Civil enforces this penalty during roadside checks, reflecting the strict approach to impressive safety equipment.
This update is one of several recent changes to Spanish traffic law. As reported earlier, Spain has tightened rules for vulnerable road users and introduced new safety measures. A first aid kit is still not required.
The DGT’s position means drivers face no penalty for going without a first aid kit. The rules focus on visibility and signaling, while spare-wheel requirements address mobility. Drivers should check their vest and warning light, and make sure they have a spare wheel. A first aid kit remains optional under current Spanish rules.
