Safety equipment in a car

[Narolines]

I've just read an article in a Cyprus newspaper that states that it's compulsory in all EU countries for all private vehicles to carry a first-aid kit, a warning triangle, a fire extinguisher and high-visibilty jackets for all the potential occupants. In Cyprus, at least, failure to carry any one of the above is punishable by an on-the-spot fine equivqalent to abuot �72. Now while I agree that all these items are desirable in a vehicle and I have no objection to carrying them, I'm not aware that it's compulsory in all EU countries. Is it so in the UK, and do I risk an on-the-spot fine and possibly some points on my licence if I i happen to be caught without my hi-vis jacket? Or are the Cypriot police just out to raise a bit oof revenue....?

[NORMANTHEDOG]

since when,iv been to cyprus about 30 times,hiring a car every time usually,none have had this so called kit in it,and its not law in this country,(uk)

[Buenchico]

Many European countries make it an offence not to carry safety equipment. There's a list of the requirements of some countries (including all of those most frequently visited by Brits using the cross-channel ferries) in this Word document from the AA website:
http://www.theaa.com/motoring_advice/touring_t ips/AA_compulsory_equipment_june2007.doc

UK legislation does not require that any such equipment is carried - although it's all in my car ;-)

Chris

[Narolines]

Cheers chaps - that's what I thought. We own a house in Cyprus and spend quite a lot of time there, and when I bought a car there earlier this year none of this was mentioned and none of the kit was in the car, so I assume (maybe wrongly, being Cyprus!) that it's a recommendation rather than a requirement. The Cypriot authorities are awfully good at trotting out the "It's an EU law" excuse for a lot of rather questionable initiatives. I will try to check on the law in Cyprus, though.

[Buenchico]

Thanks for the response.

A bit of web-searching suggests that 2 warning triangles are compulsory in Cyprus. Everything else is just recommended.

This might be of interest:
http://cyprus.angloinfo.com/forum/topic.asp?to pic_id=4233

Chris

[Narolines]

Thanks Chris - I've already checked with AngloInfo, and it does appear that only a warning triangle is compulsory in Cyprus; I suppose I've answered my own question really; I was just interested to know if some bit of EU lunacy - sorry, legislation - had slipped past me with regard to the UK as much as anything. As it happens, I do carry an emergency kit (which I think includes a hi-viz jacket), a fire extinguisher and a tow-rope anyway in this country, but I must confess I haven't thought to buy one in Cyprus. Must do that when I get back there later this month! Cheers!

[sddsddean]

Just as an aside, in Germany it is compulsory for all trucks to carry a first aid kit (but not for cars I think) and the Police can come and take it off you to use at an accident (if theirs runs out). You get a chit off the Police and they will replace the first aid kit at a Police station. Now this is all well and good, but in common with several other European countries, trucks are not allowed on the roads on a Sunday (unless they are moving pershables). Moral is: don't have an accident on a Sunday...there might not be a First Aid kit about!