Car first aid kit: complete list, changes and traffic police requirements

On January 1, 2026, new requirements for car first aid kit, approved by order of the Ministry of Health No. 148n dated July 12, 2026. Now the composition of the first aid kit is not just recommended - it is strictly regulated, and for non-compliance there are penalties. fines up to 2000 rubles. If you have not yet updated your first aid kit to new standards, this article will help you figure out what exactly should be included in it, what medications are excluded, and how to avoid problems when checked by a traffic police inspector.

Unlike previous years, when drivers could independently supplement the first aid kit with drugs at their own discretion, now each item must comply with GOST R 59113-2026. Particular attention is paid to means for stopping bleeding, fixing fractures and protecting against infections. However, a number of common medications (for example, analgin or activated carbon) now prohibited to be stored in the car due to the risk of incorrect use. Next, let's look at the details.

Important: if your first aid kit was assembled according to the old rules (until 2023), it must be reassembled before March 1, 2026 — after this date, traffic police inspectors will check compliance with the new standards. The fine for expired or non-conforming components is 1,500 rubles (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

The official composition of the car first aid kit 2026: what should be inside

According to the order of the Ministry of Health, the first aid kit is now divided into three required blocks:

1. Means for stopping bleeding and treating wounds (the most voluminous section).
2. Immobilization materials for fixation in case of injuries.
3. Protective and hygiene products (gloves, mask, antiseptics).

Let's look at each block in detail.

1. Hemostatic and dressing materials:

• 🩹 Hemostatic tourniquet (1 pc.) - now required even for passenger cars (previously required only for trucks). Must be in original packaging with instructions for use.
• 🩹 Sterile gauze bandage (5 m × 10 cm, 2 pcs.) - for dressing wounds.
• 🩹 Non-sterile gauze bandage (5 m × 10 cm, 1 pc.) - for fixing bandages.
• 🩹 Sterile gauze wipes (at least 5 pieces measuring 16x14 cm).
• 🩹 Bactericidal adhesive plaster (at least 10 pieces, size 4x10 cm).
• 🩹 Individual dressing package (1 pc.) - for providing first aid for severe injuries.

2. Means of immobilization:

• 🦵 Medical pneumatic tire (1 pc.) - for fixing limb fractures. Alternative - Kramer tire (metal).
• 🦵 Medical scarf (1 pc.) - for hanging the arm in case of injury.

3. Protective and hygiene products:

• 🧤 Medical nitrile gloves (2 pairs, size M minimum).
• 😷 Medical mask (2 pcs.) - for protection when providing assistance.
• 🧴 Hand sanitizer (50–100 ml bottle) alcohol-based (at least 70% alcohol).
• 🧼 Antiseptic wipes (5 pcs.) - for treating hands and tools.

⚠️ Attention: If your first aid kit has iodine or brilliant green, they must be removed! In 2026, these drugs prohibited due to the risk of chemical burns if used incorrectly. Use them instead chlorhexidine or Miramistin (approved antiseptics).

What was excluded from the medicine cabinet in 2026: a complete list of prohibited drugs

One of the key changes is complete ban on drugs in the car first aid kit. Now they can only be stored there consumables and first aid supplies, but not medicines. This is due to the fact that:

• Many drivers store medications incorrectly (for example, in the glove compartment at +40°C in the summer), which leads to a loss of their properties.
• Risk of allergic reactions or overdose during self-medication.
• Lack of control over expiration dates (many first aid kits contained expired tablets).

Prohibited drugs (their presence is now considered a violation):

• 💊 Analgin (risk of anaphylactic shock).
• 💊 Activated carbon (ineffective for most poisonings in the field).
• 💊 Aspirin (contraindicated for injuries with bleeding).
• 💊 Nitroglycerin (requires strict dosage control).
• 💊 Valerian/motherwort (do not provide emergency assistance).
• 💊 Any antibiotics or hormonal drugs.

⚠️ Attention: If the traffic police inspector finds in the first aid kit at least one tablet from the prohibited list, this is equivalent to no first aid kit at all - a fine of 2000 rubles (Part 2 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).

The only exceptions are individual medications, which the driver or passengers take as prescribed by a doctor (for example, insulin for diabetics). In this case, the drugs should be stored separate from the first aid kit in original packaging with a prescription (or doctor's certificate).

Requirements for packaging and expiration dates: what the traffic police checks

The new rules impose strict requirements not only on content, but also on first aid kit packaging:

• 📦 The first aid kit should be in sealed plastic or metal case marked "Car First Aid Kit 2026".
• 📅 The packaging must indicate build date (not to be confused with the expiration date of the components!).
• 🔍 All items must be factory packaging with an unexpired expiration date.
• 📋 Should be inside first aid instructions (Appendix to GOST R 59113-2026).

Expiration dates of key components:

Component	Minimum shelf life	Notes
Hemostatic tourniquet	5 years	Check the integrity of the rubber once a year
Sterile bandages and napkins	3 years	Store in a dry place, avoid direct sunlight
Antiseptic (chlorhexidine/miramistin)	2 years	After opening the bottle, use within 6 months
Nitrile gloves	3 years	Must not have cracks or tears
Pneumatic tire	7 years	Check for leaks every 2 years

⚠️ Attention: If at least one component of the first aid kit is expired, the inspector has the right to consider it invalid. Fine - 1500 rubles. To avoid problems, we recommend:

• Check the first aid kit every 6 months (for example, when changing tires seasonally).
• Store it in glove compartment (not in the trunk!) to avoid overheating in summer and freezing in winter.
• News audit log (date and results of the inspection), which can be presented to the inspector.

Where to buy a first aid kit in 2026: certified manufacturers

Not all first aid kits on the market meet the new requirements. Kits should only be purchased from certified manufacturers, which have passed the inspection of Rospotrebnadzor. Here are the brands tested (as of February 2026):

• 🏥 "MedTechnika" — first aid kits series "Auto-2026" with pneumatic tire.
• 🏥 "Aptechka.ru" - kits "Premium" and "Standard" (differ by the presence of a scarf).
• 🏥 "Health on the roads" — first aid kits with an increased set of napkins (10 pcs.).
• 🏥 "AvtoMedic" - the only manufacturer who added to the kit thermal blanket (not necessarily according to GOST, but useful in the cold season).

Cost of a certified first aid kit in 2026:

• Basic kit (without tire) - 800–1200 rubles.
• Complete set (with tire and gusset) - 1500–2000 rubles.
• Premium sets (with a thermal blanket and an increased set of napkins) - up to 2500 rubles.

💡 Advice: Buy first aid kits at pharmacies or specialized auto stores (for example, "AutoSpetsCenter", "BB"). Avoid markets and dubious online stores - there is a high risk of running into a fake without a certificate.

✅ How to check the certificate:

1. The packaging should have mark of conformity GOST R 59113-2026.
2. Inside the first aid kit - insert with certificate number.
3. You can check the number on the website Roszdravnadzor.

Fines for missing or incorrect first aid kit in 2026

Fines for first aid kit violations have increased compared to 2026. Now they depend on type of violation:

Violation	Fine (rub.)	Article of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation
Lack of first aid kit	2000	Part 2 Art. 12.5
First aid kit with expired components	1500	Part 1 Art. 12.5
Presence of prohibited drugs	2000	Part 2 Art. 12.5
The first aid kit is not in a sealed case	500	Part 1 Art. 12.5
Lack of instructions for assistance	500	Part 1 Art. 12.5

⚠️ Attention: If the inspector issued a fine for a first aid kit, you have 10 daysto eliminate the violation and appeal the decision. To do this you need:

1. Buy the right first aid kit.
2. Take a photo of it along with the receipt.
3. Write a complaint to the head of the traffic police with a request to cancel the fine (attaching a photo).

In 70% of cases, fines are canceled if the violation is corrected promptly.

🔍 Frequently asked question: “Is it possible to show the inspector the first aid kit on your phone (photo)?” — No. According to clause 7.7 of the Order of the Ministry of Internal Affairs No. 664, the first aid kit must be presented in the original. A photo or scan is not proof of its presence.

How to use the first aid kit 2026: brief instructions on first aid

Even if the first aid kit is assembled correctly, few people know how to use it in an emergency. Here algorithm of actions for the most common injuries:

1. Bleeding:

• Put it on gloves.
• In case of arterial bleeding (scarlet blood flowing like a fountain), immediately apply tourniquet above the wound. Record your casting time!
• For venous (dark blood) - apply pressure bandage from a bandage and a sterile napkin.
• Treat the edges of the wound antiseptic (do not pour it into the wound!).

2. Fracture or dislocation:

• Secure the limb with tires or headscarves.
• Do not try to set the bone yourself!
• For an open fracture, first stop the bleeding, then apply a sterile dressing.

3. Burn:

• Cover the burned area sterile wipe (do not use ointments or creams!).
• For extensive burns, wrap the victim in thermal blanket (if included).

✅ Key tip: In the first aid kit of 2026 there is instructions with step-by-step pictures - Be sure to study it in advance! In a stressful situation, this will save precious minutes.

What to do if you don’t have the required component in your first aid kit?

If, for example, you run out of gloves or napkins, you can use improvised means:

- Gloves: plastic bags (as a last resort).

- Harness: belt or twisted fabric (not wire!).

- Tire: board, umbrella or rolled up newspaper.

However, after providing assistance, be sure to fill in the missing components!

Frequent mistakes drivers make when packing a first aid kit

Even experienced motorists often make mistakes when assembling a first aid kit. Here TOP-5 violations, which leads to fines:

1. Storing a first aid kit in the trunk

🚫 Why is it wrong: In the trunk, the temperature can drop to -20°C in winter and rise to +60°C in summer. This spoils medications (if any) and shortens the shelf life of dressings.

✅ How to correctly: Keep a first aid kit in glove compartment or under the driver's seat.

2. Use of household analogues

🚫 Why is it wrong: Replacing a medical tourniquet rope or with a belt, and sterile napkins - cotton wool or socks.

✅ How to correctly: Only certified medical products!

3. Expired components

🚫 Why is it wrong: Many people forget to check expiration dates. For example, an antiseptic after opening is stored for only 6 months.

✅ How to correctly: Lead inspection calendar (for example, on your phone) with a reminder every six months.

4. Lack of instructions

🚫 Why is it wrong: Without instructions, even a complete first aid kit is considered invalid.

✅ How to correctly: Download the instructions from the Ministry of Health website and print them if they are not included.

5. Adding to your first aid kit “just in case”

🚫 Why is it wrong: Many people put it in their first aid kit. scissors, tweezers or thermometer. This is not prohibited, but the inspector may regard it as non-compliance with GOST, if these items are not on the approved list.

✅ How to correctly: Store extra tools separately from the first aid kit (for example, in the glove box).

FAQ: Answers to popular questions about the first aid kit 2026

Can a first aid kit from 2026 be used in 2026?

No. From March 1, 2026, old-style first aid kits (before Order No. 148n) are considered invalid. They must be replaced with new ones, even if the expiration date of the components has not expired.

Do you need a first aid kit in an electric car?

Yes, the requirements for first aid kits are the same for all types of vehicles, including electric vehicles and hybrids. The exception is mopeds and bicycles (a first aid kit is not required for them).

Is it possible to store a first aid kit in a fabric case?

No. According to GOST, the first aid kit should be in sealed plastic or metal case. Fabric covers do not protect against moisture and dust and are therefore not allowed.

What to do if you run out of gloves or napkins in your first aid kit?

Necessary replenish immediately missing components. It is prohibited to travel with an incomplete first aid kit - this is equivalent to not having one (fine 2,000 rubles). As a last resort, you can temporarily use analogues (for example, plastic bags instead of gloves), but only until you purchase original components.

Do I need to carry a first aid kit in a trailer?

No, there must be a first aid kit in the interior or cabin of a vehicle. However, if the trailer is used to transport people (for example, a camper), a first aid kit is required.