Introduction: why the number of first aid kits on a bus is regulated by law
Passenger transportation is an area of increased responsibility, where the safety of people comes first. Buses, especially route and intercity buses, carry hundreds of thousands of passengers every day, and availability of first aid kits they are not a whim, but a vital necessity. According to statistics from the Ministry of Emergency Situations, about 15% of road incidents with buses require first aid before the arrival of doctors. That's why Traffic rules (traffic rules) and Technical regulations of the Customs Union strictly regulate not only the availability of first aid kits, but also their number depending on the type of vehicle.
In 2026, the requirements for equipping buses with first aid kits underwent changes - standards for intercity and tourist flights were tightened, and new fines were introduced for non-compliance with the rules. In this article we will look at how many first aid kits should be on the bus according to current traffic regulations?, what types of vehicles are subject to different standards, and what the carrier faces for their absence. We will pay special attention to the nuances that are often overlooked even by experienced drivers and fleet owners.
Legal framework: what documents regulate the number of first aid kits on a bus?
Requirements for first aid kits in passenger vehicles are set out in several regulations. The main ones:
- 📜 Traffic rules of the Russian Federation (Appendix to Decree No. 1090) — general requirements for vehicle equipment.
- 📄 Technical Regulations of the Customs Union TR CU 018/2011 — details the standards for buses of different categories.
- 🚍 Order of the Ministry of Transport No. 7 of 01/20/2026 — current changes for passenger transportation.
- 💰 Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (Article 12.5) — penalties for the absence or non-compliance of first aid kits.
It is important to understand that Traffic rules establish basic requirements and Technical regulations and orders of the Ministry of Transport specify them in relation to buses. For example, if the traffic rules say that the first aid kit must be “in good working order and complete,” then TR CU 018/2011 states that how many first aid kits are needed in a bus with 30 seats?, and in the order of the Ministry of Transport - what medications should be included in them. Ignoring any of these documents may result in a fine or even suspension of the carrier's activities.
How many first aid kits should be on the bus: standards for the number of seats
The key parameter on which the number of first aid kits depends is bus passenger capacity. In 2026, the following standards apply:
| Bus type | Number of passenger seats | Minimum number of first aid kits | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minibuses (category M1, M2) | Up to 16 seats (including driver) | 1 first aid kit | Availability required car fire extinguisher (OP-2) |
| City buses (category M2, M3) | 17–30 seats | 1 first aid kit | Additionally required first aid kit for the driver |
| Intercity and tourist (category M3) | 31–50 seats | 2 first aid kits | One first aid kit should be in the cabin, the second in the luggage compartment |
| Large buses (category M3) | More than 50 places | 3 first aid kits | Distributed evenly: in the front, middle and rear parts of the cabin |
| School buses | Any number of seats | 2 first aid kits + child care kit | Availability required defibrillator (from 2023) |
Particular attention should be paid school buses — the requirements here are stricter than for conventional passenger transportation. In addition to standard first aid kits, they should contain specialized kit for helping children, including, for example, children's tourniquets and masks for artificial respiration. Also, from 2023, it is mandatory on school buses. automatic external defibrillator (AED), which is stated in Order of the Ministry of Health No. 124n.
If the bus has seats for disabled people, an additional first aid kit with an expanded range of equipment is required (for example, a kit to stop bleeding during amputation).
Where should first aid kits be located on the bus: requirements for placement
It's not enough to just have first aid kits - they need to be placed correctly. According to GOST R 51709-2021, first aid kits on the bus should:
- 📍 Be easily accessible for passengers and driver (no higher than 1.8 m from the floor).
- 🔍 Have clear markings (green cross on a white background).
- 🚪 Located out of areas of possible damage in case of an accident (not on the rear wall, not above the wheel arches).
- 🔒 To be secured so as not to fall during sudden braking.
On intercity buses, one of the first aid kits should be located in rear cabin, since statistics show that in frontal collisions, the majority of injuries are suffered by passengers sitting in the rear. On tourist buses, it is additionally recommended to place a first aid kit next to emergency exit - this is stated in Order of Rostransnadzor No. 452.
What happens if the first aid kit is not secured correctly?
In the event of an accident, an unsecured first aid kit can become an additional source of injury. For example, with a frontal impact, a first aid kit weighing 2–3 kg lying on a shelf acquires kinetic energy equivalent to a hammer blow. In practice, there have been cases where passengers received traumatic brain injuries from falling first aid kits. In addition, the traffic police inspector has the right to issue a fine for “a malfunction in which the operation of the vehicle is prohibited” (Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation).
Composition of a first aid kit for a bus: what should be inside in 2026
On January 1, 2026, the updated List of items for vehicle first aid kits (approved By Order of the Ministry of Health No. 832n). Unlike first aid kits for passenger cars, first aid kit for bus should include:
| Category of funds | Contents (minimum set) | Quantity for 1 first aid kit |
|---|---|---|
| Means to stop bleeding | Hemostatic tourniquet, sterile wipes, bandages | 1 tourniquet, 5 napkins, 3 bandages |
| Means for immobilization | Self-inflating or vacuum tire, medical scarf | 1 tire, 2 gussets |
| Resuscitation supplies | Mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration device, disposable masks | 1 device, 3 masks |
| Antiseptics and dressings | Iodine, brilliant green, plasters of various sizes, roll adhesive plaster | 1 bottle each, 10 patches |
| Other means | Scissors, tweezers, thermal blanket, medical gloves | 1 piece each, 2 pairs of gloves |
For intercity and tourist buses The first aid kit additionally includes:
- 💊 Analgin (10 tablets) - for pain relief.
- 🩹 Ammonia (1 bottle) - to bring you to your senses in case of fainting.
- 🧴 Hydrocortisone ointment - for allergic reactions.
Important: expiration date All components of the first aid kit must be at least 1.5 years old from the date of completion. The traffic police inspector has the right to check not only the presence of a first aid kit, but also its contents - for expired medications the fine is the same as for the absence of a first aid kit.
The first aid kit on the bus must be updated every 6 months, even if the components have not yet expired. This is due to the fact that some materials (for example, bandages or plasters) may lose sterility when stored in conditions of vibration and temperature changes.
Fines for missing or non-compliant first aid kits in 2026
Violations related to first aid kits on buses are classified according to Part 1 of Article 12.5 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation as “driving a vehicle in the presence of malfunctions in which operation is prohibited.” Amounts of fines in 2026:
- 🚗 For individuals (drivers): 500 rubles.
- 🚍 For officials (for example, fleet director): 20,000 rubles.
- 🏢 For legal entities (carriers): 100,000 rubles.
However, that's not all. If the inspector finds that the first aid kit does not meet the requirements (for example, a tourniquet is missing or medications are expired), then the fine can be re-imposed after 30 days. Moreover, with systematic violations Rostransnadzor has the right:
- ⚠️ Suspend the license for transportation for up to 3 months.
- ⚠️ Exclude the vehicle from the register of bus routes.
Case study: in 2023 Moscow region The carrier lost its license for 2 months after inspectors found first aid kits in three of its buses without tourniquets and with bandages expired by 8 months. The court upheld the decision of Rostransnadzor, citing “systemic disregard for safety requirements.”
Availability of first aid kits in the required quantity
Expiration date of all components
Integrity of packages (especially sterile materials)
Fixing first aid kits in the cabin
Availability of markings (green cross) -->
Frequent mistakes made by carriers: what they overlook
Even experienced road carriers sometimes make mistakes when equipping their buses with first aid kits. Here are the most common ones:
- Use of first aid kits for passenger cars.
Many people buy cheap first aid kits for cars, not understanding what buses require extended set. For example, a standard first aid kit does not contain an immobilization splint or artificial respiration device.
- Storing first aid kits in the luggage compartment without passenger access.
On intercity buses, a first aid kit in the trunk should duplicate first aid kit in the cabin. Passengers do not have access to the luggage compartment while driving, so this is a violation.
- Ignoring requirements for school buses.
Many people forget that school buses require children's tourniquets and defibrillator. The fine for not having a defibrillator is 50,000 rubles.
- Purchasing first aid kits without a certificate of conformity.
A first aid kit must have GOST R certificate and conformity marking TR TS 018/2011. Without this, the inspector may recognize it as “invalid”.
Another common mistake is reusing first aid kits. For example, after providing assistance, merchants sometimes simply add new bandages to the first aid kit without checking the remaining components. This is dangerous: if someone used scissors to cut the victim's clothing, they may become contaminated and unsuitable for further use.
Buy first aid kits only from certified suppliers. For example, first-aid kits of the "AutoPlus" or "MedTrans" series meet all the requirements of 2026 and have the necessary certificates.
FAQ: answers to frequently asked questions about first aid kits on buses
🚍 Is a first aid kit needed on a bus if it is used only for official transportation (for example, for company employees)?
Yes, I need it. According to Traffic rules, a first aid kit is required for any vehicle of category M2 and M3, regardless of the purpose of use. The only exceptions are buses registered as special equipment (for example, tow trucks or utility vehicles).
📅 How often should you check the first aid kit on the bus?
Minimum check frequency - once every 6 months. However, carriers are advised to carry out checks before each long flight (more than 500 km). A check is also required after each use of the first aid kit.
💉 Is it possible to replace the first aid kit with a set of medications at your own discretion?
No. The composition of the first aid kit is strictly regulated By Order of the Ministry of Health No. 832n. Replacing components on your own (for example, adding your own pills) is equivalent to not having a first aid kit and is punishable by a fine.
🚨 What to do if the first aid kit was stolen from the bus?
Immediately report this to the police (to record the fact of theft) and replace the first aid kit until the next flight. Otherwise, a fine will be imposed on the carrier, even if the first aid kit is missing due to the fault of third parties.
📋 Is it necessary to keep a log of first aid kit checks?
The law does not require keeping such a journal, but Rostransnadzor recommends record inspection dates. This will help prove the carrier’s good faith in case of disputes. A sample magazine can be downloaded from the website Rosavtotrans.