Car first aid kit: official list + 5 important changes

On January 1, 2026, new requirements for contents of a car first aid kit, approved by order of the Ministry of Health No. 1247n dated September 15, 2026. Now checking the first aid kit on the road has become stricter: traffic police inspectors have the right to fine not only for its absence, but also for incomplete set or expired medications. This article contains an up-to-date list for 2026 with explanations of what has been added, what has been removed, and how to properly store a first aid kit to avoid problems.

Recent changes affected not only the composition, but also expiration dates some drugs. For example, iodine and brilliant green are now allowed to be replaced with chlorhexidine in plastic bottles, and analgin was excluded from the mandatory list. We have analyzed official documents and compiled a checklist that will help you assemble a first aid kit without errors - taking into account the nuances for truckers, taxi drivers and drivers with children.

The official composition of the first aid kit 2026: what is included according to GOST R 58159-2026

New standard GOST R 58159-2026 divided the contents of the first aid kit into three categories: mandatory means, recommended and prohibited. The table below contains only those items for which absence you can receive a fine (1,000–1,500 rubles under Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code). Please note: if you have an old-style first aid kit (until 2022), it must be updated by July 1, 2026 — after this date, inspectors will check strictly according to the new list.

Category	Name	Quantity	Notes
Mandatory means	Sterile gauze bandage 5m × 5cm	2 pcs.	Bandages with antiseptic coating are allowed
	Sterile gauze bandage 5m × 10cm	2 pcs.	—
	Antiseptic wipes alcohol-containing	10 pcs.	Size no less 10×15 cm
	Bactericidal adhesive plaster 4×10 cm	10 pcs.	Rolled patch is allowed 1×500 cm
Recommended products	Hemostatic tourniquet turnstile type	1 piece	Mandatory for category drivers C/D
	Scissors blunt-ended for cutting clothes	1 piece	Blade length no more than 12 cm
	Medical gloves nitrile	2 pairs	Size M/L, non-sterile

Important: medicines (analgesics, antiseptics, cardiac drugs) now are not included in the mandatory list, but their presence is welcome. Exception: drivers commercial vehicles (taxis, buses, trucks), for which the requirement to have nitroglycerin and validol in the first aid kit.

What was excluded from the first aid kit in 2026: 3 key changes

The most noticeable innovation is withdrawal of mandatory medications. Previously, the first aid kit should have contained analgin, activated carbon and ammonia, but now their presence will not be checked. Here is the full list of excluded items:

• 💊 Analgin (tablets) - replaced with a recommendation to have any non-narcotic pain reliever (for example, ibuprofen or paracetamol).
• 🧪 Ammonia — removed due to the risk of burns to the mucous membrane. Instead it is recommended to use menthol wipes to bring you to your senses.
• ⚫ Activated carbon - is no longer required, but can be left optional.

Another important change: iodine and brilliant green are no longer on the mandatory list. Recommended instead chlorhexidine 0.05% or Miramistin in plastic bottles (glass containers are prohibited due to the risk of breaking).

Why was analgin removed?

The drug was excluded due to frequent cases of allergic reactions and the risk of anaphylactic shock. Instead, the Ministry of Health recommends using paracetamol or ibuprofen, which are less likely to cause side effects. In addition, analgin can mask the symptoms of serious injuries (for example, internal bleeding), which is dangerous in case of an accident.

For drivers public transport (buses, minibuses) the requirement to have nitroglycerin and validol, but now their shelf life must be at least 12 months from the date of inspection. If you have an old-style first aid kit, check the dates on the packages - expired drugs are equivalent to their absence!

Fines for missing or incomplete first aid kit in 2026

The amount of the fine for not having a first aid kit has not changed - 500 rubles (Article 12.5 of the Administrative Code), but now inspectors have the right to write a protocol for incomplete set. For example, if you have bandages but no antiseptic wipes, this is considered a violation. They check especially strictly:

• 🚛 Truck and bus drivers - fine up to 2,000 rubles.
• 🚖 Taxi drivers - A first aid kit with a tourniquet and nitroglycerin is required.
• 👶 Cars with child seats — additional funds are required (see section below).

Important: if you have a first aid kit, but at least one component has expired, the inspector has the right to issue a fine. Check the dates on packages at least once every 6 months! Expiration dates according to the new rules:

• 🩹 Bandages and plasters - 5 years from the date of manufacture.
• 🧴 Antiseptic wipes - 3 years (if the package is not opened).
• 🧤 Gloves - 2 years (after opening the package - 1 year).

If you are fined for having a first aid kit, but you are sure that it is in order, demand inspection report with a list of missing items. Often inspectors make mistakes, for example, confusing mandatory bandages with recommended ones (for example, a tourniquet). In this case, the fine can be appealed through traffic police portal.

Additional requirements for drivers with children

If children under 12 years of age regularly travel in a car, the first aid kit should be supplemented children's products. This is not stated in GOST, but is recommended by the Ministry of Health and is checked by inspectors in case of accidents with children. Here's what you need to add:

• 👶 Children's patch with pictures (so that the child does not take it off).
• 💧 Antiseptic without alcohol (for example, octenisept or Miramistin).
• 🌡️ Antipyretic in syrup (paracetamol or ibuprofen).
• 🩹 Elastic bandage for fixing bandages (size 4–6 cm).

Important: medicines for children must be in original packaging with instructions. If your child is allergic, add it to your first aid kit. antihistamine (for example, fenistil or zodak) and contact list (phone numbers of parents, pediatrician, ambulance).

Children's patch with pictures|Alcohol-free antiseptic|Antipyretic syrup|Elastic bandage|Emergency contact list-->

If you are carrying infant, it is also recommended to have:

• 🍼 Sterile wipes for processing pacifiers.
• 🧴 Diaper rash cream (for example, bepanten).
• 🩺 Children's scissors with rounded ends.

Remember: in the event of an accident with a child, the presence of a children's first aid kit can play a role in analyzing the incident. If it turns out that you did not have the means to provide first aid, this may be considered failure to ensure the safety of minors (Article 12.23 of the Administrative Code, fine up to 3,000 rubles).

How to choose a first aid kit: 5 quality criteria

Not all first aid kits sold in stores comply with the new GOST. Here's what to look for when purchasing:

1. Availability of certificate. There must be a sign on the packaging ROSS RU and indication of conformity GOST R 58159-2026. Without this, the first aid kit may turn out to be a fake.
2. Packaging material. The box must be plastic or metal (cardboard is unacceptable - it gets wet and does not protect against dust).
3. Expiration dates. Check the dates on each component. It is optimal if there are at least 2 years left before expiration.
4. Equipment. Cheap first aid kits often replace the bandages with thinner ones or put in fewer napkins. Check the contents with our table!
5. Convenience. A good first aid kit has sorting compartments and instructions for use with pictures.

The cost of a quality first aid kit in 2026 is from 800 to 1,500 rubles. Cheap options (300–500 rubles) usually do not comply with GOST or contain expired components. The best brands according to motorist reviews: First Aid Kit.ru, MedKit and AutoDoctor.

If you are buying a first aid kit online, check:

• 📦 Photo of contents (the seller must post pictures of all components).
• ⭐ Reviews (especially pay attention to complaints about delays).
• 📄 Availability of a scanned copy of the certificate in the product description.

How to store a first aid kit: 3 mistakes that 90% of drivers make

Even if a first aid kit is assembled correctly, improper storage can render it useless. Here are the most common mistakes:

⚠️ Attention! Storing a first aid kit in the trunk in winter will cause the patch to lose its stickiness and the antiseptic wipes to dry out. Optimal temperature - from +5°C up to +25°C.

• ☀️ In the sunshine. If the first aid kit is lying on the dashboard under the windshield, the medicines and plasters will deteriorate within 2–3 months.
• 🧊 In the cold. At temperatures below 0°C antiseptics may crystallize, and rubber components (tourniquets, gloves) become brittle.
• 🚪 In the door pocket. In the event of an accident, the door may jam and you will not be able to get to the first aid kit.

Ideal storage locations:

• 🧤 Glove compartment (if it does not heat up from the engine).
• 🪑 Pocket on the back of the front seat.
• 📦 Special organizer under the seat (sold in car dealerships).

Check your first aid kit every 6 months:

View the expiration dates of all components|Check the integrity of the packages (for ruptures, leaks)|Make sure that the bandages and plasters have not lost their sterility|Replenish consumables (wipes, gloves)|Renew medications if they have been used-->

If you were in an accident and used a first aid kit, be sure to replenish it within 3 days. When re-inspecting, the inspector may fine you for incompleteness.

Frequently asked questions about the car first aid kit 2026

❓ Do I need to carry a first aid kit if I have an MTPL policy?

Yes, a first aid kit is required regardless of insurance. OSAGO covers damage to other participants in an accident, but does not relieve you from the obligation to provide first aid (clause 2.5 of the traffic rules).

❓ Is it possible to replace iodine with green stuff?

In 2026, neither iodine nor brilliant green are included in the mandatory list. Recommended instead chlorhexidine or Miramistin. But if you prefer iodine, you can leave it in your first aid kit - there will be no penalty.

❓ What medications are allowed to be stored in the first aid kit?

There are no mandatory medications, but you can add:

• Painkiller (paracetamol, ibuprofen).
• Antihistamine (suprastin, Claritin).
• Heart medications (validol, nitroglycerin - for drivers over 50 years old).

The main thing is to monitor expiration dates!

❓ What to do if the first aid kit is wet?

If the packaging gets wet, all components are considered damaged (even if the expiration date has not expired). Buy a new first aid kit - it is impossible to restore the sterility of bandages and napkins at home.

❓ Do you need a first aid kit in a trailer?

No, the first aid kit should only be in tractor (car). It is not necessary to store it in the trailer, but if you often travel with a trailer, a backup kit will not hurt.