What to carry
What you must carry in your car in Germany
A hire car does not always come with these. Check the boot before you drive away. Every item links to the official source it was checked against, with the date.
Required by law
What you must carry in the car
- Warning triangle
- High-visibility vest
- First aid kit
Triangle and vest under StVZO §53a. The first aid kit (DIN 13164) is required separately by StVZO §35h: www.gesetze-im-internet.de/stvzo_2012/__35h.html
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source
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Winter equipment
Tyres and chains are equipment too, and the rules usually apply only between set dates or on signed roads.
Winter tyres
Required whenever the road is icy or snowy
Condition-based, not date-based: winter tyres (3PMSF) are required whenever there is snow, slush or ice on the road, at any time of year.
Checked 3 Aug 2026 · official source