New Traffic offence for people who do not carry emergency kits in cars!

The garda commissioner has proposed the creation of new traffic offenses for people who fail to carry the items listed below in their car:

• A working Torch
• Breakdown Triangle
• High-Visibility Vest
• First Aid Kit
• Fire Extinguisher

The proposal means it will be an offence not to have these items in your car at all times while driving. This requirement will be intended to improve road safety, particularly in rural areas where emergency services struggle to get to accidents in a timely manner.

The French authorities have this offence in affect for the last number of years.

It is understood that penalty points could be considered to help with enforcement at a later stage.