“License and registration” are not enough. In addition to the documents typically required during a police roadside check – along with proof of insurance – for safe driving and to be prepared for any eventuality, it is mandatory to keep a series of safety items in the car. Let's see what they are.
Portable warning triangle
More simply a "triangle," essential for giving advance warning – day and night – of an accident or a car stopped on the roadway. The (approved) triangle must be positioned at least 50 meters away from the stopped vehicle, so that it is visible from at least 100 meters away to approaching drivers. Failure to use it is punishable by a fine of up to 173 euros and a deduction of 2 license points. However, in Europe, there is a proposal to replace it with a flashing light to be placed on the car roof; we discuss it here.
Reflective vest
At night or in low visibility conditions, the vest must be worn before getting out of a stopped car; even when positioning the triangle! The color doesn't matter; what's important is that it has reflective bands that allow the person on the road to be seen in the dark and from a distance. In this case too, non-compliance results in a fine of up to 173 euros and a deduction of 1 or 2 license points. It is naturally better to keep the vest inside the vehicle, within reach and not in the trunk, to put it on easily if needed.
Snow chains
In the cold season – from November 15th to April 15th – vehicles traveling on certain highway sections that do not have winter tires are required to carry approved snow chains or socks. Article 6 of the Highway Code specifies that each Region can provide up to one month of derogation in exceptional cases, both before and after the indicated period. The Plans and Interventions page of the ANAS website lists all the road sections affected by the obligation. A fine of up to 338 euros if driving outside urban centers without these items.
Child car seat
Children must use approved child car seats in the car, equipped with restraint systems appropriate for the child's weight, up to 12 years of age or until they reach one and a half meters in height. Since November 2019 (we discussed it here), anyone transporting a child under 4 years old in the car (even for short journeys) – regardless of weight and height – must have an anti-abandonment system or adopt a car seat model with an integrated system. In case of non-compliance, the fine ranges from 83 to 333 euros, in addition to a deduction of 5 license points; the driver or the person responsible for supervising the minor is liable. The fine can be incurred in several scenarios:
- the anti-abandonment system is completely missing
- the system does not comply with the requirements of the implementing decree
- the system works with a Bluetooth device, but it is deactivated or the app is not working
- the anti-abandonment system is not authorized by the car seat manufacturer
