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or have opted for a rental car in Zagreb, it is important to know that Croatian law clearly specifies which safety and mandatory equipment must be in every vehicle. This is not just a formal regulation but also a key element of road safety.
First Aid – Mandatory According to Croatian Regulations
According to the Road Traffic Safety Act of the Republic of Croatia, a first aid kit is a mandatory part of car equipment. It must comply with the HRN EN 13164 standard and contain basic medical supplies for providing emergency assistance until professional services arrive.
A standard kit usually includes:
Sterile gauze and bandages
Elastic bandages
Plasters and adhesive tape
Scissors with rounded tips
Disposable gloves
Triangular bandage
Wound disinfectants
First aid instructions
If a driver does not have a first aid kit in the car, the police can issue a fine of €60 to €70. Therefore, it is recommended to regularly check the contents and expiration dates of bandages and disinfectants.
Mandatory Additional Equipment in the Car
In addition to the first aid kit, Croatian regulations also specify other mandatory equipment that every driver must have:
Safety triangle – used in case of a breakdown or traffic accident and must be placed at the prescribed distance.
Reflective vest – the driver must wear it before exiting the vehicle on the road, especially outside urban areas or in low visibility conditions.
Spare wheel or tire repair kit, along with a jack and wheel wrench.
Spare bulbs and fuses – unless the vehicle uses LED or xenon lights that cannot be replaced independently.
For missing mandatory equipment, fines in Croatia range from €30 to €70, depending on the violation.
Although not legally required, it is recommended to also have in the vehicle:
Small fire extinguisher
Jumper cables
Tow rope or cable
Ice scraper and windshield washer fluid
Battery-powered flashlight
Bottle of water and basic tools
This equipment can significantly facilitate driving and increase safety, especially in winter or during long trips.
Car Rental and Legal Responsibility
If you decide to rent a car in Zagreb, it is important to know that reputable rental agencies provide vehicles fully compliant with regulations. This means the car will already contain a first aid kit, safety triangle, reflective vest, and other mandatory equipment.
However, the driver always bears responsibility. It is recommended to check for yourself when picking up the vehicle whether all mandatory equipment is in the trunk and whether the first aid kit is complete. This will help avoid potential fines and ensure a worry-free drive.
Safety Equipment for Transporting Children
According to Croatian regulations, children under 12 years old may not sit in the front seat without a suitable car seat. All children up to 150 cm in height must be placed in a homologated child seat appropriate for their age, height, and weight. In addition to the seat itself, it is recommended to use protective pads to prevent slipping and additional sunshades during summer months.
The car seat must always be properly installed and secured with seat belts or the ISOFIX system, and the child fastened according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Improper use of the seat can be as dangerous as not having one at all. Drivers who fail to comply with this regulation face fines starting at €130.
