A new year always brings changes. DIN 13164 February 2022 stipulates that from February 1, 2023, two face masks belong in the car first aid kit. In addition, a triangular cloth and a bandage cloth are no longer required.
But: In the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations ( StVZO) the new DIN has not yet been changed. Do I have to convert my box now? And threatens fineif I get caught with the wrong box?
BILD spoke to lawyer Tom Louven (44) from the legal portal geblitzt.de.
What applies now?
Tom Louven: “DIN 13164 February 2022 came into force in 2022. A one-year transition period up to January 31, 2023 has been agreed, as only the standard has been adjusted and this change has not yet been incorporated into the Road Traffic Licensing Regulations (StVZO).”
► The change mainly affects manufacturers, since from February 1, 2023 they will only be able to sell first-aid kits in accordance with DIN 13164 February 2022.
The consumer may buy first aid kits according to DIN 13164 January 1998 or January 2014 that are still on the market until the end of January 2023.
Do I need a mask in my first aid kit from the end of January?
As of now: No! The new DIN has not yet been included in the StVZO. Until the government changes that, the old law will apply.
Louvain: “The StVZO has not yet taken over the adaptation of DIN 13164, so that the specifications from paragraph 35h StVZO still apply.”
What happens if the StVZO is changed?
Louvain: “Anyone who is caught by the police without or with an incomplete first-aid kit faces a fine of five euros or more. So the masks are missing, you have to pay.”
Tip: If you want to be on the safe side, simply put two surgical masks in the box.
What else do I have to look out for in the first-aid kit?
Pay attention to the expiration date!
The individual bandages (e.g. gauze bandages) must always be in their original packaging. Otherwise sterility is no longer guaranteed. In addition, materials can become porous more quickly due to the temperature fluctuations in the car.
▶︎ By the way: If you go to the TÜV without a first-aid kit, you will get the test sticker, but you have to fix the defect (the missing box) immediately. Anyone who is still on the road without a crate after the TÜV visit and ends up in a police check faces a higher fine.
Can I assemble the first aid kit myself?
Valid first aid kits according to DIN 13164 cost around ten euros. If you only take out a piece of plaster, you don’t have to buy a new box right away.
Danger: Medicines do not belong in the box, because no medicines may be administered during first aid. This also applies to ointments!
▶︎ This all belongs in a first aid kit according to DIN 13164 February 2022:
2 face masks, at least type 1, according to DIN EN 14683
1 Heftpflaster, DIN 13019-A, 5 m x 2,5 cm
4 adhesive bandages, DIN 13019-E, 10 cm x 6 cm
2 first aid kits, DIN 13151-M
1 first aid kit, DIN 13151-G
1 Verbandstuch, DIN 13152-A, 60 cm x 80 cm
6 compresses, 10cm x 10cm
2 fixation bandages, DIN 61634-FB-6
3 fixation bandages, DIN 61634-FB-8
1 triangular towels, DIN 13 168-D
1 rescue blanket, 210 x 160 cm
1 first aid scissors, DIN 58279-A 145
4 disposable gloves, DIN EN 455
1 first aid booklet
2 wet wipes for skin cleansing
1 14-piece ready-made plaster set
1 bandage packet K
Tip: Expired first-aid kits do not have to go in the trash. Providers of first aid courses are happy about the material to practice with.