Car First Aid Kit: Requirements for Moldova and Romania

In recent months, there has been a significant increase in inspections of car first aid kits on Ukrainian vehicles transiting through Moldova and Romania. These countries have tightened controls to ensure compliance with local laws mandating first aid kits that meet national standards. For entry into Romania, an international technical inspection (ITP) certificate is also required. Drivers planning trips through these countries must pay close attention to their first aid kits to avoid fines and other complications at the border.

Mandatory Contents of a Car First Aid Kit in Moldova

According to Government Decree No. 1306 (November 21, 2008), the minimum contents of a car first aid kit in Moldova are:

I. Medications

  • Ammonia solution (10%, 10 ml) – 1 bottle
  • Validol (10 tablets)
  • Iodine solution – 1 bottle

II. Supplies

  • Elastic bandage – 2 units
  • Adhesive bandage – 3 units
  • Non-sterile gauze (7×14 cm) – 3 units
  • Sterile gauze (7×14 cm) – 2 units
  • Scissors – 1 unit
  • Hygroscopic cotton wool (100 g)
  • Rubber tourniquet – 1 unit
  • Writing paper – 3 sheets
  • Flashlight – 1 unit
  • Pen or pencil – 1 unit

This checklist is mandatory for all vehicles operating in Moldova.

Car First Aid Kit Requirements in Romania

In Romania, the composition of a car first aid kit is regulated by Ordinul Ministrului Sănătății nr. 987/2007. The mandatory items include:

1. Tools

  • Scissors (14–20 cm) – 1 unit
  • Mouth-to-mouth resuscitation device with a one-way valve – 1 unit

2. Medical Supplies

  • Adhesive tape (min. 2.5 x 2.5 cm) – 1 roll
  • Bandages (min. 6 x 10 cm) – 4 units
  • Sterile gauze pads (min. 10 x 8 cm) – 5 packs of 25
  • Gauze rolls (5 x 4 m and 10 x 4 m) – 2 units each
  • Triangular bandages (min. 80 cm) – 2 units
  • Sterile absorbent pads – 4 units
  • Elastic bandage (5 x 4 m) – 1 unit
  • Disposable gloves (medium size, polyethylene or latex) – 2 pairs

3. Other Items

  • Safety pins (min. 4 cm) – 6 units
  • Thermal blanket (2.10 m x 1.60 m) – 1 unit
  • First aid instruction booklet (aligned with EU standards) – 1 unit
  • Content list of the kit – 1 unit

Additional Requirements:

  • The kit must be sealed and labeled with the product name, manufacturer details, and expiration dates for relevant components.
  • Items must comply with the provisions of Government Ordinance No. 911/2005.

Failure to have a valid first aid kit, fire extinguisher, or warning triangles can result in fines between 660–825 RON (approximately €135–170).

Tips for Travelers

While car first aid kits cover legal requirements, many drivers also pack a personal travel first aid kit with additional medications and supplies for specific needs. Ensure all medicines are stored correctly and that expiration dates are checked before traveling.