Mandatory First Aid Kit in Vehicles
All motor vehicles must carry a first aid kit. Transport vehicles have a specified list of contents.
CMVR Rule 116 requires all motor vehicles to carry a first aid kit. For transport vehicles, the contents are specified: adhesive bandages, sterile gauze, antiseptic, scissors, triangular bandage, and a first aid manual. Private vehicles should carry a basic kit.
Penalty Under Law
₹500 (Sec. 177). Transport vehicles: may fail fitness inspection.
Legal Source
CMVR Rule 116; MV Act Sec. 190
What the Law Says
CMVR Rule 116: Every motor vehicle must be equipped with a first aid box. Transport vehicles (buses, trucks, taxis) must carry a kit containing: 12 adhesive bandages, 4 sterile gauze pads, 2 rolls of bandage, 1 pair scissors, 2 triangular bandages, antiseptic solution, adhesive tape, and a first aid instruction leaflet.
💡 Why This Rule Exists
In the "golden hour" after an accident (first 60 minutes), simple first aid — controlling bleeding, maintaining airways, preventing shock — dramatically improves survival chances. India's ambulance response time averages 20–30 minutes in cities and much longer in rural areas. A first aid kit in every vehicle means basic aid can begin immediately.
Key Facts
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Mandatory for all motor vehicles (CMVR Rule 116).
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Transport vehicles: specified contents list.
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Private vehicles: at minimum, carry adhesive bandages, gauze, antiseptic, and a tourniquet.
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Check expiry dates of contents annually.
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Know basic first aid — the kit is useless without knowledge of how to use it.
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Good Samaritan Law protects you from liability if you render first aid in good faith.
⚠️ Common Violations
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No first aid kit at all.
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Kit present but contents expired or incomplete.
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Kit buried under cargo — not accessible in an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
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