Road safety: some neglected equipment
Original publication : 10.04.2026
Author: Police Commissioner Olivier Quisquater, Highway Police
Let's look at some mandatory equipment, but which the police regularly note the absence or non-compliance of during their checks. All categories of drivers are concerned.
Let's start with motorcyclists, who must wear protective equipment. When the weather gets better, there are often problems with the mandatory attire. It is mainly on the footwear side that the problem lies. In principle, both the driver and the potential passenger must wear boots or booties that protect the ankles. In practice, this is far from always the case. Remember that the rest of the body must also be covered, by an approved helmet, gloves, pants and jacket, or a suit. This concerns every motorcyclist and his passenger, from the sports bike to the small 125cc scooter!
On the cyclists' side, it is often the doorbell that is absent. As well as correct lighting when the conditions require it. As for the helmet, it is currently only mandatory for speed pedelec users, but even there many neglect it.
As for motorists, even if they are not often checked from this point of view, their motor vehicle must contain at least a hazard triangle, a safety vest, a fire extinguisher and a first aid kit, which is far from always the case.
As for the fire extinguisher, it is supplied as standard by the manufacturer. But be careful, there is an expiry date. Remember that when your vehicle is summoned for the first time for a technical inspection, it is time to take a look at the validity date of your fire extinguisher. The first aid box is not always provided, and even when it is, it is rarely complete. Your pharmacist can help you complete it. But the most useful thing to have in this box are pressure bandages that can help you stop a bleeding if you need to help an injured person on the road. The safety vest and the danger triangle are essential for visibility in the event of a breakdown or accident, it is really important to check if you have these two accessories with you, and to use them wisely!
In addition to the mandatory equipment, there are all those that are not mandatory, but which are recommended, such as helmets for cyclists or scooter riders. Recently, the Minister of Mobility announced that a helmet will soon be mandatory for electric bicycles and some scooters. To be continued. Let's also remember the usefulness of the fluorescent jacket or gloves for different categories of drivers without bodywork.