Legal Requirements Under Ghanaian Law
Primary Legislation
Vehicle safety equipment requirements are mandated by:
- Road Traffic Act, 2004 (Act 683) - Primary traffic legislation
- Road Traffic Regulations, 2012 (LI 2180) - Detailed equipment specifications
- DVLA Roadworthiness Inspection Manual - Inspection standards
- Ghana Standard GS 195 - Vehicle safety equipment standards
⚖️ Important: These are minimum requirements. Responsible drivers often carry additional safety equipment beyond legal minimums.
Equipment Specifications & Standards
🧯
Fire Extinguisher
Minimum 1kg dry powder, charged, within expiry date, easily accessible
⚠️
Warning Triangles
Two reflective triangles, minimum 45cm height, placed 45m behind vehicle
🧰
First Aid Kit
Basic supplies: bandages, antiseptic, scissors, gloves, resuscitation mask
🔦
Emergency Tools
Functional torch with batteries, proper jack, correct wheel spanner
Mandatory Safety Equipment - Every Vehicle Must Have
🧯
Fire Extinguisher
- Mandatory for ALL vehicles - Private and commercial
- Type: Dry powder (ABC type recommended)
- Size: Minimum 1kg capacity
- Condition: Fully charged, pressure gauge in green zone
- Expiry: Check manufacturer expiry date
- Location: Easily accessible (not buried in trunk)
💡 Common Offence: Carrying an expired or discharged extinguisher "just for show" is illegal and dangerous.
⚠️
Reflective Warning Triangles (Two Required)
- Quantity: Two (2) triangles mandatory
- Purpose: Warn approaching traffic during breakdowns/accidents
- Placement: One 45m behind, one at vehicle if on motorway
- Quality: Reflective, undamaged, clean surfaces
- Storage: Easily accessible, not buried under luggage
✅ Safety Tip: Practice setting up triangles quickly. In emergencies, seconds count.
🧰
First Aid Kit
- Contents: Basic medical supplies for emergency treatment
- Minimum: Sterile dressings, bandages, antiseptic, scissors
- Recommended: Gloves, resuscitation mask, pain relievers
- Condition: Check expiry dates of medications regularly
- Knowledge: Know basic first aid - equipment is useless without knowledge
🛞
Spare Tyre (Serviceable)
- Condition: Properly inflated, adequate tread (>1.6mm)
- Match: Must match vehicle specifications (size, load rating)
- Inspection: Check pressure monthly, condition quarterly
- Validity: Tyre not older than 6 years (check DOT code)
- Space-saver: Temporary use only - reduce speed, replace ASAP
🛠️
Tyre Changing Tools & Emergency Equipment
Required Tools:
- Proper jack (scissor/hydraulic) rated for vehicle weight
- Correct wheel spanner/wrench for lug nuts
- Wheel chocks (recommended for safety)
- Gloves and mat (for cleanliness and protection)
Additional Emergency Items:
- Functional torch/flashlight with extra batteries
- Reflective safety vest (highly recommended)
- Basic tool kit (pliers, screwdrivers, duct tape)
- Jumper cables or portable jump starter
⚠️ Safety Warning: Improvised tools (stones instead of jack) are extremely dangerous and illegal.
🔦
Torch / Flashlight
- Type: LED recommended for brightness and battery life
- Power: Fresh batteries or rechargeable with charger
- Uses: Night breakdowns, checking under vehicle, signaling
- Backup: Consider headlamp for hands-free operation
- Maintenance: Check monthly, replace batteries annually
🔴
Reflectors & Visibility Equipment
- Vehicle-mounted: Proper front and rear reflectors intact
- Additional: Reflective tape on commercial vehicles
- Personal: Reflective vest for driver during breakdowns
- Condition: Clean, undamaged, properly positioned
- Function: Test reflectivity periodically
Vehicle Mechanical Condition Requirements
Safety equipment alone is insufficient. A vehicle must be mechanically sound to be roadworthy:
🛞
Tyres & Wheels
Adequate tread (≥1.6mm), proper inflation, no damage, matching specifications
💡
Lights & Signals
All functioning: headlights, brake lights, indicators, reverse lights, hazard lights
🛑
Braking System
Responsive brakes, adequate pad/disc thickness, no leaks, proper fluid level
🚗
Visibility & Wipers
Clear windscreen, functioning wipers, proper washer fluid, clean mirrors
🔧 Critical: A mechanically unsafe vehicle is NOT roadworthy, even with all safety equipment present. Regular maintenance is legally required.
Additional Requirements for Commercial Vehicles
Higher Standards for Commercial & Heavy Vehicles
Commercial vehicles (taxis, trotros, buses, trucks) have stricter requirements:
- Additional fire extinguishers: Based on vehicle size and passenger capacity
- Enhanced first aid kits: Larger kits for more passengers
- Emergency exits: Clearly marked, unobstructed, functioning
- Retro-reflective tape: On sides and rear for night visibility
- Speed limiters: Required for certain commercial categories
- Passenger safety notices: Emergency procedures displayed
- Regular safety inspections: More frequent than private vehicles
👨✈️ Higher Responsibility: Commercial drivers are held to higher standards due to passenger safety obligations and increased risk exposure.
Driver's Legal Responsibility
The Driver's Complete Legal Obligations
The driver is legally responsible for ensuring:
- Pre-drive inspection: Check equipment presence and condition before starting journey
- Proper knowledge: Know how to use all safety equipment correctly
- Regular maintenance: Monthly checks of equipment condition and expiry dates
- Proper storage: Equipment easily accessible, not buried under luggage
- Replacement: Immediately replace expired, damaged, or used equipment
- Documentation: Keep receipts for equipment purchases as proof
⚖️ No Valid Defence: "The owner didn't provide it" or "I didn't know it was expired" are NOT legal defences. The driver bears full responsibility.
Consequences of Non-Compliance
💰 Immediate Financial Penalties
On-the-spot fines up to 250 penalty units (approx. GHS 3,000) under Act 683
🚫 Vehicle Impoundment
Vehicle detained until equipment provided + daily storage fees apply
📄 Legal & Administrative
Failed roadworthiness inspection, insurance claim denial, licence points
⚠️ Safety Consequences
Increased injury/death risk in emergencies, potential manslaughter charges
Monthly Safety Equipment Checklist
- ✅ Fire extinguisher: Pressure gauge in green, not expired
- ✅ Warning triangles: Clean, reflective, undamaged
- ✅ First aid kit: Stocked, medications not expired
- ✅ Spare tyre: Properly inflated, good tread
- ✅ Tools: Jack and spanner present and functional
- ✅ Torch: Working with fresh batteries
- ✅ Reflectors: Clean and properly mounted
Summary (Quick Revision)
🧯 FIRE EXTINGUISHER: 1kg dry powder, charged, accessible (ALL vehicles)
⚠️ WARNING TRIANGLES: Two reflective, placed 45m behind during breakdowns
🧰 FIRST AID KIT: Basic medical supplies, check expiry dates monthly
🛞 SPARE TYRE: Properly inflated, adequate tread, matches vehicle specs
🛠️ TOOLS: Proper jack, correct wheel spanner, functional torch
🔴 REFLECTORS: Vehicle-mounted and personal safety vest recommended
🚗 MECHANICAL CONDITION: Tyres, brakes, lights, wipers must all function properly
👨✈️ COMMERCIAL VEHICLES: Additional requirements based on size/passengers
⚖️ DRIVER RESPONSIBILITY: Full legal obligation to ensure equipment present and functional
💰 CONSEQUENCES: Fines, impoundment, failed inspection, safety risks
📅 MONTHLY CHECK: Establish routine equipment inspection habit
