Fire extinguishers for use in motor vehicles

The most common types of fire extinguishers carried for use in motor vehicles are Dry Powder and Foam fire extinguishers.

For some types of vehicle it is compulsory to carry a fire extinguisher. In addition, the type of extinguisher that needs to be carried may be specific. Examples of the compulsory carriage of fire extinguishers in a vehicle and the specific types of extinguisher to be used would be in public transport vehicles such as taxis, minibuses, buses, coaches, etc, and also where the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) & ADR regulations apply.

Information concerning the Carriage of Dangerous Goods (CDG) & ADR may be found at the Health & Safety Executive website. 

The ADR regulations state that vehicles carrying hazardous materials with a mass of more than 7.5 tonnes must be equipped with a minimum total of 12kg ABC dry powder fire extinguisher. Of this 12kg there should be at least a 1 x 2kg dry powder fire extinguisher in the cab of the vehicle. The remaining dry powder units must total at least 10kg of which one of the units must have a minimum size of 6kg.

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials with a mass of more than 3.5 tonnes and up to and including 7.5 tonnes must be equipped with a minimum total of 8kg ABC dry powder fire extinguisher with at least 1 x 2kg in the cab and one with a minimum capacity of 6kg.

Vehicles carrying hazardous materials with a mass of up to and including 3.5 tonnes must be equipped with a minimum total of 4kg ABC dry powder fire fire extinguisher (1 x 4kg in the cab is acceptable or 2 x 2kg).

The maintenance label on extinguishers fitted to vehicles carrying hazardous material must show the ‘Next Service Due Date’.

If you require further advice please contact us.                    

Public transport vehicles may be subject to local regulations and it is recommended that you contact your local authority to confirm that the type of fire extinguisher you intend using in your vehicle(s) is suitable.

Please note that specific legislations and regulations may apply when travelling abroad outside the UK and you should check that you are compliant with the relevant rules and regulations of the country(ies) that you may be driving in.

Where fire extinguishers and/or other fire safety equipment are to be used for business use, commercial use or by any organisation  that employs people, you should be aware of your responsibilities and that suitable fire risk assessments are carried out and the services of a competent person are used to commission and service your equipment.

Further information may be found here regarding Fire Safety in the Workplace.

Our 1kg Dry Powder fire extinguisher or 2kg Dry Powder fire extinguisher will generally be suitable for most domestic and business vehicle uses. Examples of vehicles they may be suitable for are:

• Cars
• Vans
• Motor homes
• Caravans

Public Transport Vehicles generally need to carry at least a 2 Litre Foam fire extinguisher. Vehicles that fall within this category  include:

• Buses
• Coaches
• Minibuses

Taxis are also subject to regulation and we always suggest that you consult with your local authority to confirm you will be complying with their regulations before purchasing any equipment.

Our 1kg and 2kg Dry Powder extinguishers and 2 Litre Foam Fire Extinguisher are sold including fixing brackets that are suitable for most vehicles.

We also recommend keeping a First Aid Kit in your vehicle(s). For business users your fire risk assessment may have suggested that a First Aid Kit is required in any case but carrying a basic first aid kit in your vehicle is always a good idea for both business and domestic users.

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