Folks,
The vehicle emergency equipment you should carry when travelling in Zimbabwe to be legally complaint and enjoy safe, hassle-free journeys …
We should also remember that fire extinguishers are not only useful at ZRP checkpoints – they can also prevent yours or a fellow motorist’s vehicle being lost in a fire. Let’s be sensible and equip our vehicles with safety/emergency equipment that is appropriate for our vehicles and will ensure safe and hassle-free journeys.
The Short Version ...
The complete list of emergency equipment, as required under SI 129/2015 (Construction, Equipment and Use), Regs, 2015:
- Two warning triangles per vehicle. To be reflective both sides.
- A serviceable spare wheel.
- An efficient vehicle jack.
- A wheel-spanner capable of undoing the vehicle’s wheel nuts.
- A serviceable fire extinguisher. Minimum 0,75kg for a light vehicle and 1,5kg for a heavy vehicle (Say 3,000kg plus Nett Vehicle Mass). (Note: 0,75kg and 1,5kg extinguishers are not generally available so 1kg units and 2,5kg are commonly used, respectively).
Note: Carrying a fluorescent safety jacket is NOT mandatory for motorists but recommended for your personal safety at the roadside at all times, day and night.
Resources available to download from Big Sky Supplies – Roads & Traffic Resources
- Statutory Instrument 129/2015 (Construction, Equipment and Use)
- The Schedule of Deposit Fines (Traffic), 2024
- The Big Sky Trailer Guide
The Long Version ...
The requirements for emergency equipment for vehicles are covered in Statutory Instrument 129/2015 (Construction, Equipment and Use) Regulations, 2015, published on 7 December 2015. The complete list of emergency equipment is listed below, as well as resources you are advised to have readily available in your vehicle, either in hardcopy or in softcopy, downloaded and readily to hand.
Warning triangle (referred to as visual warning device) – Section 52
The regulations affecting the ‘visual warning device’ or warning triangle, are comprehensively described in Section 52, and illustrated in the Sixth Schedule. The issues most frequently encountered by motorists are highlighted here:
- Length of sides: 42,5 cm. (Sixth Schedule, page 979).
- Two red triangles are mandatory. If towing, a pair is required for each trailer as well as for the towing vehicle. Sect. 52(1)
- To be marked with the manufacturer’s name, a serial number and year of manufacture. Sect. 52(2)(b)
- To be reflective both sides. Sect. 52(2)(c)
- When not in use, the warning triangle will be carried in an opaque, protective container OR secured in a light-tight, enclosed and easily accessible compartment in the motor vehicle or trailer concerned. Sect. 52(3)
Note: It is widely acknowledged that many of above provisions for warning triangles are unrealistic and unachievable, and that at the time of publication of the SI in December 2015, triangles to these specifications did not exist! As a result, ZRP are typically satisfied if the vehicle is carrying two, double-sided triangles.
The provisions of Section 53 – Spare wheels, tools and fire extinguishers – do not apply to foreign registered vehicles that are in transit or on a temporary entry permit.
Spare wheel, tools and fire extinguisher: all vehicles – Section 53
It is mandatory for a motor vehicle to carry:
- A serviceable spare wheel. Sect. 53(1)(a) When towing, an additional serviceable spare wheel is to be carried, suitable for use on the trailer. Sect. 53(2)(c)
- An efficient jack. Sect. 53(1)(b)
- A wheel-brace or wheel-spanner capable of undoing the vehicle’s wheel nuts. Sect. 53(1)(c)
- A serviceable fire extinguisher. Sect. 53(1)(d)
Note: A trailer is required to carry a serviceable spare wheel, sect. 53(2)(c). It is NOT stated that the trailer is to also carry a jack, a wheel-spanner or fire extinguisher. However, common sense says the towing vehicle’s equipment must be suitable for use on the trailer.
Fire extinguisher – Section 53
- Mandatory for all motor vehicles, (other than a motorcycle).
- A light vehicle is to carry a serviceable fire extinguisher, minimum 0,75kg. (Note: 0,75kg extinguishers are not generally available so 1kg units are commonly used in light vehicles). Sect. 53(1)(d)(i)
- A heavy vehicle is to carry a serviceable fire extinguisher, 1,5kg minimum. Sect. 53(1)(d)(ii)
- Every fire extinguisher is to be SAZ approved “or any other International Standards Authority”, and displaying the mark of the applicable Standards Authority. Sect. 53(2)(a)
- Secured at an easily accessible and visible position within the cab. Sect.53(2)(b)
Note: Our understanding of “serviceable” is the extinguisher must be refillable, and in good working order. There is no legislation we are aware of requiring the above units to be serviced, however regular servicing is recommended. To be professionally refilled when in the red, i.e. above or below pressure.
Big Sky supplies fire extinguishers of all sizes, both H20 and Dry Chemical Powder, and all cylinder sizes. US$ 5 for a service and US$ 8 for a refill if the extinguisher is below pressure (1kg). (At the time of publication). Enquiries to cell/WhatsApp 078 078 8453 or email info@bigsky.co.zw
Fluorescent safety jacket – Section 74(4)(b)
Mandatory for pedal cyclists and motor cyclists at night, and must be SAZ approved.
Note: Carrying a fluorescent safety jacket is NOT mandatory for motorists but recommended for personal safety. (It is mandatory in Mozambique).
Resources available to download from Big Sky Supplies – Road & Traffic Resources
- Statutory Instrument 129/2015 (Construction, Equipment and Use)
- The Schedule of Deposit Fines (Traffic), 2024
- Big Sky Trailer Guide
Wishing you safe and hassle-free journeys,
Sean Q. and the Big Sky Team
January 2025
