Have you ever wondered if you are legally obliged to have a fire extinguisher in your car? And in case of an engine fire, would you know how to react? In this article, we answer all your questions about car fire extinguishers: Italian regulations, what to choose, and how to use it.
Is a car fire extinguisher mandatory in Italy?
For private cars: no. In Italy, the Highway Code does not mandate keeping a fire extinguisher in private vehicles. A fire extinguisher is only legally mandatory on:
- Buses and coaches
- Vehicles used for transporting dangerous goods (ADR)
- Some commercial vehicles and heavy vehicles
- Recreational boats of certain categories
However, even if not mandatory, having a fire extinguisher in the car is strongly recommended: an engine or cabin fire develops in a few seconds, long before help arrives.
Why you should have one anyway
Thousands of vehicle fires occur in Italy every year. The main causes are:
- Electrical short circuits (especially in old cars or with modified systems)
- Fuel leaks
- Engine overheating
- Road accidents
The average arrival time of the Fire Department in urban areas is 8–12 minutes. In those minutes, a small, manageable fire can become a total loss of the vehicle — or worse.
Which fire extinguisher to choose for the car?
For a private vehicle, the necessary classes are:
- Class A — fabrics, cabin plastics
- Class B — fuels, flammable liquids (petrol, diesel, oil)
- Class C — gases (methane or LPG vehicles)
It is essential that it is safe on electrical equipment: a car's electrical system is always live. Dexty V1.0 meets all these requirements and is safe up to 1000V.
Powder vs foam for the car
Powder extinguishers are traditionally used in cars, but they leave a chemical residue that can damage the engine, electronics, and cabin. Dexty's foam is non-corrosive and easily removable — ideal for not adding damage to the car after intervention.
Where to place the fire extinguisher in the car
- Under the front passenger seat — quickly accessible without unbuckling the seatbelt
- Attached to the back of the front seat — with the Dexty Car Mount, stable and visible
- Not in the trunk — in case of fire, it is often inaccessible
- Not on the dashboard — risk of projectile in case of an accident
How to use a fire extinguisher on a burning car
- Stop and turn off the engine — immediately
- Get all passengers out
- DO NOT open the hood suddenly — the influx of air fuels the flames
- Carefully open the hood slightly and aim the extinguisher at the base of the flames
- Use the PASS method from a distance of 1–2 meters
- If the flames do not go out within 15 seconds, move away and call 115
Checklist: do you have everything you need?
- ☐ CE certified fire extinguisher for classes A, B, C (and safe on electrical)
- ☐ Placed accessibly in less than 5 seconds
- ☐ Stably fixed (not loose in the trunk)
- ☐ Pressure verified (gauge in the green zone)
- ☐ All passengers know where it is
Frequently Asked Questions
If I don't have a fire extinguisher in my car, do I risk a fine?
No — for private cars, there is no penalty provided by the Highway Code. It is a personal risk, not a regulatory violation.
What size extinguisher is needed for a car?
For a private car, a 1 kg device (like Dexty V1.0) is sufficient. It must be compact but effective — a 6 kg workshop extinguisher makes no sense in the cabin.
Does it also apply to electric and hybrid cars?
Yes. Electric and hybrid cars have high-voltage systems (400V+) that require a fire extinguisher safe on electrical equipment. Dexty V1.0 is certified up to 1000V.
What about campers and boats?
Campers and boats present additional risks: LPG gas, internal kitchen, mixed 12V/220V systems. Dexty V1.0 — with classes A, B, C, F and electrical safety up to 1000V — is a suitable solution. For boats with regulatory obligations, check the specifications for the boat's category.
What is the difference between a car fire extinguisher and a home fire extinguisher?
Class F (cooking oils) is not necessary for the car. But an extinguisher like Dexty V1.0 — which covers A, B, C, F — works well both in the car and at home, making it the most versatile choice for those who want just one device.
→ How to use a fire extinguisher: the PASS method in 4 steps
