Starting January 1, 2027, all vehicles in Greece will be required to carry an upgraded emergency kit, sometimes called a "car pharmacy." The new mandatory kit will cost approximately 28 euros more than the current basic requirement. The regulation is part of a broader national road safety initiative aimed at improving driver preparedness and emergency response on Greek roads.
For tourists renting a car in Crete, rental companies will be responsible for equipping their fleets with the updated kits by the deadline. If you plan to drive in Crete after January 2027, confirm with your rental provider that their vehicles comply with the new standard before accepting the keys. The change does not affect current visitors, as the rule takes effect more than a year from now, but it is worth noting for future trip planning.