New driving regulations have been introduced in Ukraine. Here’s how to avoid fines.
New Driving Rules in Ukraine: How to Avoid Fines
Ukraine has changed certain rules for drivers. The new regulations will take effect in six months. Furthermore, there have also been updates to the rules for documenting traffic accidents. In turn, lawyers have shared advice on how to avoid fines under traffic regulations.
What new regulations should you be aware of? In an exclusive report, TSN.UA provided insights from Victoria Panchenko.
Changes to Driver Regulations
In Ukraine, some rules for drivers have been updated. Driver's licenses will now be delivered via a selected postal operator, and the procedure for deregistering vehicles has been simplified. This was announced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs.
"Specifically, options have been introduced for selecting a postal operator to deliver driver's licenses, vehicle registration certificates, and license plates (if issued) at the individual's request and for an additional fee. Previously, this procedure was carried out exclusively by the designated postal operator, the joint-stock company 'Ukrposhta'."
Additionally, vehicle owners are granted the right to deregister vehicles that are temporarily not participating in road traffic within Ukraine.
This will allow for civil liability insurance contracts to be made for shorter periods—ranging from 15 days to five months—making it easier for those who use vehicles seasonally or temporarily do not use them.
Such changes aim to facilitate the process for those who use vehicles seasonally or do not use them temporarily. The goal of these changes is to enhance flexibility and convenience in administrative services for citizens.
New Traffic Accident Documentation Rules
The updates also affect the rules for documenting traffic accidents. Drivers can now leave the scene of an accident and are relieved of the obligation to call the police. The government has amended the traffic rules, allowing drivers to independently fill out reports for insurance companies without police involvement, using either paper or electronic forms. Once drivers complete the notification, they have the right to leave the accident scene and are not required to inform the police about the accident. However, there are several conditions for documenting an accident without police involvement.
- The accident (collision) involved only two vehicles.
- No harm was caused to the health or life of individuals as a result of the accident.
- Only the vehicles were damaged.
- Both vehicles are insured under a compulsory insurance contract.
- The drivers are not under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair attention and reaction time.
- The participants in the accident have agreed on the circumstances of the incident.
Previously, to document an accident using a European protocol, the amount of damages could not exceed 80,000 UAH. This limit has now been removed, and the maximum insurance payout for property damage resulting from an accident has increased to 250,000 UAH. For policies signed before 2025, the limit remains at 160,000 UAH. The European protocol can be completed either through an online system or using a paper form. The digital service checks the accuracy of the entered data and warns of potential errors. Information about the accident will be immediately sent to the insurance companies of both parties and stored in the MTIBU database.
New Traffic Lights
Last year, it was reported that traffic light standards in Ukraine would change in 2025. Specifically, instead of the usual green, an emerald light will be introduced, along with changes to the appearance of the directional arrows. The national standard is set to take effect on May 1, 2025. From that date, new traffic lights must comply with these changes. One of the main innovations pertains to the green light. Instead of the standard green color, an emerald hue will be introduced. This bright shade of green has a slight bluish tint, high saturation, and shine. It is believed that the emerald color is more visible on the road and, therefore, better perceived by drivers.
What the Arrows on Traffic Lights Will Look Like
Currently, solid arrows indicating the direction of movement are painted on traffic light lenses. From May, chevron arrows will be introduced. These will appear on traffic light lenses as they are more visible from a distance and help drivers orient themselves more quickly.
What Other Changes Will Occur
All bicycle traffic lights will feature a bicycle symbol. They will have a 100 mm lens for bike paths and will be placed to the right of the road or a 200 mm lens if the traffic light is positioned above the road.
Moreover, countdown timers will be installed on both pedestrian and vehicle traffic lights. New signal request buttons and sound alert devices will be introduced. It’s worth noting that running a red light is one of the causes of traffic accidents. Remember the simple and very important rule: a driver should only proceed on a green light! And starting in 2025, on an emerald light. Violating traffic rules by passing on a red light will incur an administrative fine of 510 UAH.
How to Avoid Fines for Traffic Violations
Interestingly, in Ukraine, traffic violations are generally punished with administrative fines, but in certain cases, police may issue a warning instead. Legal experts have explained when this option may be available, as reported by "Avtotema." A warning may be issued for minor violations that do not pose a serious threat to road safety. For example, if a driver slightly crosses the stop line or chooses the left lane when the right is free. Drivers have the right to request the patrol officer to replace the fine with a warning, citing Article 22 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses. However, it is important to remember that the final decision lies with the police officer assessing the situation.