For those Ukrainians who have travelled abroad in their own car due to the war, it is advisable to research the laws and regulations of the country in which they are currently staying. Find out more about which countries require mandatory vehicle registration and whether you need to undergo a technical inspection

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

BUY

Car inspection is a mandatory procedure for the operation of vehicles. This process involves a thorough check of the car's condition by a licensed diagnostician using certified tools. During the technical inspection, the specialist thoroughly examines the car to identify possible malfunctions that could pose a threat to the driver, passengers and other road users.

The rules of technical inspection may differ from country to country. Therefore, when travelling abroad in your own car, it is important to thoroughly research this issue to avoid unforeseen situations. Read on to find out everything you need to know about the main rules of technical inspection and registration of Ukrainian cars in different countries.

Technical inspection abroad: rules for passing and registering abroad

Poland

Ukrainians who arrive in Poland in their own cars with Ukrainian registration and plan to stay in the country for longer than 6 months must re-register their car. It is noted that if this rule is ignored, drivers of vehicles with Ukrainian registration will be obliged to pay a fine of at least PLN 1,000.

After the re-registration, regular technical inspection of the car will be required: for new cars - 3 years after registration, for used cars - every year. Vehicles equipped with a gas (LPG) installation must be inspected every year, even if they are new. The cost of a car inspection in Poland is PLN 99.

The technical inspection in Poland includes checking the brake system, shock absorbers, chassis system (steering play), exterior lighting, tyres, body (corrosion), engine leaks, wipers and washers, exhaust emissions and mandatory equipment (fire extinguisher, warning triangle).

Germany

According to the previous rules, Ukrainians who left for Germany because of the war had to register their cars with Ukrainian licence plates by 31 March 2024. However, thanks to an agreement between the Federal Ministry of Digital Affairs and Transport and the federal states, this deadline has been extended to 30 September 2024. This means that Ukrainian refugees who do not plan to reside permanently in Germany can use their cars with Ukrainian licence plates until the end of September this year. They do not need to go through the registration procedure and obtain German number plates.

Keep in mind that this provision is intended only for those Ukrainians who can provide proof of valid registration documents, appropriate vehicle insurance and a positive technical inspection certificate.

For Ukrainians who re-register their cars, a technical inspection of the vehicle will become mandatory. Technical inspection in Germany involves the inspection of a vehicle by an authorised body that conducts standard technical checks. If the expert does not find any safety concerns, the owner of a car with Ukrainian licence plates will receive a certificate.

To undergo a technical inspection in Germany, you need to contact the nearest service centre (Werkstatt) that is authorised to conduct such inspections. As part of the safety inspection of Ukrainian vehicles, as specified in a specially developed technical manual, the chassis, body, chassis, clutch, wheels, brakes, steering, lighting system, noise characteristics, gas power systems, high-voltage systems and engine performance measurements are checked.

Czech Republic

According to the laws, registration of cars with Ukrainian number plates is mandatory in the Czech Republic. The registration procedure can be carried out in municipal institutions with extended powers. Drivers in the Czech Republic face a fine of up to CZK 30,000 for driving an unregistered car.

As of today, technical inspection is not mandatory for Ukrainian cars in the Czech Republic. This is due to the fact that Ukraine is not a member of the EU, and no technical inspection is required for cars from non-EU countries in the Czech Republic. Despite the fact that the technical inspection is not mandatory, it is recommended to undergo it to make sure that your car is in good working order. The inspection will check the vehicle's VIN number, vehicle lighting, windscreen wipers and washers, warning sound - horn, mandatory equipment, condition and wear of tyres, and leaks of any working fluids.

United Kingdom

According to recent changes, Ukrainian drivers in the UK are required to re-register their cars 3 years after moving to the country. The registration procedure includes a technical inspection of the vehicle for compliance with British safety standards.

Technical inspection in England may include checking the body, towbars, fuel and exhaust systems, seat belts and seats, brakes, tyres and wheels, number plates, hood, glass and washers, steering and suspension, VIN code and other general checks. If a car does not meet UK safety standards, it will not be registered and will not be able to be driven legally on UK roads. Keep in mind that in the UK you can be fined up to £1000 for driving a vehicle without a valid MOT.

Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok

Lithuania

Temporary protection granted to refugees from Ukraine is the basis for using a car without Lithuanian registration. This means that you can drive a car with Ukrainian licence plates while you have temporary protection. However, if you decide to get Lithuanian licence plates, a necessary condition for this is a technical inspection of the car. The inspection will check, in particular, the exterior and interior of the car, the chassis, brakes and headlights, and the environmental friendliness of the car. After the technical inspection, you will receive a report on its results. If any deficiencies in the car's functioning are found, they must be eliminated as soon as possible.

Netherlands

In the Netherlands, you can use a car with Ukrainian number plates if you register it. In this case, the driver will be exempt from car tax. After registering a car, the driver will be provided with a special letter that he or she must carry with him or her. Currently, all letters, even those that have expired, remain valid until 4 March 2025.

However, if you are planning to stay in the country for a long time, you can also re-register your vehicle and get Dutch number plates. Keep in mind that re-registering a car entails certain responsibilities. You will need to have your car inspected. In the Netherlands, the inspection checks the brakes, suspension, shock absorbers, tyres, steering, lighting, body, exhaust emissions and the presence of parts such as a particulate filter and catalytic converter, mileage and vehicle identification number.

Compulsory car insurance abroad

"The Green Card is an international insurance policy for motorists. The document is mandatory when travelling abroad for all vehicles registered in Ukraine.

Driving a car abroad without a Green Card is not worth it not only because of the significant fines (from €1,000, deportation, entry ban, seizure or arrest of the vehicle), but also because car repairs abroad at your own expense are very expensive.

It is better to buy insurance online because it is quick and easy. On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can take out a Green Card policy from a licensed insurer. Packages are available for different periods from 15 days to 1 year for cars and trucks, trailers and semi-trailers for trucks, as well as motorcycles and scooters.

Remember. Before travelling to a new country by car, you need to learn all about the rules and nuances that can be useful to the driver. Earlier, we talked about traffic rules, fines and toll roads in Turkey, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Portugal and Lithuania.

Photo: Freepik

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Are you planning a trip to Europe by car? A Green Card from Visit Ukraine is your reliable protection on European roads. Fast processing, affordable prices and complete peace of mind while travelling. Apply for a Green Card and enjoy a safe trip abroad!

Do you have additional questions? Contact the Visit Ukraine hotline (Telegram | WhatsApp).

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.