Ukrainian refugees can use their driver's license even if it is expired, but not in all cases. Find out what conditions must be met and how this is affected by a new Ukrainian government regulation

Insurance policy Green card for traveling abroad by car

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The Ukrainian government is trying to bring back men who are abroad to protect them at the front. One of the steps taken to do so was to restrict the renewal of driver's licenses for male refugees who have not updated their data through Reserve+. However, the situation is somewhat easier for Ukrainians living in the Czech Republic, as well as in some other European countries, because, according to Novinky.cz, they can continue to use their driver's license even after it expires, but under certain conditions.

Which driving license is considered valid?

According to a resolution of the European Parliament and Council of July 18, 2022, Ukrainian driving licenses are considered valid in the EU if they expired after December 31, 2021. This was also confirmed by the Czech Ministry of Transport, which noted that Ukrainian refugees can continue to drive vehicles in the Czech Republic even if their driving licenses have already expired.

A representative of the Czech Ministry of Transport, František Emelka, emphasized that the current Ukrainian government regulations do not change this situation, and that holders of temporary protection can continue to use their documents.

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Requirements for Ukrainian drivers in the Czech Republic

The Czech police also adhere to this position. According to police spokesman David Schoen, if other legislation provides for the recognition of expired documents, the police are obliged to comply with these norms. However, in other matters, Ukrainian drivers are subject to the same rules as Czech citizens: They can receive fines for violations, their driving licenses can be confiscated, and if necessary, they can be banned from driving.

Ukrainians in the Czech Republic can also exchange their driving license for a Czech one. However, this requires fulfilling one important condition: to have a place of residence in the Czech Republic for at least 185 days in a calendar year due to personal or professional ties. Only then can Ukrainians apply to local authorities with extended powers to exchange their driver's license.

Please note! In order to legally drive a Ukrainian car on Czech roads, it must be registered in the country. In addition, Ukrainians are required to have a valid Green Card insurance policy for their car. Even a 1 day delay in insurance can result in serious fines for the driver, so it is important to keep track of the policy's validity and renew it in time. Remember that you can apply for international Green Card insurance quickly and easily on the Visit Ukraine portal.

We remind you! On August 1, 2024, Ukrainian drivers began to be issued a new type of driver's license and registration certificate. We explained why the changes were introduced and whether there are any special requirements for replacing old-style licenses in our previous article.

Photo: TSN.ua

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A Green Card is not only a mandatory document for traveling abroad by car, but also a guarantee of financial security and safety for the driver and passengers. To avoid risks and fines, take out international insurance on the Visit Ukraine portal. We cooperate only with reliable insurance agents.