The government has introduced significant changes to the Traffic Rules to bring them closer to EU standards. Find out more about the innovations and how they are aimed at improving road safety and increasing the efficiency of transport in Ukraine

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Ukraine has made significant changes to its traffic regulations to bring them closer to EU standards. One of the key and important changes was the requirement to turn on running lights for vehicles outside the city.

Previously, drivers were required to turn on their running lights or dipped headlights in the fall and winter, regardless of the time of day. However, as of October 20, 2023, this restriction was lifted, and now cars outside the city must have their running lights on at all times, which complements European practice and helps reduce the number of road accidents.

The relevant amendments to the rules were approved by several resolutions of the Cabinet of Ministers (No. 1105 and No. 1128) in late October.

More details about the new rules are described below.

Transportation of children

The amendments to the Traffic Rules, which came into force on October 25, 2023, are aimed at improving the safety of children during their transportation by road. According to these rules:

- Children up to 150 cm tall must be in special car seats with seat belts. This is a mandatory requirement to ensure maximum safety of children while traveling by car. The use of such child restraint systems allows you to properly fasten the child and avoid possible injuries in the event of an accident.

- It is forbidden to transport children who are less than 150 cm tall on the back seat of mopeds and motorcycles. This prohibition is in place to prevent possible risks and injuries to children, as the transportation of children on mopeds and motorcycles is dangerous and can lead to serious consequences in the event of an accident.

At the same time, there are certain types of vehicles that are allowed to transport children without the use of car seats. These are:

- Vehicles engaged in regular, regular special and irregular passenger bus transportation. 

- Specialized ambulances of emergency (ambulance) medical care teams. 

- Operational vehicles of the Ministry of Defense, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the National Police, the State Emergency Service, the State Border Guard Service, the Security Service and the State Protection Department when performing an urgent official task. 

The new requirements are aimed at improving the safety of children on the roads and are in line with safety standards similar to those in the European Union.

Turning on running lights outside the city

Changes to the requirements for the use of daytime running lights in the Traffic Rules, which provides for the obligation to turn on daytime running lights outside the city regardless of the time of day or year, i.e. constantly. 

This practice is widespread in the European Union and has proven to be effective in reducing the number of road accidents during daylight hours.

As you know, previously, to ensure safety while driving vehicles in the autumn and winter, drivers were required to turn on their running lights or dipped headlights even during daylight hours, from October 1 to May 1.

The purpose of the mandatory running lights outside of populated areas is to make traffic more visible and reduce the risk of road accidents. The new provision of the Traffic Rules came into force on October 25, 2023.

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Stopping a car on the side of the road

Ukraine has changed the rules for stopping cars on highways and public roads. Road signs define some of the main points of parking on highways:

• Sign 5.42.1 - "Parking place" indicates the section of the road where vehicles are allowed to stop for temporary parking.

• Sign 5.42.2 - "Parking space near bus stops" indicates a road section intended for parking near bus stops.

• Sign 5.42.3 - "Parking space for trucks, vans, etc., only for the time required for unloading/loading" indicates a special area for trucks where parking is allowed only for the period of unloading or loading.

• Sign 5.43 - "Parking area" indicates an area where parking is permitted, but details of restrictions and rules must be specified in the road regulations.

• Sign 6.15 - "Rest area" indicates the area where vehicles are to be parked while drivers are resting.

For your own safety and compliance with the traffic regulations, it is important to always observe road signs and markings carefully and follow the instructions they provide.

Markings for training vehicles

Changing the designation for educational vehicles and the corresponding identification mark is an important step to streamline traffic regulations and clarify terminology. 

The change from "Educational Vehicle" to "Training Vehicle" and the corresponding change in the identification mark from "E" to "T" contributes to a clear understanding of the intended purpose of these vehicles. 

The new regulations will come into force in 6 months, in April 2024. This period provides time for adaptation and implementation of the new requirements and signs on training vehicles.

If you are planning to leave Ukraine by car, you should take care of obtaining a Green Card policy in advance, because without it, your car will not be allowed to cross the border. You can buy car insurance quickly and profitably on the Visit Ukraine website.

We remind you! Earlier we wrote that starting from November 1, the speed limit on Kyiv roads will be 50 kilometers per hour. Find out more about which sections of the road have the updated signs.

Photo: Freepik

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