Compliance with traffic rules is the basis for safe driving on the roads. Find out more about the most common violations committed by Ukrainian drivers and the penalties for them

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Every driver is obliged not only to know the rules of the road perfectly, but also to comply with them without committing any offences. However, there are various situations on the road from which no one is immune. Foreigners should familiarise themselves with the specifics of the rules for drivers in Ukraine in advance to avoid unpleasant situations. What traffic violations are most often committed by drivers and what fines they will face for them are described in the article.

Popular traffic offences in Ukraine: how much will it cost to ignore the rules?

Fines for speeding

Exceeding the permitted speed limit. The law establishes the following permitted speeds for vehicles on Ukrainian roads: 50 km/h in settlements, 20 km/h on residential roads and adjacent areas, 90 km/h outside settlements, and 130 km/h on motorways. Speeding by more than 20 km/h is subject to a fine of UAH 340, and speeding by more than 50 km/h is subject to a fine of UAH 1,700.

Fines for running red lights

A red light is not a recommendation, but a categorical order to stop. Nevertheless, hundreds of drivers ignore this signal every day, causing accidents. A driver will pay a fine of UAH 510 for ignoring a red traffic light.

Fines for driving and stopping in the lane

Driving a private car in the public transport lane is prohibited and is punishable by a fine of UAH 680. Parking and stopping a car closer than 30 metres to a public transport stop or a relevant sign is subject to a fine of UAH 340.

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Penalty for crossing the double solid line

A double solid line is a clear signal that crossing and overtaking is prohibited. Ignoring this rule can result not only in a fine of UAH 340, but also in an emergency situation that threatens the health and life of the offender and other road users.

Penalty for ignoring turn signals

In accordance with the requirements of the Traffic Code, it is mandatory to give a turn signal before a manoeuvre. This is not just a recommendation, but a direct law. Failure to do so is punishable by a fine of UAH 510. If an emergency situation occurs as a result of the lack of a signal, the driver's liability is significantly increased, and the fine can reach UAH 1,445.

Fines for not wearing seat belts and ignoring the rules for transporting children

According to traffic rules, all road users are required to wear seat belts. Failure to comply with this rule results in administrative liability in the form of a fine of UAH 510.

Special requirements are set for the carriage of children. When transporting a child up to 150 centimetres tall, the car must be equipped with a car seat or booster. Violations of these rules are subject to administrative liability in the form of a fine, the amount of which depends on the number of violations during the year: the first violation is UAH 510, and the repeated violation is UAH 810.

Penalties for drinking and driving

Ukrainian law provides for strict liability for driving under the influence of alcohol. The fines for this offence can range from UAH 17,000 to UAH 51,000, and include deprivation of the right to drive vehicles for a period of one to ten years. The amount and duration of the penalty depends on the number of offences committed during the year. Drinking alcohol while driving that results in a road accident with injuries is subject to criminal liability.

Recently, the procedure for testing drivers for alcohol and illegal substances has undergone changes. Read here to find out how Ukraine will conduct tests for alcohol and drug use by motorists in 2024.

Penalties for not having insurance

CTPCI is a mandatory motor insurance policy, which, if both parties to a road traffic accident have, the culprit's insurance company will compensate the injured party. In the absence of a policy, the driver will be obliged to pay a fine of UAH 425. If the payment is not made within 15 days, the amount will double, and the driver will have to pay UAH 850.

By the way, you can buy an MTPL policy online on the Visit Ukraine portal. There are packages available with a deductible of UAH 3200, UAH 1600 and UAH 0.

Foreigners who come to Ukraine by car do not need to take out a motor third party liability insurance policy, as they cross the border on the basis of a Green Card policy. However, in order to avoid unpleasant situations, guests of the country should take out voluntary Mini Hull insurance, which, depending on the package chosen, covers the cost of repairing their own car if the driver is found to be at fault, tow truck services, complete destruction of the vehicle as a result of a natural disaster and passive war risks.

On the Visit Ukraine portal, you can purchase a Mini Hull insurance policy from a reliable insurer for guaranteed protection on the country's roads online. Three package options are available for periods ranging from one month to one year for cars, motorcycles, scooters, trucks, as well as trailers and semi-trailers.

Just a reminder. Everyone who drives their own car on the roads of Ukraine should know a number of rules regarding car stops by the police. We will tell you on what grounds a car can be legally stopped, what documents the police check for Ukrainian and foreign drivers, and how to behave at checkpoints.

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