What should drivers know before travelling to Ukraine?

Travelling by car in Ukraine requires special preparation and attention to local traffic conditions. It is important to take into account not only the condition of the roads and traffic rules, but also to ensure that your vehicle is properly protected during your stay in the country. Find out more about the basic rules of driving in Ukraine, the necessary documents and car insurance for foreigners

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Travelling by car to Ukraine requires careful preparation and an understanding of the local conditions. From road conditions to traffic rules, from required documents to insurance, there are many aspects to consider before travelling.

Safety on Ukrainian roads starts with proper preparation and understanding of local specifics.

What foreign drivers should know before travelling to Ukraine by car is described below.

The state of Ukrainian roads

The quality of roads in Ukraine can vary significantly depending on the region and type of road. The main highways, such as Kyiv-Lviv and Kyiv-Odesa, are usually in good condition. However, secondary roads and routes to smaller towns and cities may have poorer surfaces or damage.

We recommend checking road conditions before travelling using Google Maps or Waze, where you can find up-to-date information on road repairs and surface quality.

Peculiarities of traffic rules in Ukraine

It is important for foreign drivers to know a few key rules that may differ from those in their home countries.

The speed limit in Ukraine is subject to clear restrictions: in settlements, you are allowed to drive at a speed of up to 50 km/h, outside settlements - up to 90 km/h, and on motorways you can reach speeds of up to 130 km/h.

Particular attention is paid to the use of headlights: from October to May, daytime running lights or low beam headlights must be switched on on all roads outside settlements, even during the day.

It's also important to remember that there is zero tolerance for alcohol behind the wheel - the permissible limit is only 0.2 ppm, which effectively means a complete ban.

Typical challenges that foreign drivers may face on Ukrainian roads

Drivers may face various challenges on Ukrainian roads. In large cities such as Kyiv, Lviv, Odesa and Kharkiv, traffic jams often form, especially during rush hours.

There are checkpoints at the entrances and exits of cities, where you need to present your documents for inspection.

Car safety: what damage can a car suffer on Ukrainian roads?

In Ukrainian realities, a car can suffer various types of damage. Most often, this happens due to minor accidents or damage from poor road surfaces. Adverse weather conditions can also negatively affect the condition of the vehicle.

Special attention should be paid to the risks associated with martial law, which should also be taken into account when planning a trip.

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Where can I go for help in case of unpleasant situations on the road?

If necessary, you can contact the following services for assistance:

- Police: 102.

- Ambulance: 103.

- Ukravtodor roadside assistance: +380 67 400 60 80.

Large petrol stations such as WOG and OKKO often provide basic car repair services.

How do I prepare my car for a trip to Ukraine?

Before travelling, you need to thoroughly prepare your vehicle and prepare documents.

It's important to check the technical condition of the car and make sure you have all the necessary documents, including your passport, driver's licence and registration certificate. Also, to enter Ukraine by a car with foreign registration, it is mandatory to have international insurance Green Card.

Additionally, it is recommended to download offline maps and have cash in hryvnias with you, as not everywhere you can pay by card.

Insurance for additional protection on the roads of Ukraine

For reliable protection, we recommend taking out Mini Hull Insurance - the best solution for foreign drivers. This is a voluntary car insurance that protects against the most common risks at an affordable price.

There are three insurance packages to choose from:

- Economy: covers losses in case of an accident with another car.

- Basic: covers losses in case of road accidents and protection against natural disasters.

- Maximum: includes coverage of losses in the event of an accident, protection against natural disasters and war risks + tow truck services.

All foreign citizens (except for citizens of russia, Belarus, Iran and the DPRK) can take out Mini Hull Insurance for a period of 1 month to 1 year.

Protect your car now! Don't risk your car while travelling in Ukraine - take out Mini Hull Insurance on Visit Ukraine. This is an easy way to ensure your peace of mind and protect your car from the most common risks on Ukrainian roads. Take care of your safety in advance!

Remember. Compliance with traffic rules is the basis for safe driving on Ukrainian roads by car. Read here to find out what fines are provided for traffic violations in Ukraine.

Photo: Freepik

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We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

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