Major Reform of Ukraine’s Road Legislation
Ukraine is preparing a sweeping overhaul of its road traffic laws. The Cabinet of Ministers has registered draft law No. 15200 in the Verkhovna Rada, which proposes changes to how driver’s licenses are issued, adjusts minimum age requirements for drivers, and officially recognizes digital documents. This initiative aligns Ukraine’s regulations more closely with European Union standards, a key step in the country’s ongoing integration efforts.
Key Changes in the Legislation
Under the new rules, a new category AM is introduced for mopeds with a top speed of 45 km/h. Additionally, category A2 is created for motorcycles with power up to 35 kW. For category D1, restrictions are set: the vehicle may not have more than 16 seats and must be no longer than 8 meters. A significant change is that driving a moped will be allowed from age 15.
- Categories B and BE will be available from age 17, but only if the driver has at least two years of driving experience.
- Category A can be obtained from age 20 with at least two years of experience on an A2 license, or from age 24 without prior experience.
- Categories D and DE will be permitted from age 24, or from age 21 with professional training.
The draft law also legalizes electronic driver’s licenses and vehicle registration certificates in the Diia app, giving them the same legal weight as paper documents. Data processing and privacy rules will be determined separately by the Cabinet of Ministers. This reform is part of Ukraine’s obligations under the Association Agreement with the EU.
Importantly, a driver’s license will be canceled upon expiration, loss, or exchange. Licenses may also be revoked if the driver fails to pick up the ready document from a service center within a year, or if a first-time license was confiscated due to traffic violations. To regain a license after a court-ordered suspension, the driver must undergo an unscheduled medical check and pass both theoretical and practical exams at an MVS service center. If the grounds for reinstatement arise a year or more later, the exams must be retaken for the highest category on the license.
The proposed changes aim to modernize road regulation in Ukraine in line with European standards. Legalizing digital documents and introducing new age limits could simplify the licensing process for younger drivers and help reduce traffic offenses. This reform also marks a crucial step in fulfilling Ukraine’s commitments to the European Union, potentially boosting the country’s integration prospects.
As Ukraine moves to update its driving regulations, the implications for various license categories are becoming clearer. Notably, the new proposal aims to simplify the process for car drivers to obtain motorcycle licenses, making it easier for those interested in expanding their driving capabilities. This shift not only enhances mobility options but also aligns with broader efforts to modernize road legislation in the country.