Overhaul of Ukraine's Traffic Penalty System
Ukraine is preparing significant changes to how traffic violations are penalized. Draft law No. 14133 introduces a penalty points system for breaking traffic rules, which could lead to temporary license suspension and mandatory retraining at a driving school. Points will range from 1 to 5, depending on the severity of the offense. Minor infractions will result in 1 point, while serious violations like excessive speeding or causing dangerous situations will carry 5 points.
For all drivers, the critical threshold will be 15 points per year. Novices with less than one year of experience will face a lower limit of 10 points. Once a driver exhausts their annual allowance, their license will be temporarily suspended. The offender must then complete driving school training again and pass exams. Importantly, points will only be assigned for violations documented by patrol officers. Automated traffic cameras will not be part of this system. The process is automated: an officer issues a citation, and points are automatically recorded in the Administrative Offenses Register. Drivers can track their points through the Diia app.
Modernizing Road Legislation
Parliament is also reviewing draft law No. 15200, which aims to align Ukraine's road legislation with European standards. This includes introducing new vehicle categories and a graduated licensing system based on age and experience. For example, scooters will be legal from age 15, cars with supervision from 17, and powerful motorcycles and buses only from ages 20 to 24.
Additionally, electronic documents like driver's licenses and vehicle registration certificates in the Diia app will have full legal force, equivalent to their paper counterparts.
"Bribing an inspector on the spot will no longer be an option," emphasizes Oleksiy Biloshytskyi.
Police stress that these points do not constitute "double punishment" for drivers. The legislative changes could significantly impact road safety and driver accountability in Ukraine.
The introduction of a penalty points system is part of the Ukrainian government's broader effort to improve road safety. With traffic accident rates remaining high in Ukraine, these new legal initiatives aim to reduce risks for both drivers and pedestrians. Furthermore, adapting Ukrainian law to European standards is expected to enhance the overall transportation sector and support the country's deeper integration into the European community.
As Ukraine moves towards a more structured penalty system for traffic violations, it is also considering broader reforms to its road traffic laws. These changes aim to align with European norms, introducing new categories for vehicles and a tiered licensing framework. For more insights into these significant legislative updates, you can read about the overhaul of road traffic laws that could reshape driving regulations in the country.