Ukraine Moves Toward Driver Penalty Point System
Ukraine is preparing to implement a driver penalty point system, according to Oleksii Biloshitskyi, First Deputy Head of the Patrol Police Department. The relevant draft law, No. 14133, is currently under review by the Verkhovna Rada. Drivers would face an annual threshold of 15 points, while those with less than one year of experience would have a limit of 10 points per year. Depending on the severity of the traffic violation, points ranging from 1 to 5 would be assigned.
Violation Scoring and Consequences
Under the proposed framework, minor infractions would result in 1 point, whereas causing a hazardous situation or significant speeding would incur 5 points. The total point count would be calculated based on the preceding 365 days. Reaching the maximum point threshold would not automatically lead to a license revocation. Instead, the driver would be required to undergo retraining to regain driving privileges.
Penalty points would not apply to violations captured by automated traffic cameras. Information on accumulated points would be accessible through the Register of Administrative Offenses and the electronic service 'Diia'. Drivers would have the option to challenge a temporary license suspension in court within one month.
Oleksii Biloshitskyi: 'Only if a driver systematically disregards safety and accumulates enough points within a year will their license be suspended. This is not about random incidents, but about deliberate, dangerous behavior on the road.'
He further explained that 'a fine is the state's response to a specific rule violation here and now, whereas points assess your long-term reliability as a driver.'
The National Police, the Patrol Police Department, and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine have submitted comments on the draft law and have opposed certain provisions. The penalty point system aims to enhance road safety and reduce the number of traffic accidents in Ukraine.
Introducing a penalty point system could represent a significant step in reforming traffic regulations in Ukraine, as it encourages drivers to adopt a safety-conscious mindset. By emphasizing long-term accountability, the new system may help reduce serious violations and road accidents, ultimately improving overall road safety conditions across the country.