Kyiv Announces Increase in Vehicle Towing Costs
Private towing operators in Kyiv will raise their minimum fee to 1,680 Ukrainian hryvnias starting April 15, 2024, as confirmed by the Kyiv City State Administration. The city government does not set these prices; they are determined solely by the private businesses providing the service. As Konstantin Usov explained,
"The fee for towing impounded vehicles is not state-regulated, and therefore the city authorities do not approve its amount. The cost of such services is set directly by the business entities that provide them."
The primary reason for the increase is rising fuel costs. Towing operators are also proposing a new pricing model that would vary based on a vehicle's weight. Under the new private operator tariff, the standard rate will apply to vehicles weighing up to 2,000 kg, matching the fee charged when towing is performed by Ukraine's National Police.
Towing Costs in Other Ukrainian Cities
For comparison, towing fees in other major Ukrainian cities are currently higher:
- Dnipro – from 2,110 to 2,410 hryvnias;
- Lviv – from 1,862 to 2,638 hryvnias.
Despite the planned hike, Konstantin Usov noted that
"even after the scheduled increase, the cost of transporting a temporarily detained vehicle in Kyiv will remain the lowest among Ukraine's major cities."
In 2025, the city's parking inspection recorded nearly 400,000 violations of stopping, standing, and parking rules. It's important to note that for every eight vehicles subject to enforcement action, only one was actually towed. Towed vehicles are stored on lots owned by Ukraine's National Police. In Kyiv, towing services are provided by 14 private companies and the municipal enterprise 'Center for Traffic Organization'.
Separately, since January 16, 2025, the city has also been removing cars destroyed or damaged by Russian drone or missile strikes from Kyiv's streets.
The upcoming fee increase reflects the operational challenges faced by service providers in a wartime economy. While the new minimum of 1,680 hryvnias takes effect on April 15, 2024, it results from higher fuel expenses and aims to keep the service sustainable. This adjustment maintains Kyiv's position as having some of the most affordable towing rates in the country, which city officials hope will encourage drivers to comply with parking regulations. The move also indicates an evolving market, with operators seeking to introduce more nuanced, weight-based pricing structures in the future.
As the city adapts to changing economic conditions, it's also exploring modern payment solutions. In a related initiative, Kyiv is testing cashless payments for private minibus routes, offering discounts to encourage usage. This move reflects the city's commitment to improving urban transport while managing costs effectively.