New license plates in Ukraine: what the series ED, DC, DI, and PD mean

Ukrainian drivers have begun to notice cars on the roads with unusual letter combinations on license plates. Instead of the usual regional codes, the series ED, DC, DI, and PD have appeared on the plates. The reason for this phenomenon is a large-scale reform of the vehicle registration system, which has finally eliminated the geographical link to license numbers.

According to 'Autoconsulting', in December 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine signed an order on radical changes to the requirements for state license plates. The document came into effect in January 2023, putting an end to the traditional system of regional designations on license plates.

New letter combinations on license plates

The series ED and DC are assigned to cars whose purchase agreements are registered through the driver's electronic cabinet in the unified information system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

The combinations DI and PD are used for vehicles whose agreements are made through the Unified State Portal of Electronic Services, including via the mobile application 'Diia'.

These letter combinations have replaced the traditional regional codes in the first group of characters on the license plate. Their main feature is complete independence from the geographical location of the vehicle's registration.

As a result of the reform, the regional code on license plates has lost its initial meaning. Now it only indicates that the owner once registered the vehicle at a certain regional service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, whereas the new electronic platforms allow for car registration without any territorial attachment.

Traffic violations and problems for electric vehicle owners

We remind that the patrol police once again urged drivers not to use their phones while driving without special hands-free devices. Such a violation, which poses a direct threat to road safety, carries a fine of 510 hryvnias.

Moreover, experts warn about the improper use of fog lights, which can blind other road users in clear weather. According to traffic rules, they are only allowed to be turned on in conditions of poor visibility; otherwise, it not only risks a fine but also increases the risk of traffic accidents.

In addition, electric vehicle owners face specific problems in cold weather. As reported, drops in range and electronic malfunctions are common because lithium-ion batteries lose efficiency at low temperatures, and heating the cabin additionally consumes energy.

Ukraine has reformed the license plate system by removing the geographical connection to license plates, which has become a modern practice for the driving community. Now vehicle recipients can be confident that changing license plates is not necessarily linked to the location of registration, which may simplify and expedite the vehicle registration process for electric vehicle owners and those using online services.