Police Massively Stops Drivers Under the Guise of 'Intercept': How to Act Legally

Illegal Police Stops in Ukraine

In Ukraine, the number of cases where drivers become victims of illegal police stops under the guise of the 'Intercept' operation is increasing. These stops lead to mass fines for non-existent violations. It is important to know the legal grounds for stopping vehicles, which are defined in Article 35 of the Law of Ukraine on the National Police.

Motor vehicle stops are conducted under the pretext of a special 'Intercept' or 'Siren' operation, which is introduced by order of the police leadership in cases of serious crimes. However, in practice, there are often cases of illegal stops. For example, in Cherkasy, a driver was stopped despite the difference in license plates. This indicates that not all stops are conducted in accordance with the law.

Actions for Drivers

Drivers are given 10 days to appeal fines issued after baseless stops. For this, it is important to follow a certain algorithm of actions:

• Demand clarification of the reason for the stop;
• Document communication with law enforcement;
• Do not rush with the documents;
• Be sure to appeal the ruling if they believe the stop was unlawful.

The doctrine of 'fruits of the poisonous tree' also emphasizes that evidence obtained during an illegal stop cannot be used in court.

Thus, drivers should be cautious and informed about their rights to avoid potential violations by the police.

This situation underscores the importance of protecting citizens' rights in interactions with law enforcement, especially in the context of increased police activity. Drivers must be prepared to defend their rights and know how to act in the event of unlawful actions by law enforcement. The rise in cases of illegal stops may indicate the need for training for police and raising awareness among drivers about their legal rights.