Tighter Rules on License Plates: Police Announce Higher Fines and Stricter Enforcement

License Plate Crackdown: What Drivers Need to Know

According to Radiotrek — Світ: Police have ramped up monitoring of vehicle license plates and issued a warning about new penalties for violations. Drivers could face fines for operating cars with dirty or partially obscured plates. The following fine amounts have been set:

• 1,190 hryvnias for a standard offense;
• 2,550 hryvnias for unauthorized use of special plates (military, police, or diplomatic);
• 5,100 hryvnias for a repeat violation within a year.

For a second offense within 12 months, a court may suspend the driver’s license for three to six months.

Examples of Violations and Penalties

In Ternopil, patrol officers stopped a Volkswagen driver who had altered the characters on his license plate with a black marker. The man admitted to “fixing” the plate himself, but that didn’t spare him from a 1,190 hryvnia fine. Authorities stress that any vehicle without properly mounted or readable plates is not allowed on the road.

Offenses that can lead to fines include:

• non-standard license plates;
• plates mounted in unauthorized locations;
• plates so dirty that symbols are unreadable from 20 meters away;
• inverted or unlit plates;
• unauthorized changes to plate shape, size, color, or markings.

Drivers have 10 days from receiving a citation to appeal the fine in court. Legal experts note that if photo or video evidence is included in the case file, appellate courts typically uphold the penalty.

Police also urge drivers to report stolen plates immediately, as stolen tags can be used in crimes. Any alteration or obstruction that prevents identification is treated as a violation, and drivers must keep their license plates in proper condition.

The heightened focus on license plates is part of the police’s broader strategy to improve road safety.

This comes amid a rise in plate thefts, which are often used to commit other crimes. Adhering to plate regulations is not just a legal requirement but also a key factor in overall traffic safety.

In addition to the new regulations on license plates, authorities are also taking a firmer stance on speeding violations, raising fines to 1,700 hryvnias. This comprehensive approach aims to enhance overall road safety and discourage reckless driving behaviors. To learn more about the implications of these changes for drivers, visit our article on increased speeding penalties.