Driving with Expired Licenses Allowed in Ukraine Until Conflict Concludes

Driver's License Issuance and Renewal Rules Under Ukraine's Martial Law

According to ХВИЛЯ: Since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine has been operating under martial law, prompting various temporary adjustments to everyday regulations. Under new requirements, first-time driver's licenses are now issued for a two-year period, during which novice drivers are prohibited from exceeding 70 km/h and from engaging in professional transport activities. To exchange this temporary license for a permanent one valid for 30 years, the driver must have no more than two administrative traffic violations recorded within those two years.

Changes to License Renewal Procedures

In peacetime, drivers had 10 days after their temporary license expired to complete the renewal process. However, Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine Resolution No.184, enacted at the start of the full-scale invasion, stipulates that any driver's license that expired during martial law remains valid across all of Ukraine. Before February 2022, driving with an expired license carried a fine of 3,400 hryvnias, but that penalty is currently suspended.

A driver qualifies for a no-exam license exchange only if they meet two conditions:

• no criminal convictions under Article 286 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine;
• no more than two minor administrative traffic fines within any two-year period.

If a driver accumulates three or more violations, they must retake both the theoretical and practical driving exams.

License renewals can be completed through several channels:

• the Diia mobile application;
• the Electronic Driver's Cabinet on the website of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs;
• in person at a service center, by prior appointment.

These adjustments are designed to streamline the process of obtaining and exchanging driver's licenses during a challenging period for the country. By simplifying renewal procedures and postponing penalties for expired documents, the measures help reduce the burden on drivers affected by wartime conditions. They also aim to encourage responsible behavior among novice drivers, potentially improving overall road safety in Ukraine.

As the situation evolves, it is essential for drivers to stay informed about the latest changes affecting their licenses and the necessary health checks. For instance, new regulations regarding the validity of driving licenses and mandatory medical examinations have also been introduced, ensuring that drivers comply with updated requirements during these challenging times.