Starting in 2026, Truck Drivers in Ukraine Face a 9-Hour Daily Driving Cap

New Driver Work-Time Regulations Unveiled

According to Radiotrek — Світ: Effective July 26, 2026, a revised regulation on working hours and rest periods for drivers of wheeled vehicles will come into force in Ukraine. Approved under Order No. 1727 issued by the Ministry of Communities and Territories Development of Ukraine on December 12, 2025, the rules aim to align with European Union standards and improve road safety by strictly limiting how long drivers stay behind the wheel.

Under the new rules, a driver may drive no more than 9 hours per day, with an allowance to extend this to 10 hours up to twice a week. The weekly driving limit is set at 56 hours, and the total over any two consecutive weeks cannot exceed 90 hours. After 4 hours and 30 minutes of continuous driving, a mandatory break of at least 45 minutes is required. Weekly rest must be at least 45 hours, though it can be reduced to 24 hours if compensated later.

A key change is the requirement for vehicles used in international freight transport that are registered after June 30, 2026, to be equipped with smart tachographs (model G2V2). These devices automatically record speed, driving time, and rest periods, and protect data from tampering. Carriers must download data from the tachographs at least once every 90 days and from driver cards every 28 days, keeping records for a minimum of 24 months.

Additional documentation will be required for inspections by Ukrtransbezpeka, including: a driver shift schedule, a control book for self-employed drivers, and an activity confirmation form. The order also prohibits linking driver bonuses to distance traveled or delivery speed.

Notably, these requirements will not apply during martial law and for three months after its end, for transport operations in combat zones, vehicles used by the Armed Forces of Ukraine, and short domestic trips of less than 4 hours and 30 minutes.

The introduction of these new driver work-time regulations is intended to enhance road safety and boost the efficiency of transport in Ukraine by bringing them in line with European standards.

This shift could improve the competitiveness of Ukrainian carriers in international markets, although it may require significant investment in new technology such as smart tachographs. The rules have been tailored to account for the ongoing war and its unique circumstances, ensuring exemptions where necessary.

As new regulations reshape the working landscape for truck drivers in Ukraine, it's important to note that these changes come amid ongoing adjustments in the transportation sector. For instance, a recent decision allows drivers to operate with expired licenses until the end of the conflict, highlighting the complex challenges the industry faces during these times. To learn more about this temporary measure, you can read about driving with expired permits in Ukraine.