Why Ukrainians ignore traffic fines: debts have doubled since 2021
25 August 17:11
INFOGRAPHICS
Debts for traffic fines are breaking records: the amount has tripled in four years. According to the analytics of the Unified Register of Debtors prepared by the Opendatabot platform, as of the first half of 2025, debts under these articles reached more than 375 thousand records, of which 80,011 are for women and almost 296 thousand are for men, "Komersant Ukrainian" reports.
Compared to the first half of 2021, when there were less than 150 thousand traffic debts in total, the current figure shows a more than twofold increase. The dynamics are as follows:
- 2021 – 135,746 (men), 12,156 (women)
- 2022 – 140,722 / 18,102
- 2023 – 239,940 / 36,056
- 2024 – 339,640 / 64,855
- 2025 – 295,799 / 80,011
Overall, the number of women debtors increased by 6.5 times in four years, while the number of men increased by 2.2 times. Although the absolute figures are still significantly higher among men, the growth rate of debt among women is much faster.
Leaders by region: where most people in Ukraine have accumulated the most debt
According to the regional distribution, the highest number of traffic debts in 2025 was recorded in the city of Kyiv – 43,654 cases. This is almost twice as many as in any other region. The second place is occupied by Dnipropetrovska oblast with 36,879 cases, followed by Odesa (29,502) and Kyiv (25,453).
The lowest number of debts was recorded in Luhansk region – only 225 cases, and in Kherson region – 397. This situation is explained by the partial occupation and limited access to official registers. Donetsk (5,914), Ternopil (9,118), and Cherkasy (8,860) regions also have low rates.
Why Ukrainians do not pay fines
According to experts, the reasons for this dynamics include a low level of payment discipline, economic difficulties during the war, and the belief that it is still possible to avoid paying. In many cases, citizens believe that the fine will be “forgotten” if they do not pay it immediately. This practice only accumulates debts and can lead to automatic debiting of accounts through the executive service.
Legal and economic analysts also note that the debt on traffic fines has become a national problem. If in 2021 it was limited in scope, in 2025 it will amount to hundreds of thousands of debts, signaling the need to change both approaches to offenders and the state’s communication policy. In addition, the trend toward a rapid increase in the share of women among debtors is a new social signal that requires additional analysis.
Read also: Ukrainians are massively entering the Register of Debtors due to traffic fines
Fines for traffic violations in Ukraine: what has changed in 2025
As of August 2025, the current rules and fines for traffic violations are in force in Ukraine. Despite rumors about new fines starting July 1, no legislative innovations were adopted, and the amounts remained at the level of previous years. However, experts emphasize that the amounts are already significant, and the auto-fixation system is becoming more accurate.
The most common fines range from speeding to talking while driving
Ukrainian drivers violate the speed limit the most. For speeding by 20-50 km/h, a driver pays UAH 340, and for speeding over 50 km/h, the fine is already UAH 1700. These amounts have been unchanged since 2021, but remain among the most commonly fixed traffic fines.
Driving without a driver’s license is punishable by a fine of UAH 3,400, and in case of a repeat offense – UAH 40,800 with a possible ban on driving for up to 7 years. In the absence of other documents (insurance or technical passport), you will have to pay UAH 425.
Violation of the rules for using seat belts or helmets costs UAH 510. The same fine is imposed for transporting a child without a car seat, and in case of a repeated violation, it is UAH 850.
The responsibility for using a cell phone while driving without a headset is worth mentioning separately – the fine reaches UAH 1190, even if you just held the phone in your hand while driving.
Driving while intoxicated: high risks and losses
The fines for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs are among the most severe. The first offense costs UAH 17,000 and is accompanied by a one-year license suspension. The second offense costs UAH 34,000. The third violation within a year will cost UAH 51,000, with the possibility of seizure of the car and deprivation of rights for up to 10 years.
Running red lights and parking
The fine for running a red light ranges from UAH 425 to 510. Improper parking, stopping in places for public transport or pedestrians – also in the range of UAH 510-680. It should be noted that cars may be towed and the fine may be increased in case of delayed payment.
It is worth noting that Ukrainian drivers can take advantage of a 50% discount on the payment of a fine for auto-fixation or parking if they pay the fine within 10 banking days. If the payment is not made within 15 days, the amount of the fine is doubled.
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How to pay a fine for traffic violations in Ukraine in 2025
1. Through the mobile application or the Diia website. This is the most convenient and popular way. In order to pay the amount owed, you need to take the following steps
- go to the app or the website https://diia.gov.ua;
- in the “Fines” section, check for unpaid resolutions;
- select the required fine and click “Pay”;
- select the desired bank card, enter its details and confirm the financial transaction.
After payment, the receipt is automatically saved and available in the transaction history.
2. Through a bank (PrivatBank, Monobank, Oschadbank, etc.). To do this, you need to
- in the bank’s mobile application (for example, Privat24 or Monobank), go to the “Payments” or “Fines” section;
- find the item “Fines for traffic violations”;
- enter the number of the resolution (or TIN/RNOKPP, if there is a search function);
- check that all the data is correct and click “Pay”.
The fine can also be paid at a cash desk or bank terminal by presenting a receipt or a resolution.
3. Through the portal of the Ministry of Internal Affairs or the State Register of Court Decisions. If the decision has already been submitted to the court, you can find it by the name of the offender or the case number, and then pay using the bank details specified in the decision.
4. Through the shtrafy.uaservice . This is a convenient independent service connected to the Ministry of Internal Affairs database. It automatically finds fines by car number or RNOKPP, and also offers online payment with the issuance of a check and notification by mail.
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