Penalty points for drivers: a lawyer explains what the bill proposes and what risks it entails
8 January 17:42
РОЗБІР ВІД 
Ukraine is considering the introduction of a penalty point system for drivers. Under the proposed bill, points would be assigned for traffic violations, and in certain cases, this could result in the revocation of a driver’s license.
Bill No. 14133 establishes a maximum number of points for traffic violations. Drivers with more than one year of experience will lose their license after accumulating 15 points. For those with less than one year of driving experience, the limit will be 10 points.
What violations will result in points
In an exclusive comment for "Komersant Ukrainian", attorney Igor Feshchenko explained in detail how the penalty point system for drivers might work if the bill is passed.
According to the lawyer, the bill provides for a differentiated system of penalty point accrual depending on the severity of the traffic violation.
“Penalty points are assigned depending on the type of offense—from one to five points,” explains Igor Feshchenko.
One point is proposed to be assigned, in particular, for violations of seat belt or motorcycle helmet regulations, operating a vehicle with improper identification numbers, violations of passenger transport regulations, using license plates in violation of requirements, as well as for certain speeding violations and traffic light violations.
Two points are assigned for a broader list of violations, including certain instances of speeding, running a red light, failing to comply with a police officer’s order to stop, violating traffic rules at railroad crossings, and the illegal use of special light or sound signals.
Three points may be assessed for more serious traffic violations, including significant speeding or gross violations of vehicle operation rules.
Four points are assigned for violations that caused property damage, failure to allow police or medical personnel access to a vehicle, as well as for driving without the proper documents or while under a temporary driving restriction.
Five points —the highest penalty—are proposed for gross violations, including leaving the scene of an accident, significant speeding, and serious violations of railroad crossing rules.
The total number of penalty points is calculated over the previous year (the preceding 365 days).
“Penalty points are calculated based on the previous 365 days, and each point is automatically canceled one year after it is assigned,” notes Feshchenko.
When a driver’s license may be suspended
The draft law pays special attention to the issue of temporarily suspending a driver’s license.
“It is proposed to amend the Code of Administrative Offenses with a new Article 27-2, which will allow for the temporary suspension of a driver’s license in the event of accumulating a critical number of penalty points,” explains the attorney.
According to the initiative:
- for drivers with more than one year of experience— 15 or more points;
- for drivers who obtained their license less than a year ago— 10 or more points.
In such cases, the National Police will issue a reasoned decision that will take effect immediately upon adoption, even if the driver challenges it in court.
How drivers will be notified
Notification of the temporary suspension of the license will be sent by certified mail to the driver’s place of residence or work. If contact information is available, the notification will also be sent via SMS, email, and the Unified State Web Portal of Electronic Services.
How to reinstate a driver’s license
To reinstate the license, the driver will be required to complete a full training course and retake the written and driving exams.
“Until the exams are successfully passed, the license will be considered suspended, and driving a vehicle during this period will constitute a separate administrative offense,” the lawyer emphasizes.
After the license is reinstated, all previously accrued penalty points will be canceled.
When the law may take effect
If passed, the law will take effect 30 days after its official publication. At the same time, Ihor Feshchenko notes: it is too early to talk about the rapid implementation of the system.
“The bill has only been registered in parliament and has not even been included on the agenda. A lengthy process of discussion and amendments lies ahead,” the lawyer notes.
According to the lawyer, the introduction of penalty points could have both positive and problematic consequences.
“The number of appeals against fines will increase, as will the financial burden on drivers due to legal fees, as well as the risk of corruption. At the same time, the police will be forced to document cases more thoroughly, and drivers will have to be more disciplined in following the rules,” Feshchenko concluded.
He is convinced that, if implemented correctly, the penalty point system could become an effective tool for improving the legal culture of road users.
What the police are saying
Oleksiy Biloshitsky, First Deputy Head of the Patrol Police Department of Ukraine, refuted reports about the alleged launch of a penalty point system for drivers.
According to him, information is actively circulating online that a penalty point system has already been in effect in Ukraine since 2026. However, this does not correspond to the actual state of affairs. Currently, there are several legislative initiatives aimed at regulating this issue in the future and introducing a penalty point system following the practices of other countries. However, at this stage, the relevant changes have not yet been adopted, and the penalty point system is not in operation. He also noted that the patrol police will inform all drivers in advance and officially about the introduction of such large-scale changes.
Thus, any driver, regardless of experience, risks losing their driver’s license if they systematically violate traffic rules. To reinstate the license, they will have to retake both the written and driving tests, just as new drivers do. This system, which is already successfully implemented in many European countries, aims to improve road discipline and reduce the number of traffic accidents by increasing penalties for repeat violations. Although the bill was introduced earlier, its implementation is projected for 2026, in line with European standards.
