Drivers should prepare for the exchange of licences: Verkhovna Rada harmonises rules with EU
6 June 2024 15:03
The Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine is currently considering draft law No. 8082, which aims to harmonise Ukrainian legislation on the issuance and use of driving licences in line with EU standards. Its main innovation is the replacement of “unlimited” 30-year driving licences with 5 or 10-year licences, reports [Kommersant]
The draft law is intended to bring Ukrainian legislation closer to EU standards as part of the implementation of the Association Agreement.
Key changes proposed by the document:
- The introduction of a new AM category for mopeds (2-3 wheels, maximum speed 45 km/h, engine capacity up to 50 cc or power up to 4 kW for an electric motor) and light ATVs (4 wheels, weight up to 350 kg, same speed/power limits).
- Clarification of requirements for other categories of vehicles A1, A2, A, B1 in terms of power, engine size and maximum speed.
- Changes to the validity of driving licences. Instead of indefinite, limited terms are introduced: 10 years for categories AM, A1, A2, A, B1, B, BE and 5 years for C1, C1E, C, CE, D1, D1E, D, DE, Tm, Tb.
- For certificates issued for the first time, the validity period will be 2 years with the need for further exchange under certain conditions.
- Mandatory exchange of certificates after the expiry of the validity period, possibly with the need to pass the exams again.
- Changes to the age limits for obtaining rights to various categories of transport. In particular, category A (powerful motorcycles) will be available from the age of 20 with 2 years of A2 driving experience, or from the age of 24 without such a requirement.
- Existing driving licences will remain valid until 19 January 2033, after which they will need to be exchanged for new ones in accordance with the new rules.
The draft law has already been reviewed and supported by the relevant committee of the Verkhovna Rada, but is still pending consideration and voting in the session hall. The exact timing of its adoption is not yet known.
These changes, if adopted, will have a significant impact on all drivers in Ukraine, as they will require more frequent renewal of licences compared to the current indefinite licences.
