What is the penalty for drivers using summer tires in winter in Ukraine?

Using summer tires in winter can result in a fine and even a restriction on your right to drive. Find out when to change your tires, what penalties are provided for by law, and how to prepare your car for the cold season

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Every year, when the cold weather sets in, drivers start thinking about when to change their tires. After all, the choice between winter and summer tires affects not only driving comfort but also safety.

Is there a penalty for using summer tires in winter?

Currently, traffic rules in Ukraine do not specify specific dates when drivers are required to switch from summer to winter tires. The law does not directly prohibit the use of summer tires in winter. However, there is an important condition: tires must be appropriate for road conditions.

If a driver is driving in icy, snowy, or frosty conditions and the tires do not provide adequate traction, this may be considered a violation. Liability for such a violation is provided for in Article 121 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (KUAP).

How much is the fine for inappropriate tires?

If a driver has tires in poor condition, for example, with excessive tread wear, visible damage, or different wheel sizes on the same axle, etc., the police have the right to impose a fine. The amount of the fine ranges from 340 to 680 hryvnia (20-40 non-taxable minimum incomes).

In case of a repeat violation, the sanctions are much more severe: possible administrative arrest for up to 10 days or deprivation of the right to drive for a period of three to six months.

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New fines: what does draft law No. 11029 provide for?

In February 2025, draft law No. 11029 was registered in the Verkhovna Rada, which could significantly change the rules. The document proposes to increase fines for drivers who knowingly use tires that are not suitable for the season:

● 1,700 hryvnia for the first violation;

● from 3,400 to 8,500 UAH and deprivation of driving rights for 3-6 months — for a repeat offense.

The bill has not yet been passed, but when the document comes into force, control over the seasonality of tires will become much stricter, especially during periods of ice and snowfall.

Why is it important not to delay changing your tires?

Driving on summer tires during the cold season carries serious risks. At low temperatures, rubber loses its elasticity, braking distance increases, and road grip deteriorates significantly. This increases the likelihood of an accident even at low speeds.

At the same time, using winter tires in the summer is also dangerous. Due to the soft composition, the rubber wears out quickly, the car is harder to control, and fuel consumption increases. Thus, ignoring seasonality leads not only to a possible fine, but also to additional costs for repairs and fuel.

When exactly should you change your tires?

Experts advise focusing not on the calendar, but on the air temperature. As soon as the average daily temperature drops below +7°C, it's time to switch to winter tires. In most regions of Ukraine, this usually happens in October, and the return to summer tires — in April.

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We remind you! A technical inspection is not just a formality, but an important step that ensures the safety of every road user. In 2025, Ukraine introduced updated rules for mandatory technical inspections, which increased transparency and simplified the procedure. Read on to find out who is required to undergo a technical inspection, what parameters are checked, and where to find official inspection points.

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