Driving rules for foreigners in Ukraine: useful tips

Foreigners can freely enter Ukraine in their own cars. Find out all about the specifics of the traffic rules in Ukraine and other useful driving tips for foreigners

Take out Mini Hull insurance at Visit Ukraine - guaranteed car protection in just 5 minutes!

TAKE

Foreigners traveling to Ukraine, whether for personal or business purposes, can move around the country in their own cars. In addition, citizens of other countries can rent a car, which is especially convenient for those crossing the Ukrainian border by public transport.

It is worth noting that in the summer season, there are considerable queues at Ukrainian checkpoints. Therefore, we advise you to check the border congestion before you set off on your trip. 

Driving in Ukraine during martial law: what you need to know

No new traffic rules were introduced during martial law in Ukraine, but drivers should be prepared for some unexpected situations that, unfortunately, often occur on Ukrainian roads today.

1. Be as focused as possible on the road and keep a close eye on all road users, while following the traffic rules. This is important because you must be prepared for danger at all times.

2. Be prepared to give way, even where, according to the rules, you have the right of way. After all, on the roads of Ukraine, mainly in cities, there are now many patrol cars (police, military, ambulances and other first responders) that can respond to a call or potential danger at any time.

3. Do not approach military vehicles or record their movements. Firstly, it is prohibited by the legislation of Ukraine, and secondly, as a rule, military equipment has poor visibility, and therefore you may not be noticed on the road.

4. Do not exceed the speed limit and carefully monitor the road conditions, even if there are no other road users on the road besides your car. There may be defensive structures on the road, or incompletely dismantled checkpoints. These obstacles can cause an accident, especially if you hit them at high speed.

5. Follow the rules of behavior at checkpoints.

6. Be attentive to pedestrians, especially in cities. Unfortunately, not everyone follows the rules and may cross the road in unexpected places.

Please note! To travel to Ukraine under martial law, it is important to have reliable insurance. The best choice for foreigners is an insurance policy covering military risks. 

Requirements for foreign documents for driving in Ukraine

Foreigners who temporarily reside in Ukraine (including those who have a temporary residence permit) must have the following documents to drive a car:

- A driver's license of a foreign country with personal data in Latin alphabet (in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, 1968);

- International driving license with personal data in Latin letters.

It should be noted that the driver's license of foreigners who have received a permanent residence permit in Ukraine is canceled in 60 days (from the date of receipt of the permit). To exchange a driver's license, you will need to pass a medical examination and pass two exams (theoretical and practical). 

Speed limits in Ukraine: current restrictions

- 50 km/h within settlements;

- 90 km/h on roads without populated areas;

- 130 km/h on highways.

Don't want to miss important updates and useful articles? Subscribe to our weekly newsletter!

An accident involving a foreigner in Ukraine: what to do if you are involved in an accident

1. Do not move the car. It must remain in the same position until the arrival of police officers, but only if the car does not create additional emergency situations. In addition, if your car has not been significantly damaged and one of the parties to the accident needs emergency assistance, you can use the car to take the victim to the hospital.

2. Turn on the hazard warning lights and place an emergency stop sign (or other signals to alert other drivers of an obstacle on the road) at least 20 meters from the car (within urban areas) and at least 40 meters away (on country roads).

3. Call the police at the scene of the accident and, if necessary, an ambulance.

Planning a trip to Ukraine?

For peace of mind, take out a Mini Hull insurance policy at Visit Ukraine — it's your financial security in all circumstances.

Ukrainian road etiquette: what do the signals given by other drivers mean?

- Signaling with hazard lights while the vehicle is moving means "thank you" or "excuse me" depending on the context of the situation. For example, if you let someone pass you on the road, you will most likely be thanked with a hazard light.

- short headlight signals (flashing) from a passing car - you are asked to give way.

- signals (flashing) from the headlights of the oncoming car warn of danger ahead. However, please note that in the dark, this may mean that you have not switched your high beams and may have blinded another driver on the road, so make sure you have your low beams on.

- A left turn signal (in some cases with brake lights) from a truck in front of you warns you that you are not allowed to overtake because there are cars in the opposite lane. Conversely, a right turn signal (in some cases with brake lights) means that the oncoming lane is clear and you can overtake.

Car insurance in Ukraine: compulsory and recommended insurance policies

Having an insurance policy is a key element of safe travel. If the car has Ukrainian number plates, you need motor third-party liability insurance, which is compulsory. For cars with foreign registration, you need a Green Card — without it, the car will not be allowed to enter the country.

We also recommend taking out voluntary insurance — a Mini Hull insurance policy. It covers the main risks, including accidents, natural disasters and even damage related to war. This policy can be taken out for both Ukrainian and foreign vehicles.

We hope our recommendations will help you while driving in Ukraine. We wish you safe travels and courteous road users!

We remind you! Car insurance is mandatory for driving on Ukrainian roads and for travelling abroad by car. Find out more about our competitive rates and how to quickly purchase a policy online.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 

Visit Ukraine Insurance – insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Car Insurance – car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal Advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

© 2018-2025, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.