Ukraine 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Main Service Center of MIA (HSC)
Last Updated: February 1, 2026
Summary
Ukraine introduces major EU-aligned changes in 2026: mandatory vehicle technical inspections for all vehicles, smart tachograph requirements for international transport trucks, new driver work and rest regulations aligned with EU standards, and expanded digital driver services through the Diia app.
Key Changes
Mandatory Vehicle Technical Inspection Reform
Effective July 1, 2026
Limited inspection requirements
Technical inspections required only for certain commercial and public transport vehicles; many private vehicles exempt
Comprehensive inspection for all vehicles
All motor vehicles subject to periodic technical inspection aligned with EU Directive 2014/45/EU; electronic database tracks inspection history; video recording of inspections mandatory
Official Source: Ministry of Infrastructure - Vehicle Inspection Reform
Instructor's Tip
“Ukraine is implementing a comprehensive vehicle inspection system modeled on the EU's roadworthiness testing framework. All vehicles will need periodic inspections, and results are stored in a national electronic database. Video recording prevents fraudulent inspections.”
Smart Tachograph for International Transport Trucks
Effective June 30, 2026
Basic tachograph or none
International transport trucks used basic tachographs or were not fully regulated
New-generation smart tachograph required
All trucks registered in Ukraine for first time after June 30, 2026 must have new-generation smart tachographs for international transport; automatic recording of driving, working, and rest times
Official Source: Ukraine Work and Rest Regulations
Instructor's Tip
“Trucks registered after June 30, 2026 need smart tachographs for international transport. These devices automatically record driving, working, and rest times, ensuring compliance with EU-aligned work hour regulations. This is essential for Ukrainian carriers operating in the EU.”
EU-Aligned Driver Work and Rest Regulations
Effective July 26, 2026
Basic rest requirements
General working time limits with limited enforcement for commercial drivers
EU-standard work and rest periods
Night shifts limited to 10 hours; long breaks prohibited inside vehicle cabins; proper accommodation required; rules extended to international taxi and on-demand passenger transport drivers
Official Source: Ukraine Driver Regulations 2026
Instructor's Tip
“Ukraine is adopting EU work and rest standards for commercial drivers. Night shifts (10pm-6am) are capped at 10 hours. Drivers can no longer take long rest breaks in their cab - proper accommodation must be provided. These rules now also apply to international taxi and on-demand passenger transport drivers.”
Changes by Category
🔧Vehicle Equipment(1)
Smart Tachograph for International Transport Trucks
Effective June 30, 2026
Basic tachograph or none
International transport trucks used basic tachographs or were not fully regulated
New-generation smart tachograph required
All trucks registered in Ukraine for first time after June 30, 2026 must have new-generation smart tachographs for international transport; automatic recording of driving, working, and rest times
Official Source: Ukraine Work and Rest Regulations
📋Licensing(1)
Expanded Digital Driver Services via Diia
Effective January 1, 2026
Basic digital license in Diia
Digital driver license available in Diia app with domestic legal validity
Enhanced digital services and EU recognition
Digital driver license in Diia recognized under EU temporary rules; online driver license verification restored at hsc.gov.ua; expanded digital document services
Official Source: Main Service Center of MIA
🛡️Safety Rules(2)
Mandatory Vehicle Technical Inspection Reform
Effective July 1, 2026
Limited inspection requirements
Technical inspections required only for certain commercial and public transport vehicles; many private vehicles exempt
Comprehensive inspection for all vehicles
All motor vehicles subject to periodic technical inspection aligned with EU Directive 2014/45/EU; electronic database tracks inspection history; video recording of inspections mandatory
Official Source: Ministry of Infrastructure - Vehicle Inspection Reform
EU-Aligned Driver Work and Rest Regulations
Effective July 26, 2026
Basic rest requirements
General working time limits with limited enforcement for commercial drivers
EU-standard work and rest periods
Night shifts limited to 10 hours; long breaks prohibited inside vehicle cabins; proper accommodation required; rules extended to international taxi and on-demand passenger transport drivers
Official Source: Ukraine Driver Regulations 2026
Instructor Tips
Re: Mandatory Vehicle Technical Inspection Reform
Instructor's Tip
“Ukraine is implementing a comprehensive vehicle inspection system modeled on the EU's roadworthiness testing framework. All vehicles will need periodic inspections, and results are stored in a national electronic database. Video recording prevents fraudulent inspections.”
Re: Smart Tachograph for International Transport Trucks
Instructor's Tip
“Trucks registered after June 30, 2026 need smart tachographs for international transport. These devices automatically record driving, working, and rest times, ensuring compliance with EU-aligned work hour regulations. This is essential for Ukrainian carriers operating in the EU.”
Re: EU-Aligned Driver Work and Rest Regulations
Instructor's Tip
“Ukraine is adopting EU work and rest standards for commercial drivers. Night shifts (10pm-6am) are capped at 10 hours. Drivers can no longer take long rest breaks in their cab - proper accommodation must be provided. These rules now also apply to international taxi and on-demand passenger transport drivers.”
Re: Expanded Digital Driver Services via Diia
Instructor's Tip
“Ukraine's Diia app continues to expand. Your digital driver license has full legal force domestically and is recognized in the EU under temporary solidarity rules. The online verification service at hsc.gov.ua has been restored for checking license status.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Will all cars in Ukraine need technical inspections from 2026?
What are the new work and rest rules for Ukrainian commercial drivers?
Do Ukrainian trucks need smart tachographs?
Is the Ukrainian digital driver license recognized in the EU?
Sources & Methodology
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Main Service Center of MIA (HSC) — Official regulatory body
- Ministry of Infrastructure - Vehicle Inspection Reform — Mandatory Vehicle Technical Inspection Reform
- Ukraine Work and Rest Regulations — Smart Tachograph for International Transport Trucks
- Ukraine Driver Regulations 2026 — EU-Aligned Driver Work and Rest Regulations
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