Driving in Ukraine

Please note, the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises British nationals against all travel to Ukraine. This is because the risks are too high.

If you’re planning a road trip to Ukraine, it’s essential you’re fully prepared ahead of time as driving there has many differences to the UK. To make your trip to eastern Europe as safe and effortless as possible, we’ve put together a guide to everything you need to know before you go, from required documents to rules of the road. 

Driving a rented vehicle? Jump to the advice for driving a hire car in Ukraine section.

RAC European Breakdown Cover (Basic, Comprehensive and Single Trip) provides a wide range of benefits should you breakdown in Ukraine to ensure you stay safe. 

If you're driving in Ukraine your checklist requirements are:

• A valid, full UK driving licence
• A UK sticker – all temporarily imported vehicles must bear the distinguishing sign of their country of registration
• An International Driving Permit (you’re advised to have a 1968 permit to drive in Ukraine)
• Your motor insurance certificate/green card (Ensure your car is covered by third-party insurance recognised in Ukraine. This is the legal minimum cover for visitors, so check with your provider before you travel)
• Your V5 registration document or hire car paperwork

• Ensure your car is covered by third-party insurance recognised in Ukraine. This is the legal minimum cover for visitors, so check with your provider before you travel
• Headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right, so your lights don't dazzle motorists coming the other way)
• A warning triangle (compulsory to carry in vehicles in case of a breakdown)
• A first-aid kit and fire extinguisher
• Winter tyres if you're driving between November and April, with a minimum tread depth of 4mm
• Spare bulbs for your car's external lights
• A reflective jacket

You can pick up all the car kit you need from RAC Shop.

• Drive on the right
• Be 18 or over
• Wear a crash helmet if you're riding a motorcycle
• Use headlights during the day between 1 October and 30 April
• If you're caught committing a minor driving offence such as illegal parking or jumping a red light, you could be given an on-the-spot fine of up to 450 UAH (around £12)
• If you have not paid a driving penalty before you’re due to leave Ukraine or within 15 days of the fine being issued, your vehicle can be detained until the penalty is paid
• The driver and front seat passenger in a car must wear a seat belt
• Children under the age of 12 and less than 145cm in height must use an appropriate restraint
• The drink-drive limit is 0.00%, although a 0.02% tolerance has been established to allow for some medications and mouthwashes that may contain alcohol

• Speed limits vary across Ukraine, and they’re not always clearly signposted so you have to watch out if you’re in a built-up area. In urban areas, the limit is 60km/h unless otherwise stated and 110km/h outside these areas. On motorways, the limit is 130km/h
• For drivers with less than 2 years’ driving experience, the speed limit is 70 km/h

• Travel to Ukraine is strongly discouraged by the FCDO due to the high risks
• Not all insurers cover driving in Ukraine so check before you go and make sure you’re covered. Alternatively, you can buy basic cover at the border
• Crossing the Ukrainian border might take a few hours, so allow for that when planning your itinerary
• Roads in Ukraine are generally in poor condition, with many potholes. Travelling between cities at night and in winter can be particularly hazardous
• There are no toll roads in Ukraine and not many motorways
• You’ll find service areas on the major motorways, most with petrol stations, restaurants and shops
• Unleaded petrol and diesel are available throughout Ukraine. Payment is generally made in cash, although some petrol stations will accept credit cards
• In cities, parking is usually limited to 30 minutes, and tickets can be bought from parking attendants. A vehicle that is parked illegally may be clamped or removed
• Political demonstrations can be common in Kiev. They are usually peaceful but can escalate into violence. 

In an emergency

112 - Here's a really important bit of knowledge; you can dial 112 from anywhere in Europe and an operator will connect you to an emergency service in the country you're visiting.

Operators can answer your call in their native language, English or French.

Breaking down in Ukraine

RAC offers great-value, flexible RAC European breakdown cover tailored to meet your needs. Compare RAC European breakdown with other providers such as the AA and Greenflag, to ensure you get the best value and protection for your trip away

Not all of the information in the guide above will be relevant to those looking to rent a hire car in Ukraine.

Though it might be a good idea to read through everything anyway, here are the most important things to know for drivers of rental vehicles:

Rental information

• The minimum age to hire a car is 21 or 25, depending on the model of car
• You need a full, valid UK driving licence and usually a second proof of ID (passport)
• Some car rental companies ask that you have held your licence for a minimum term - check with your hire company first
• Most companies require you to use a credit card for deposit
• You may not be able to drive outside of Ukraine unless planned in advance - check with your hire company first
• Make sure you get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs. It's almost always cheaper to do this with a separate insurer and in advance

Hire car driving tips

• Ukrainians drive on the right and overtake on the left - the opposite to the UK
• The national speed limit on Ukrainian motorways 130km/h (80 mph). On a main road outside a built-up area it's up to 110 km/h. For built-up areas it’s 60km/h
• Dial 112 in an emergency
• It’s compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.00% (a tolerance for 0.02% has been established to allow for medicine containing alcohol)

UK Government travel advice

See up-to-date travel advice