Penalties for alarms: what drivers in Ukraine need to know
1 April 12:38
In Ukraine, car culture often does not comply with traffic rules, which can lead to fines for common gestures of gratitude or apology. In particular, turning on the hazard lights for such purposes is a violation that can result not only in financial costs but also in the deprivation of a driver’s license,
Therefore, in Ukraine, drivers may be prohibited from using the emergency alarm to express gratitude: such a violation may result in a fine. The current legislation provides for fines for the improper use of hazard lights.
What is the fine for violation of the rules for using an emergency alarm in 2025?
According to the current legislation, a fine of UAH 425 is provided for the incorrect use of an emergency alarm. If such a violation leads to a dangerous situation for other road users, the fine may increase to UAH 680.
It is also possible to temporarily lose the right to drive for up to one year.
When drivers have the right to activate the hazard warning system
According to clause 9.9 of the Traffic Rules of Ukraine, the emergency alarm is allowed to be activated in certain cases. Let’s consider the situations when this is allowed.
For which violations the police should not impose a fine:
- forced stop on the road;
- stopping at the direction of a police officer;
- blinding another driver with headlights;
- a road traffic accident (traffic accident);
- towing a car;
- boarding or disembarking children when transporting organized groups.
There is no penalty for an emergency alarm when a vehicle indicates the presence of dangerous goods under the conditions permitted by law.
“Emergency”: when are fines for its use justified and are there any prohibitions for drivers?
Car culture in Ukraine often causes misunderstandings with traffic rules. One example is the use of hazard lights, which can lead to fines if drivers do not follow the rules. What exactly is prohibited and when can you use the hazard lights without violating the rules? Attorney Igor Feshchenko explained for
According to lawyer Igor Feshchenko, a fine is imposed if the driver fails to turn on the emergency alarm in cases stipulated by the traffic rules.
“A fine is imposed if you fail to turn on the hazard lights in the following situations: during an accident, a forced stop in dangerous places, towing or dropping off an organized group of children,” Feshchenko said.
Such violations are punishable by a fine of UAH 510 or more. At the same time, violations under Articles 122 and 125 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (CUAO) may result in a warning.
Gestures of gratitude with an emergency vehicle: does it result in fines?
But what if the driver flashes his hazard lights briefly as a gesture of gratitude to other road users? According to the lawyer, there is no fine for such a gesture.
“Flashing your hazard lights briefly as a gesture of gratitude to other drivers is an element of driving culture that is not prohibited by law. In other words, there is an obligation to turn on the hazard lights in some cases, and failure to do so will result in a warning. But the law does not stipulate when you cannot use the hazard lights,” says Feshchenko.
This way, drivers can continue to use the hazard lights to express their gratitude on the road without fear of administrative sanctions.
When can you avoid liability for an emergency alarm?
According to the traffic rules, drivers are required to activate the hazard warning lights in certain cases listed in paragraph 9.9. In particular, the hazard warning system must be activated
- during a forced stop on the road;
- when stopping at the request of a police officer or due to dazzling by other headlights;
- if the vehicle has technical malfunctions, but traffic is allowed;
- when towing a vehicle;
- when transporting organized groups of children, when the vehicle is marked with the identification mark “Children” and boarding or disembarking is taking place;
- when a convoy of vehicles is stopped on the road;
- in the event of an accident.
Liability for failure to comply with the rules
If a driver fails to fulfill the obligation to turn on the emergency alarm in these cases, this may result in liability. At the same time, drivers may receive a warning for violating the rules defined in Article 125 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. This is a form of administrative penalty that is recorded in writing.
So, although there are no new draft laws on the use of emergency alarms as of today, it is important to remember that emergency alarms should only be activated in cases that are clearly stated in the traffic rules. At the same time, using the hazard lights as a gesture of gratitude to other drivers remains within the culture of drivers and is not a violation.
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