Reports are actively spreading in Ukraine claiming that drivers could face fines ranging from ₴340 to ₴680 for using summer tires in winter, but in fact, no such legal restrictions currently exist, according to OBOZ.UA, which verified the information and consulted experts.
Source: OBOZREVATEL
Despite the absence of direct regulations, drivers are strongly advised to switch to winter tires on time — not because of fines, but for safety reasons, as driving on summer tires in cold weather greatly increases the risk of accidents.
Driving instructor Anton Dziuba explained that the use of seasonal tires is not regulated by any law or official act. The Verkhovna Rada currently has two draft laws, submitted in 2023 and 2024, but neither has been adopted yet.
In theory, police could apply Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, which imposes a ₴340 fine for technical faults in vehicles. However, in practice, this article applies to cases such as faulty brakes, missing bumpers, or broken headlights — not tire seasonality.
A repeated violation within a year could result in a fine from ₴850 to ₴1,700 or even temporary license suspension for 3–6 months, though this only concerns genuine technical defects.
Thus, information about alleged fines for summer tires in winter is false or exaggerated. Drivers should focus not on rumors but on weather conditions and personal safety — timely tire replacement helps prevent accidents, even if the law does not mandate it.
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