Traffic Violation Cameras in Ukraine: How to Avoid Fines?

Automated traffic violation detection systems are designed to reduce accidents and improve road safety. However, for drivers, they also pose a risk of unexpected fines. How do these cameras work, and what can you do to avoid receiving a "happy letter"?

 

How Do Traffic Violation Cameras Work?

 

The working principle is quite simple: the camera takes a photo or video of the violation, transmits the data to the National Police Information Processing Center, where the system recognizes the vehicle's license plate. A protocol is then generated, reviewed, and signed by a police officer.

 

 

After this, the fine is sent to the vehicle owner's registered address. If the car was rented, the responsibility falls on the company that provided it for rental.

 

Nowadays, fines are also delivered via the Diia app, where they can be viewed and paid online. This is convenient as there is no need to wait for a paper notice or check the mailbox.

 

If you are using a rental car, for example, from ALIN , according to the rental agreement, the renter is considered responsible for the vehicle during its use. This means that all traffic violation fines are paid by you.

 

Types of Traffic Violations Captured by Cameras in Ukraine

 

Currently, automated cameras in Ukraine monitor only speeding violations. Fines for such violations are issued remotely to the vehicle owner.

 

How Long Does It Take to Receive a Fine from a Camera?

 

A fine notification usually arrives within 3-5 days after the violation is recorded. The violator has 10 days from the moment of receiving the notice to contest it.

 

Speed Limits in Ukraine in 2025

 

Ukraine has clear speed limits depending on the type of road:

- 50 km/h – in urban areas

- 90 km/h – on roads outside cities

- 110 km/h – on roads with a dividing strip

- 130 km/h – on highways

 

 

However, there is an important detail: fines for speeding are issued only for exceeding the limit by +20 km/h.

 

What Is the Maximum Speed Without a Fine?

 

Since there is an allowable deviation of 20 km/h, fines are issued only for exceeding this threshold. Additionally, the cameras have a margin of error of 3 km/h.

 

Let’s take an example from Kyiv, where the standard speed limit is 50 km/h: 50 + 20 + 3 = 73 km/h – this is the limit up to which fines will not be issued.

 

On certain highways in Kyiv (for example, Bazhana Avenue towards Boryspil), from April 1 to November 1, driving at 80 km/h is allowed. In this case, fines will only be issued after exceeding 103 km/h (80 + 20 + 3).

 

According to the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine (Article 122), penalties for speeding violations are as follows:

- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 20 km/h: a fine of 340 UAH;

- Exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h: a fine of 1,700 UAH.

 

If such violations lead to a dangerous situation, it may result in a fine of 1,445 UAH or the revocation of the driver’s license for a period of 6 to 12 months.

 

 

How to Avoid Speeding Fines?

 

The best advice is to simply follow traffic rules. This will not only save you money but also improve road safety.

 

 

However, it is important to remember that the violation detection system has legal loopholes. According to the Constitution, responsibility for an offense must be personal, meaning the fine should be issued to the person who was driving at the time of the violation. In Ukraine, however, fines are automatically sent to the vehicle owner, even if they were not driving at the time of the incident.

 

What to Do If You Were Not Driving? How to Avoid Paying Someone Else’s Fine?

 

If the vehicle owner receives a fine, but another person (such as a renter or a friend using the car) was driving, it is possible to contest it. Experienced drivers recommend going to court, as such cases may be deemed unconstitutional.

 

But here’s a useful tip: before handing over your car, assign the "designated user" – the person who will actually be driving your vehicle. This ensures that traffic violation fines are automatically redirected to the actual driver.

 

You can assign a designated user in three ways: through the Driver’s Cabinet, via the Diia app, or at an MIA service center.

 

How to Assign a Designated User Online?

 

Through the Driver’s Cabinet

 

The registration process takes just a few minutes and does not require the personal presence of both parties. To do this:

1. The vehicle owner must have the vehicle registration certificate;

2. The designated user must provide a driver's license of the appropriate category;

3. Both parties must provide their email addresses, phone numbers, and identification codes;

4. The application is confirmed using an electronic signature.

 

The registration process can be initiated by either the vehicle owner or the driver being designated as the primary user.

 

Through the Diia App

 

This method is even simpler and faster:

1. The vehicle owner logs into Diia and creates a request to "share" the vehicle;

2. The request is generated as a QR code, which must be shared with the driver;

3. The driver scans the code using their smartphone and confirms the intent to become the designated user;

4. Within 5 minutes, the vehicle registration certificate will appear in the driver's digital documents.

 

To register via Diia, an ID passport of a Ukrainian citizen or a foreign passport is also required.

 

Offline Registration at an MIA Service Center

 

This option is suitable for legal entities transferring their vehicles to employees and for owners whose documents do not appear in digital services for certain reasons.

 

To complete the registration, a personal visit to the MIA service center is required, along with the necessary documents.

 

Additional Important Considerations

 

1. The designated user status is assigned for a specific period. Once this period ends, the status is automatically revoked.

2. If early termination of the status is required, this can be done by either the vehicle owner or the driver.

 

Video Guide from the Main Service Center of the MIA on Assigning a Designated User via Diia:

 

 

Can a Fine Always Be Appealed?

 

There are situations where fines can be successfully canceled:

1. If a camera is installed in an area without the appropriate road sign. Before video enforcement zones, there must be a sign with a camera icon;

 

        Sign 5.76 / photo: vodiy.ua

 

2. If a speed enforcement camera is not operating in automatic mode, there must be a police patrol nearby with flashing blue lights turned on.

 

 

Conclusion

 

To avoid fines, it is essential to adhere to speed limits and pay attention to road signs. And if a fine does arrive, it is worth checking its legitimacy and appealing it if necessary. Thanks to the Diia app and the Electronic Driver’s Cabinet, you can instantly receive important information and always stay in control of the situation!