New 2021 Traffic Rules in Effect: Obligations for Pedestrians, Drivers, and Taxi Passengers

New, modified traffic regulations have recently come into effect in Ukraine. They stipulate that, from now on, drivers and taxi passengers are required to wear seatbelts, while pedestrians must use reflective elements when moving about after dark, according to the Patrol Police Department. These new measures will ensure safety conditions that will undoubtedly help protect all road users.

Rules for road users as of 2021

Before the new traffic regulations came into force, taxi drivers and their passengers were not required to wear seatbelts when traveling within built-up areas. Driving instructors were even permitted to forgo seatbelts outside such areas. However, with the introduction of the new traffic rules, all the aforementioned individuals must wear seatbelts while the vehicle is in motion, under all circumstances.

Importantly, the new rule mandates that taxi drivers do their utmost to ensure seatbelts are available on both the front and rear seats of their vehicles. Furthermore, drivers are required to regularly remind passengers to use these seatbelts.

Who is permitted not to fasten seatbelts when traveling within a built-up area:

• drivers or passengers with a disability, if physical conditions prevent them from doing so;
• drivers or passengers of emergency vehicles;
• drivers or passengers of special-purpose vehicles.

Pedestrians moving along the roadside or roadway during hours of darkness or in conditions of poor visibility must use reflective elements. This rule significantly reduces the risk to a pedestrian's life, as reflective details make them visible from a distance. At the same time, taxi drivers and private car owners must exercise extreme caution on the roads, particularly on dark or unlit sections. Adherence to all the aforementioned rules ensures safe travel within the city for drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike, and helps prevent dangerous traffic situations.

Taxi drivers, like cyclists, are permitted to travel in the public transport lane.

License plates

Under the new regulations, license plates must be clean and illuminated; they must not be altered, and such modifications are strictly prohibited. "Alterations" in this context refers to any distortion of the plates' dimensions, shapes, colors, markings, or positioning. Adding extra markings or obscuring the license plates is also forbidden. These strict rules apply to both private motorists and drivers of taxi services.

Stay vigilant and observe safety measures as well as the new traffic regulations.