Rules for stopping and controlling cars by the police: important information for drivers

The situation with checking documents during road stops is actively discussed among drivers. Many believe that the police can stop cars without any reason for checking.

However, Ukrainian legislation clearly defines the cases when this is permissible.

Under what circumstances do the police have the right to stop a car?

According to the Law of Ukraine “On the National Police”, a police officer is obliged to indicate the specific reason for the stop. A statement about “checking documents” cannot be an independent basis. Police officers can demand documents from drivers only under the following conditions:

the driver committed a traffic violation;

the car or its driver are wanted;

signs of technical malfunctions of the vehicle were detected during the stop;

the driver needs to be interviewed as a witness in cases of road accidents or other offenses;
a special police operation is being implemented or a check is being carried out at checkpoints, especially during martial law.
During wartime, law enforcement officers may also check military registration documents for men aged 18 to 60.

What information do the police check?

When presenting a driver’s license, whether in paper form or through the “Diya” application, the police conduct a check in the Ministry of Internal Affairs database. This allows you to quickly find out the following details:

whether the document is valid and officially issued;
whether its validity period has not expired;
whether the driver has not been deprived of driving rights by a court decision.
Old driver’s licenses and electronic services

Old models of licenses issued before 2013 can cause problems, as they are often not entered into electronic registers. Therefore, it is recommended to always have the original document with you, as they may not be available in the “Diya” application.

Drivers can independently check the validity of their license through the Driver’s Office or on the official website of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs by entering the necessary information.

Fines and punishments

If a driver does not have a license with him, as well as in the “Diya” application, he will be fined 425 UAH. If a person drives a vehicle without the appropriate license, the fine will increase to 3,400 UAH.

Using forged documents is a serious offense that can lead to criminal liability with a penalty of a large fine or restriction of freedom for a period of up to two years.

Always remember that before handing over documents, demand from the police officer a clear justification for the reason for the stop – this is your right! Adherence to this principle will help ensure discipline among both drivers and law enforcement officers on the road.

Recently, there were reports of the possibility of introducing a toll for traveling on highways, as well as traffic cameras that can record unfastened seat belts. In addition, mandatory technical inspections for cars are planned to be restored in 2026.