It is expected that these changes will primarily affect the system of penalties for violations.
Violation limit – 150 points
In total, three types of punishment will be introduced for road users: warnings, penalty points, and fines. Warnings will apply only to pedestrians. For drivers, the latter two types are provided. Each motorist will be allocated 150 points per year – the so-called violation limit. Depending on the violation, the Ministry of Internal Affairs proposes to deduct from 20 to 50 points (see infographic below).
If all available points are used up in less than a year, then a fine will be issued. However, this system does not apply to cases of traffic accidents – the culprit will have to immediately pay a fine of forty tax-free minimums. The same applies to driving under the influence, fleeing the scene of an accident, and other violations for which license deprivation or criminal liability is provided.
The fines themselves will remain unchanged. Except that the so-called "fork" will disappear, by which traffic police officers themselves determine the amount of the fine. So, if today an incorrect overtaking carries a fine of 425 to 510 UAH, then after the adoption of the new system – only the minimum, that is, 425 UAH.
How fines will be imposed
If the violation is recorded by a surveillance camera – penalty points are imposed on the car owner; in another situation (meaning a stop by a patrol inspector) – directly on the driver. In the first case, a corresponding protocol is sent to the place of residence; in the second, the police officer prints or sends the driver (SMS, email) a protocol-receipt using a tablet computer that has access to all information about the driver, including his "penalty history." If a fine is already due, the driver can pay it to the patrol officer via terminal or within 15 days through a bank. The fine can be contested with a police official who is "higher" than the officer who issued the protocol. All in all – 10 days. Later – only through the prosecutor's office.
According to experts, this system will not work immediately, and if it does, it will be with "hiccups." For example, the project of the electronic register of car owners is still unfinished. Therefore, the idea of sending messages and letters via the network about point deductions and fines is not feasible, although it looks attractive, analysts believe.
