It should be emphasized that we are talking about amendments and initiatives to the existing legislation, which are being preliminarily discussed with the public. For this purpose, a survey has been organized among drivers, lawyers, and representatives of public associations of carriers. It is on the basis of comments and suggestions that a new document for the state is being developed — the Road Traffic Code. In July, it is planned to be submitted to the Verkhovna Rada as a draft law.

The purpose of the code is to consolidate all transport legislation into a single regulatory act: the Law on Road Traffic and the Road Traffic Rules (which are a Cabinet of Ministers resolution) will become one document and will not contradict each other, as sometimes happens now.

The Road Traffic Code implies:

  • Regarding roundabouts: to establish a single priority for vehicles at roundabouts. Priority will be given to those moving in a circle.
  • Regarding the fight against reckless driving: to introduce the concept of "aggressive driving" or "aggressive driving behavior." It will be defined by the behavior of a driver who, while driving, creates danger for other road users (sharp braking and maneuvers, frequent lane changes, failure to maintain distance, creating obstacles to overtaking, using offensive gestures and expressions). A fine will be provided for this.
  • Regarding the return of wheel clamps: traffic police officers will be granted the right to install wheel clamps if the car is faulty (steering, headlights, etc. do not work), has been modified without proper permission, or the driver is intoxicated.
  • Regarding the ban on "homemade xenon": to prohibit the self-installation of xenon headlights.
  • Regarding daytime running lights: it is proposed to allow the installation of DRLs on any vehicles (currently this is prohibited).
  • Regarding hazard warning lights: to establish in legislation that turning on the "hazard lights" does not exempt the driver from the requirements of the traffic controller, signs, and markings. In case of a forced stop due to a breakdown, the driver is obliged to take measures to clear the roadway. He must be either in the car or next to it.
  • Regarding speed limits: it is proposed to reduce the speed limit in populated areas to 40 km/h if there are no sidewalks and roadsides. At night, pedestrians will be required to wear reflective elements on their clothing (a similar requirement applies in all EU countries, as well as in Russia and Belarus).

Overall, there are no contradictions in these proposals, especially since most of these norms have long been applied in Europe and have proven themselves exclusively positive.