A proposed amendment is heading into the legislative process. It adjusts matters related to the registration and technical condition of vehicles carrying Ukrainian license plates. This concerns Act No. 65/2022 Coll., widely known as “Lex Ukraine”. What exactly does the amendment entail? We will explain in this article.
What you will learn in this article:
When the changes in registration and inspection for vehicles with Ukrainian plates take effect
What penalties you face for failing to comply
When you need to arrange Czech compulsory third-party liability insurance for Ukrainian vehicles
What the current registration system for vehicles with Ukrainian license plates looks like
New Registration, New Plates
Currently, cars from Ukraine are registered in the Information System of Ukrainian Vehicles (you might also come across the abbreviation IS UA). Under the new rules, they will be registered in the Czech Registry of Road Vehicles (abbreviated as RSV). As a result, vehicles owned by Ukrainians will receive Czech license plates. According to the Ministry of Transport, this aim is to align the rights and duties of Ukrainian citizens with the regulations that apply to citizens of the Czech Republic.
The proposed amendment expects that operators of cars with Ukrainian license plates will be mandatory required to “enter” the local Registry of Road Vehicles starting from 2028. They can do so voluntarily starting from 2027. Among other things, this means that the current registration in the Information System of Ukrainian Vehicles will come to an end.
No Registration? You’ll Pay
Besides being entered into the Registry of Road Vehicles, Ukrainian cars will also face regular technical inspections (MOT/STK). These will also apply to cars that are already registered in the current Information System of Ukrainian Vehicles. Another update is the option to register vehicles purchased in the Czech Republic by individuals staying in the country under a tolerate-stay visa or temporary protection.
Watch out for penalties. For violating these obligations, drivers face a fine of up to 30,000 CZK, while vehicle operators can be fined up to 50,000 CZK. Authorities can also impound the vehicle or seize the license plates.
Compulsory Third-Party Liability and Collision Insurance
A re-registered vehicle that receives Czech license plates must have compulsory third-party liability insurance arranged in the Czech Republic. This is a legal requirement for vehicle operation cover, and it pays for damages that the vehicle causes to others—whether to their health or property. You can easily arrange this compulsory insurance online and choose from the offers of several insurance companies. Voluntary, yet highly recommended, is comprehensive collision insurance (casco).
Seven-Day Deadline for Registration
Before the amendment is approved and takes effect, you must follow the current rules for registering Ukrainian vehicles. This means entering a motor vehicle with Ukrainian license plates into the registration system of Ukrainian vehicles no later than 7 days after being granted temporary protection or a tolerate-stay visa.
Quick AI Article Summary:
When will the changes in the registration of Ukrainian vehicles take effect and what will they bring?
The amendment expects mandatory registration of Ukrainian vehicles in the Czech Registry of Road Vehicles from 2028, with the option to do so voluntarily as early as 2027.
What penalties face those who fail to comply, and what else is changing?
For violating the rules, drivers risk a fine of up to 30,000 CZK, operators up to 50,000 CZK, and authorities can seize the vehicle or license plates.
How does third-party liability insurance work after re-registering a vehicle in the Czech Republic?
Every re-registered vehicle that receives new Czech license plates must have compulsory third-party liability insurance arranged in the Czech Republic. This legal insurance can be easily set up online.
What are the current registration conditions before the amendment is approved?
Until the new legislation takes effect, you must register the motor vehicle in the Information System of Ukrainian Vehicles no later than 7 days after receiving temporary protection or a tolerate-stay visa.
