Cars with right-hand drive may appear on Ukrainian roads

Cars with right-hand drive may appear on Ukrainian roads from August 1. On this day, Law No. 3164-IX comes into force, allowing military personnel to use right-hand drive vehicles during martial law. The law was officially published in the Golos Ukrainy newspaper on July 7, 2023, and according to its final provisions, it comes into force in one month.

The law will remain in force for the duration of martial law in Ukraine, as well as for 90 days from the date of its termination or cancellation. Drivers of right-hand drive vehicles who will be eligible to use such vehicles include military personnel, as well as employees of the State Service for Special Communications and Information Protection, the State Border Guard Service, the Ministry of Internal Affairs and other special services.

Such right-hand drive vehicles may be sent to Ukraine as humanitarian, charitable or international technical assistance, as well as under international agreements on other terms. All right-hand drive vehicles are subject to departmental registration in the Unified State Register of Vehicles.

The reason for the use of right-hand drive vehicles is the need to increase the efficiency of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The country's defense forces have a high demand for vehicles that are capable of off-road travel and have good maneuverability. Right-hand drive vehicles, such as pickup trucks, SUVs, vans, and special vehicles, meet these requirements.

The bill allowing the use of right-hand drive vehicles was developed to facilitate the procurement of such vehicles. The UK, which is one of the potential suppliers of such cars, drives on the left side of the road, so right-hand drive is the norm for such vehicles.

The implementation of this law will greatly facilitate the tasks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and other special services of the country by providing them with the necessary transportation to perform their duties. The compliance of vehicle specifications with the requirements and realities of Ukrainian roads will be an important step in supporting national defense and ensuring national security.