Mandatory technical inspection of private passenger cars not used for commercial purposes was abolished in Ukraine back in 2011. At the time, the government justified this decision as an effort to reduce excessive state regulation in the transportation sector, reports Baltimore Chronicle with reference to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.
In May 2025, the government approved updated requirements for passing technical inspections, aligning Ukrainian regulations with European standards. These changes took effect on July 1, but they apply only to certain categories of vehicles.
According to the new rules, vehicles used for commercial purposes — such as passenger cars used for deliveries — must undergo inspection every two years. This also includes trucks weighing up to 3.5 tons and their trailers, provided they have been in operation for more than two years. Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons, their trailers, and taxis must be inspected annually, regardless of how long they’ve been in use. However, if a driver collaborates with platforms like Bolt or Uklon without possessing a passenger transport license, the vehicle is not legally considered a taxi and therefore does not require inspection.
Buses and special-purpose vehicles used for transporting hazardous materials must undergo inspections twice a year, regardless of how long they have been in service.
A list of certified inspection stations is available on the website of the Main Service Center. All inspection results are recorded in an electronic protocol, and a paper copy is issued to the vehicle owner. The authenticity of the document can be verified online using the “OTC Protocol Verification” service.
The duration of the inspection varies depending on the type of vehicle and ranges from 30 to 65 minutes. For passenger cars, the average inspection time is about 40 minutes. The cost is determined independently by each inspection station. In Kyiv, for example, the price for a passenger car inspection is between UAH 1,300 and UAH 1,600.
The primary innovation in 2025 is the mandatory photo and video documentation of the inspection process. Each inspection station must now be equipped with at least two cameras. In each photo, the vehicle must occupy at least 70% of the image area, and the date and time must be visible, matching the submission date of the inspection protocol. All photos must be well-lit and clearly visible.
According to Pavlo Soroka, Deputy Head of the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the main goal of the new measures is to combat fraudulent or superficial inspections. In the past, he explained, it was possible to manipulate the process using Photoshop or by skipping certain steps. Video documentation now allows full oversight of the entire procedure.
Currently, there are approximately 800 certified inspection stations operating in Ukraine. These stations are equipped with the necessary tools and cameras and can immediately send video recordings of inspections to regional service centers.
In addition to photographing the odometer (which records mileage), inspectors are now also required to document the tachograph if the vehicle is equipped with one. This device tracks driving modes (speed and distance) and driver work/rest periods. Photos of the active screen and the adaptation plate of the tachograph must be included. For driver training vehicles, the process of documenting control elements has been simplified.
At the same time, the separate photo documentation of brake test results has been abolished. A video of the entire process is now sufficient.
Operating a vehicle without a valid inspection certificate can lead to a fine of UAH 340. Repeated violations within one year may result in the suspension of the driver’s license for a period of 3 to 6 months. Inspection stations that violate regulations — such as providing incorrect photo documentation — face an administrative fine of UAH 1,400.
Earlier we wrote that the Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs has introduced an online service to monitor technical inspections of buses, minibuses, and taxis.