Transit or red license plates - what are they?

In Ukrainian legislation, a car that drives with red license plates (or transit plates) is called a "temporarily registered vehicle".  For what period are red license plates issued? What is the amount of the fine? Do I need to take out insurance for a vehicle with transit license plates?

What are transit numbers?

Transit number plates (red number plates) are red plastic license plates issued for temporary use for vehicles that have not completed the registration procedure. 

In accordance with the DSTU, a temporary license plate has a standardized look: 4 digits and 2 letters on red.

How long can I use transit license plates?

The validity period for transit license plates is limited to 3 months. Therefore, after this period, a car with an expired red license plate is equivalent to a vehicle without license plates. 

Penalty for late payment

According to the validity period of transit license plates, they become invalid after 3 months, and therefore drivers are subject to penalties. 

The fine for the first offense will be UAH 170-255, and for the second offense within a year - UAH 255-550.

Do I need a car insurance for transit license plates?

The Law of Ukraine "On Compulsory Insurance of Civil Liability of Vehicle Owners" states that cars with red license plates must be insured for a period of 15 days or more. Therefore, OSAGO for transit license plates must be taken out for a period of 15 days to 3 months (until the vehicle is permanently registered).

Car insurance for a minimum period

If you are planning to drive a car from Europe and immediately deal with the issue of registering it, you still need to purchase OSAGO insurance for a minimum period of time. Also note that today the price of Car insurance no longer depends on the place of registration of the vehicle, but on the place of registration of the owner. 

Therefore, for the period when the car enters Ukraine and is not yet registered at the Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, even if it is 1-2 days, you must take out OSAGO. The minimum period is 15 days. You can buy a policy quickly and conveniently right on our website in the section OSAGO.