Ukrainian drivers who like to “pump” their cars to create a loud exhaust can start to be fined significant amounts – from 17 to 34 thousand hryvnias. In addition, for repeated violations, possible deprivation of driving licenses is provided. The main goal of the initiative is to combat excessive noise in cities, especially at night.
What does Bill No. 9564 provide?
According to the text of the bill, fines are divided into two stages:
- First violation: fine of 17,000 hryvnias.
- Repeated violation: fine of up to 34,000 hryvnias and possible deprivation of rights for a period of three to six months.
The police will record violations and transfer the materials to the court, where the final decision on punishment will be made.
The following may be subject to fines:
- Car owners who modify the exhaust system to increase noise.
- Drivers whose vehicles exceed noise level standards.
- Fans of night street racing and drifting.
However, according to experts, these rules could affect not only loud sports cars, but also trucks, buses, and even military equipment.
The mechanism for controlling noise levels remains unclear. According to advocacy expert Mykola Ilchuk, the police currently do not have special devices for measuring noise, and their purchase and implementation could take a significant amount of time.
Among other difficulties:
- Lack of technical means. The police do not have devices to determine noise levels, and their purchase requires significant funds.
- Insufficient training. Even if the devices are available, police officers will need to create clear instructions and undergo training.
- Lack of mandatory technical inspection. Without regular technical inspection, it is difficult to prove that the permissible noise level is exceeded.
“Purchasing the devices is only half the battle. It will be more difficult to train police officers to use them and create procedures for verification,” Ilchuk notes.
Despite the stated intentions, experts doubt that the bill can be implemented quickly. Ukraine has pledged to restore mandatory vehicle inspections as part of an agreement with the EU, but this process will not be completed before the end of the war.
If the law is passed, drivers will have to get used to the new rules. However, the implementation of fines will require significant changes - from purchasing equipment to creating a new control system.
Only time will tell whether the new bill will become an effective mechanism to combat noise pollution. For now, its implementation looks more like a long-term prospect than a quick fix.
