“The information about massive toll roads, which the EU allegedly requires, mandatory technical inspection for all cars already in 2026, and roadside “punitive” inspections for every driver is currently false. In fact, European integration in the transport sector involves the preparation of a regulatory framework, gradual decisions and changes aimed at safety, openness of processes and the eradication of corruption, primarily in the field of commercial transport. […]”, — write: businessua.com.ua
In social networks and some mass media, statements about the possible introduction of toll highways in Ukraine at the request of the European Union, mandatory technical inspection for all vehicles as early as 2026, and roadside control with detailed inspections are spreading.
The Ministry of Development of Communities, Territories and Infrastructure of Ukraine notes that at the moment the relevant resolutions have not been adopted, and European integration transformations in the transport sector primarily involve the creation of a legislative framework, phased reforms and strengthening of security and transparency of procedures, with an emphasis on commercial transportation, reports UNN.
The relevant ministry decided to examine the three most common myths and clarify what is actually behind them.
Myth 1. The EU will force Ukraine to introduce toll roads European integration does not provide for the automatic introduction of tolls. To date, there are no approved regulations in Ukraine that would introduce a fee for the use of existing roads of general importance.
How it is arranged and works in Europe
An important point: in many EU states there are indeed toll roads, but not everywhere. Common to most is the following: the existence of a legal framework that allows (or regulates) toll roads under certain circumstances. Actually, the need to have such rules is what is considered an important aspect of European integration obligations.
Most often, paid travel applies to:
- new or reconstructed freeways;
- alternative ways with an improved level of service;
- separate sections, especially for freight transport.
What kind of system can have in Ukraine
The declared principle is the same: a toll road can exist exclusively as an alternative to a free one, not instead of it. And even in this case, it is not a “one-time decision”, but through separate decisions of the state, taking into account economic validity and the interests of users.
Why toll roads are not the nearest prospect for Ukrainian drivers
To make something in this direction possible, it is necessary:
1. Develop and adopt relevant legislation.
2. Determine the model of implementation, sources of financing, rules of pricing, quality control.
In addition, there is another important factor: during the war, there are no funds in the state budget for the large-scale construction of new roads, which could potentially become tolls.
Therefore, as one of the theoretical models, according to experts in the industry, public-private partnership is considered: the investor builds, and then receives a profit through payment for travel.
Myth 2. In 2026, a mandatory technical inspection will be introduced for all cars as required by the EU The relevant ministry reports: the decision on the immediate or mass introduction of mandatory technical control (OTC) for all vehicles, in particular passenger cars, has not been made. Therefore, the scenario “in 2026, all car owners stand in line” has no legal basis.
What then is this reform for at all
The European concept of OTC is simple: there should be fewer technically defective vehicles on the roads. Even if a person does not drive himself, he still wants to have good cars, buses and trucks driving around.
A separate practical aspect: when crossing the border with some countries, Ukrainian cars may already require an existing technical inspection (in particular, we are talking about Romania and Moldova). That is, the issue of technical efficiency has long ceased to be just a theory.
What exactly is it about in the Ukrainian context
The reform of the OTK, which is being discussed in connection with European integration, does not focus on burdening millions of car owners at the same time, but on:
- increasing road safety;
- elimination of corrupt practices;
- implementation of transparent and understandable processes.
We are talking about gradual solutions, first of all for commercial transport (transportation of passengers and cargo), and about the modernization of the OTK system itself.
The possibility of control for used vehicles, which will be imported into Ukraine for the first time, is also being discussed, so that the import does not turn into the import of technically defective cars.
Why changes are impossible without legislators
At the moment, OTK in Ukraine is mandatory for commercial transport: taxis, buses, trucks. If the state wants to extend the requirements to passenger cars, it must first:
1. That the Verkhovna Rada adopt relevant laws.
2. At the same time, reform procedures and controls so that it does not turn into a conveyor belt of fake certificates.
Myth 3. Roadside control will be introduced to stamp new fines and arrange mass inspections At the moment, roadside control is not being introduced in Ukraine as a new system for any type of transport.
What is roadside control in European practice
In the EU, this is a standard tool aimed at:
- transportation safety check;
- compliance with work and rest regimes of drivers;
- technical condition of transport on the routes;
- the correctness of cargo fixation.
It is important that the focus is on carriers, not private drivers.
What we have at the moment
A full-fledged form of such control does not exist in Ukraine as a separate system, and Ukrtransbezpeka already performs part of the control functions within the limits of its powers. That is, the question does not arise out of nowhere, it is simply that in the context of European integration it is often presented as a “new punitive mechanism”, although the logic is different there.
What does all this mean for ordinary Ukrainians and businesses For drivers of passenger cars, the main conclusion is the following: in the near future, it is not about the fact that they will suddenly be charged for travel “for everything” or mandatory technical inspection. Such changes are technically and legally impossible to implement in a few days or weeks.
For businesses and carriers, the conclusion is different: the European integration transport standards the commercial segment will be affected the most. And the emphasis will be shifted to transparent rules and reducing corruption, and not to imitation of control.
The Ministry of Development emphasizes: European integration in the transport industry is not about sudden bans or massive toll roads. This is about safer transportation, open and clear rules, equal conditions for business, phased reforms taking into account Ukrainian realities.
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