No article of the Road Traffic Regulations obliges drivers to change summer tires to winter tires by a certain date. Ukrainian legislation does not provide for punishment for the mere fact of using "summer" rubber in the autumn-winter season. At the same time, this does not mean that tires are completely ignored by inspectors: the reason for a fine is their technical condition, not seasonal marking.
It is not allowed to install tires of different sizes, different designs, or different seasonal purposes on the same axle - this is already a violation. In addition, a tire is considered unusable not only due to a worn tread but also due to cuts, bulges, or delamination - even if the remaining pattern is formally within the norm.
Regarding all-season options: there are no separate restrictions for them. Ukrainian technical regulations classify tires with All Seasons marking, which the manufacturer has certified for year-round operation, into this category. However, the requirements for technical condition and wear apply to them in the same way as to any other rubber.
What to check before cold weather
The Patrol Police recommends switching to winter tires when the temperature consistently stays below +7 °C: under such conditions, summer rubber hardens, loses grip on the road, and the braking distance significantly increases.
Before seasonal replacement or scheduled technical inspection, it is worth checking several parameters:
tread height - in accordance with the norms for your type of transport;
sidewall condition - no cuts, bulges, or signs of delamination;
tire pressure - according to the manufacturer's recommendations;
tire size - must match the vehicle's specifications.
Fines and tread norms
The basis for bringing to responsibility is Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses - technical malfunctions of the vehicle. The minimum permissible tread height depends on the category:
passenger cars of category M1 and light trucks N1 - 1.6 mm;
buses - at least 2 mm;
trucks - 1 mm;
motorcycles - 0.8 mm.
For violating technical requirements for tires on a passenger car, Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses provides for a fine of 340 hryvnias. For vehicles carrying passengers, the amount is twice as much - 680 hryvnias.
If the driver repeatedly violates these requirements within a year, the case is referred to court. The sanction is a fine of 850 to 1,700 hryvnias and deprivation of driving rights for 3-6 months. An alternative may be administrative arrest for 5-10 days.
Position of the Patrol Police
The Patrol Police officially confirms: there is no separate norm in Ukraine that would oblige the use of winter tires and establish punishment for their absence. Responsibility arises exclusively for non-compliance of tires with technical requirements - regardless of the season.
