Are there fines for red turn signals in Ukraine in 2026? Law, courts, and practice

Around 90% of cars from the US market come with red turn signals , as this is the factory standard in the American auto industry. Cars from Canada, the EU, and South Korea are typically equipped with orange turn signals. Meanwhile, the largest US auctions, Copart, IAAI, and Manheim, remain the main global channels for used car exports, and the Ukrainian market actively uses this resource to purchase cars of recent vintage, with advanced features and modern safety systems at an affordable price.

Today, cars with red turn signals are common on Ukrainian roads, despite the fact that the national standard is orange. A logical question arises: is there a fine for using red turn signals , and what is the actual risk for US vehicle owners?

Briefly: a fine for using red turn signals in Ukraine is formally possible under Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses (UAH 340 or 680, depending on the offense), but it is not an automatic violation. Case law shows that such a fine is only possible for proven and uncertified vehicle modifications.

This material was prepared by the Acars.ua team as an analysis with references to traffic regulations, the State Standards of Ukraine, and specific court decisions. We examine real cases and draw practical conclusions to understand whether red turn signals in Ukraine are a real problem or merely a manageable legal issue.

What the law says: Traffic Regulations, DSTU, and Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses on fines for turning signals

Ukrainian legislation does indeed contain regulations that police rely on when inspecting vehicles with non-standard headlights. The basic document here is DSTU 3649:2010 , which establishes technical requirements for vehicles. According to paragraph 6.1.5 of DSTU, front and rear turn signals must be yellow (orange). Therefore, a red turn signal technically qualifies as a violation of technical requirements.

This regulation is supported by the Ukrainian Traffic Regulations. According to paragraph 31.4.3(a) of the Traffic Regulations , operation of a vehicle is prohibited if the type or color of external lighting devices does not comply with design requirements and current standards. If a red turn signal is not provided by the design in accordance with Ukrainian standards, this may be interpreted as a violation.

Liability for such violations is provided for by Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses . Depending on the classification of the driver's actions, the following may apply:

• a fine for a red turn signal in the amount of 340 UAH under Part 1 of Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation - as operating a vehicle in violation of standard requirements;
• A fine for red turn signals and a fine of 680 UAH under Part 2 of Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of the Russian Federation (CUP) - if the violation is interpreted as a vehicle conversion that deviates from established standards.

As we can see, the law on red turn signals does indeed require yellow (orange) color and provides for administrative liability for non-compliance. However, from the text of the regulation, we conclude that the decision is based on the issue of qualification, not simply the color of the indicator.

Certification and initial registration of US vehicles in Ukraine

A vehicle imported from the United States cannot be registered and permitted for operation in Ukraine without undergoing a mandatory conformity assessment procedure. This procedure is carried out by certification bodies accredited by the National Accreditation Agency of Ukraine (NAAU), in accordance with the Law of Ukraine "On Technical Regulations and Conformity Assessment" and the Technical Regulations for Wheeled Vehicles (Resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine No. 738).

This is an individual approval of the vehicle's design. Conformity assessment is conducted prior to state registration and is a mandatory requirement for vehicle registration at Ministry of Internal Affairs service centers. Without this document, vehicle registration is impossible.

As part of the certification, the following is checked:

• compliance of the design with safety requirements;
• lighting equipment (including direction indicators);
• braking system;
• steering;
• passive safety systems;
• identification numbers and VIN;
• compliance with environmental standards.

The Certificate of Conformity confirms that the vehicle design is recognized as compliant with the requirements of Ukrainian legislation at the time of approval for operation and is considered fit for use.

Therefore, when considering cases under Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, including disputes over fines for red turn signals, courts analyze the presence of a certificate. This document distinguishes between the factory configuration, which has been certified, and subsequent modifications, which may already constitute an administrative offense.

Why are US cars with red turn signals certified in Ukraine?

Cars from the USA with rear red turn signals are considered acceptable because:

• manufactured according to FMVSS (Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards);
• have factory certification from the country of origin;
• are not converted;
• retain the original design.

Certification evaluates the vehicle's design as a whole, not just the red turn signal itself. This is why the presence of an official certificate of conformity is a key argument in court cases involving fines for turn signals.

What should a driver do if the police stop a car for having red turn signals?

During the inspection, you only need to present a standard package of documents: a driver's license, registration certificate, and a certificate of conformity (individual design approval). This document confirms that the vehicle has been approved for use by the state in its factory configuration.

To qualify under Part 2 of Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, the inspector must prove the actual modification after certification. A visual inspection and the red turn signal alone do not constitute proof of design modification. Without documentation of the modification (inspection report, expert assessment, or signs of modification), all fines for red turn signals are based solely on assumption.

If an inspector does issue a ticket for using turn signals , it's important to record your disagreement in the report. This can be done with a simple statement:

“Not fit for destruction. The vehicle is being used in its factory configuration and has not been modified."

This mark is essential for subsequent appeal. However, paying a fine for using a turn signal effectively acknowledges the violation. The ruling can be appealed in court within 10 days of receipt. In court, it is the police who are responsible for proving the violation, not the driver, who is responsible for proving its absence.

Case law: When fines for red turn signals were officially abolished

Case 1 - Tesla Model S

Case No. 753/22406/24
Darnitsky District Court of Kyiv
Decision dated December 17, 2024

The driver was twice held liable under Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offences for using a vehicle with red rear turn signals.

The vehicle underwent individual design approval, had a certificate of conformity, and was registered with the Ministry of Internal Affairs service center. The police provided no evidence of any modifications after certification.

The court ruled that the sign's red color alone did not confirm a design change. There was no administrative violation. The ruling was overturned.

Publication with analysis

Case 2

Case No. 461/7612/24
Halytskyi District Court of Lviv

The driver contested a fine for using red turn signals under Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offences.

The police failed to document the conversion, failed to conduct a technical inspection, and failed to prove any interference with the vehicle's design. The court ruled that a visual inspection was insufficient to qualify the violation as conversion. The ruling was overturned.

Publication with analysis

Case 3 — Chevrolet Equinox

Case No. 544/1223/19

Pyriatyn District Court of Poltava Oblast

In a Chevrolet Equinox case, the court also overturned a ticket for a turn signal when the driver presented a certificate of conformity (individual design approval) confirming that the vehicle was certified in its standard configuration and had not been modified. The police presented no evidence of any design modifications after registration.

The court concluded that the lack of proven retrofitting precluded the existence of an offense. The fine was overturned.

Publication with analysis

Analytical conclusion

Judicial practice in cases involving fines for red turn signals shows a uniform approach by the courts:

1. 1Certification and state registration have legal significance.
2. 2The factory configuration of the vehicle is not considered a conversion.
3. 3The burden of proof of the violation lies with the police, not the driver.

Therefore, fines for red turn signals are systematically cancelled in the absence of evidence of interference with the vehicle's design.

What about leaving for the EU and international vehicle inspection?

Red turn signals in Europe are regulated by EU standards and UNECE R6 and R48 requirements. In most EU countries, rear turn signals must be orange.

A vehicle registered in Ukraine may enter the European Union for a temporary stay. No technical certification is required upon border crossing. Short-term entry with red turn signals is permitted (up to 90 days within a 180-day Schengen stay for Ukrainian citizens).

The EU does not establish a separate "permitted period" specifically for red turn signals . But if:

• the vehicle begins to be used for a long period of time (longer than the specified period);
• the owner receives resident status;
• registration in an EU country is planned;

then national technical requirements apply, including the mandatory orange (amber) colour of signs.

In summary: you can temporarily drive into the EU in a car with red turn signals, but for registration and long-term use, they will need to be replaced with orange ones.

How to make red turn signals yellow?

In practice, there are several effective ways to change the rear turn signals to yellow (orange). The main options are:

1. 1Replacing the taillights (recommended method)

Installing original European or certified alternative optics with orange turn signals is the most correct and legally secure option. The Acars.ua team recommends this option. As part of our turnkey US car import package , we perform restoration repairs and, upon client approval, can include professional replacement of the optics with original ones. Depending on the car model, the cost typically ranges from $200 to $1,000.
It's important to consider certification. If the replacement is performed before the initial individual design approval, the vehicle will already undergo conformity assessment with orange turn signals, and no additional procedures are required.
However, if the replacement is performed after certification has been received, replacing the red turn signals with orange ones is considered a design change. In this case, a repeat conformity assessment procedure or amendment of the registration data is required.
To ensure proper certification after the replacement, you must provide:

• documents for installed optics (origin and compliance with standards);
• confirmation of professional installation;
• if necessary, a certificate of completion of work.

1. 1Software activation of amber mode
   is possible on certain vehicle models if the manufacturer provides an alternative lighting mode. This must also be performed prior to certification or after any subsequent modifications.
2. 2Combined solution:
   Replacement of optics with adaptation of electronics or coding of control units.

The use of films, lamp tinting, or illegal optics is not a technically correct solution and may be considered unauthorized interference with the design.

Red turn signals in Ukraine do not prohibit the use of a US vehicle on their own. It's a matter of proper certification and legal qualification.

FAQ

Is there a fine for red turn signals in Ukraine ?

Formally, liability is provided for by Article 121 of the Code of Administrative Offenses. However, in court practice, if a certificate of conformity is available and there is no evidence of refurbishment, fines are systematically overturned.

Is a red turn signal an automatic violation?

No. The color itself does not confirm a design change and does not constitute an administrative offense.

When will the fine for red turn signals be cancelled?

When the police fail to prove that the vehicle's design has been tampered with after certification.

What is the basic principle that the courts apply?

Certification has legal significance, and the burden of proof of violation lies with the body that issues the decision.

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