Revised traffic rules take effect

As reported by the press service of the State Service for Regulatory Policy and Entrepreneurship Development, on 15 April 2013 revised traffic rules come into force in Ukraine.

New version was adopted 11 February 2013 at the Cabinet meeting.

New regulations include a number of changes. In order to reduce the risk of traffic accidents on country roads Traffic Rules now include a new requirement - in the period from October 1 to May 1, when driving outside the locality during daylight hours vehicles are required to turn on daytime running lights or the low beam headlights.

Changes also concern the use of technical means of traffic regulation, introducing European models of road signs and road markings, as well as more than 20 road signs. Road marking will be of five colors: white, yellow, blue, orange and white and red.

The new version of rules also introduces new terms, such as «lawn», «safety island», «daytime running lights», «maneuvering», «traffic regulator», «improved coverage».

Under the new rules, road signs take precedence over the marking and must not be hidden from view even partially by an obstacle. In addition, road signs should be placed no higher than 6m above the level road and be visible from 100 m. If the sign is mounted on the side of a road wider than one lane, it is duplicated on the divisor.

Under the new rules, the dark time of day is considered «a part of the day from sunset to sunrise» Earlier it was considered a period from the end of twilight (30 minutes after sunset) till morning twilight (30 minutes before sunrise).

The rules now no longer contain the clause providing for only left-hand overtaking.

There are also stricter requirements for driving by the vehicles marked «Children» Drivers who are moving in the neighboring lane, must slow down and, if necessary - to stop to avoid driving over children getting off the bus.