The situation where a driver forgets their documents at home happens to everyone. However, not everyone knows that the absence of a plastic card is not always grounds for a fine. In Ukraine, the key factor is the ability to present document data in electronic form.

According to the latest clarifications from the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine, the presence of a paper or plastic carrier is not the only criterion for the legality of driving a vehicle. The decisive factor is the police officer's ability to verify the status of the driver and the vehicle.

Electronic documents have full legal force

Ukraine operates a document digitization system under which electronic equivalents have the same legal force as their physical versions. In particular, this refers to the "Diia" (Action) application.

According to the Main Service Center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an electronic driver's license, an electronic vehicle registration certificate, and an electronic insurance policy displayed in the application fully replace paper carriers. If a driver forgot their plastic license at home but can demonstrate it in the "Diia" app, this is considered proper presentation of documents.

During an inspection, a police officer has the right to request documents. If the driver shows them in electronic form, and the inspector can verify and record the data, no violation is recorded.

When administrative liability arises

Liability arises only if the driver cannot present documents either in paper or electronic form. This means that if the driver does not have their license at home, has no access to the "Diia" app (for example, the phone is dead, there is no internet, or the app is not working), and cannot confirm their right to drive, this is considered a violation.

Part 1 of Article 126 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses provides for liability not only for the absence of documents but also for their failure to present. It is in this case that liability arises.

Fine amount for failure to present documents

For failure to present a driver's license, registration document, or insurance policy, Part 1 of Article 126 of the Code of Administrative Offenses of Ukraine provides for a fine of 425 hryvnias.

It is important to note that this violation does not cover situations where a person does not have the right to drive a vehicle at all. Such a violation entails other, much stricter liability, including vehicle confiscation and higher fines.

Contradictory data

While Ukrainian legislation clearly defines the status of electronic documents, sources from other countries (for example, Russia) may have different approaches. For example, in Russia, the absence of a plastic license on one's person, even with electronic ones, may be interpreted differently depending on the region and the practice of the traffic police. However, in the context of Ukraine, according to official clarifications from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, an electronic document in the "Diia" app is a sufficient basis for driving a vehicle.

What to do if you forgot your license?

If you forgot your license at home but have access to the "Diia" app, you can continue driving calmly. If stopped by the police, simply show the electronic document. If the app is not working or you do not have access to it, it is better not to take risks and return home for the documents or call a taxi.

Also, remember that even with electronic documents, a police officer may request to see them in paper form if they have technical difficulties with verification. In this case, it is better to have at least a copy of the documents with you.

Additional clarifications

Previously, RBK-Ukraine explained whether it is enough to just slow down before a STOP sign and in what cases a driver is obliged to come to a complete stop. We also looked into whether you need to yield to a changing lane vehicle and who has priority during such a maneuver. In addition, RBK-Ukraine told whether you can enter an intersection if there is a traffic jam ahead, and why even a green traffic light does not always allow you to continue driving.