Ukraine cancels regional codes on license plates: what the new series mean.

According to inkorr.com: In Ukraine, drivers are noticing cars with new letter combinations on their license plates. Instead of traditional regional codes, symbols ED, DC, DI, and PD have appeared. This is related to a large-scale reform of vehicle registration, which eliminated the geographical link of license plates.

According to 'Autoconsulting', in December 2022, the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine issued an order on significant changes in the requirements for license plates. The document came into effect in January 2023, leading to the cancellation of traditional regional designations.

New letter combinations on license plates

The series ED and DC are assigned to vehicles purchased through the driver's electronic cabinet in the unified information system of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine.

Combinations DI and PD are designated for vehicles whose transactions were made through the Unified State Portal of Electronic Services, including via the 'Diia' mobile application.

These new letter combinations replaced traditional regional codes, and their main feature is complete independence from the geographical location of vehicle registration.

As a result of the reform, the regional code on the plates has lost its original meaning; it now only indicates that the owner previously registered the vehicle at a certain regional service center of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. New electronic platforms allow for vehicle registration without territorial affiliation.

Road violations and issues for electric vehicle owners

The patrol police once again urged drivers not to use their phones while driving without hands-free. For this violation, which puts safety at risk, a fine of 510 hryvnias is imposed.

Experts also emphasize the danger of improper use of fog lights, which can blind other drivers in clear weather. According to traffic rules, they are allowed to be turned on only under conditions of poor visibility; otherwise, it can lead to a fine and increase the risk of accidents.

In addition, electric vehicle owners are facing particular difficulties in the cold season. Reports indicate that reduced range and electronic malfunctions can be common, as lithium-ion batteries are less effective at low temperatures, and cabin heating additionally consumes energy.

Thus, the reform of the license plate system in Ukraine, which eliminated the geographical link of numbers, opens new opportunities for drivers. Car recipients can be assured that changing plates does not obligate them to a specific place of registration, significantly simplifying and speeding up the vehicle registration process, especially for electric vehicle owners and users of online services.