Drivers face a fine of 34 thousand UAH for cars that sound like Shaheds: what's wrong with "straight pipes"

In Ukraine, a bill that provides for the introduction of separate administrative liability for drivers of vehicles with excessively loud exhaust systems has remained unconsidered for almost three years. The initiative was registered back in August 2023 amid numerous complaints about cars and motorcycles with so-called "straight pipe" mufflers.

During the war, the roar of such vehicles not only disturbs public peace but can also resemble the sounds of enemy drones or rockets, causing alarm among the population.

 For violations, it is proposed to fine drivers 17 thousand hryvnias, and for a repeated offense — 34 thousand hryvnias with possible deprivation of the right to drive vehicles.

The bill No. 9564 "On Amendments to the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses to Improve Administrative Liability for Driving or Operating Vehicles with Excessive Noise Levels" was registered in the Verkhovna Rada on August 2, 2023.

What fines are proposed for loud cars and motorcycles

The bill proposes to supplement the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses with a new Article 121-4, which will establish separate liability for driving or operating vehicles exceeding the legally permitted noise level.

For the first violation, a fine of 1000 non-taxable minimum incomes of citizens is proposed. Currently, this amounts to 17 thousand hryvnias.

If a driver commits the same violation again within a year, the fine may increase to 34 thousand hryvnias. In addition, the court may deprive the offender of the right to drive vehicles for a period of three to six months.

Why drivers are to be penalized for "straight pipes"

Recently, the practice of interfering with the exhaust system of vehicles has spread among some drivers.

The purpose of such interference is so-called tuning of cars and motorcycles, which leads to a significant increase in engine noise. According to the bill's authors, this practice is especially common among young people and motorcycle riders.

This primarily concerns the installation of "straight pipe mufflers," dual sports exhaust systems, and other technical devices not provided for by the vehicle's design or manufacturer.

According to the bill's initiators, such modifications disturb the peace and quiet of citizens and cause justified public dissatisfaction.

Moreover, due to the lack of mandatory general technical control for most vehicles, the process of modifying exhaust systems remains practically uncontrolled.

The problem is linked to the war and "Shaheds"

Special emphasis is placed on the impact of excessive noise during martial law.

The sounds of vehicles with modified exhaust systems may resemble the sounds of enemy unmanned aerial vehicles, particularly "Shaheds," and also create the impression of missile or aviation danger.

This can cause additional anxiety among the population and distract military personnel and law enforcement officers from performing tasks related to state defense.

A similar position was previously voiced by the Ministry of Internal Affairs. They noted that the roar of certain vehicles is very similar to the sound of a drone or missile flight.

"Thus, the state cares about citizens and wants to protect people. We know that during the full-scale war, during constant alarms, our citizens feel certain anxiety when a vehicle exceeding the permissible noise level is moving. Such roaring is very similar to the flight of an unmanned aerial vehicle or missile," the Ministry of Internal Affairs stated.

What changes are proposed to the Code of Administrative Offenses and other laws

The document proposes not only to introduce a new article in the Code of Administrative Offenses.

The bill provides for amendments to the Law "On Road Traffic," according to which drivers will be obliged not to allow driving vehicles exceeding the permissible noise level within populated areas.

It is also proposed to supplement the list of grounds for prohibiting the operation of vehicles. One such ground may be a violation of the permissible noise level within populated areas.

In addition, changes are planned to the Law "On Ensuring Sanitary and Epidemiological Welfare of the Population." It proposes to directly establish the obligation not to allow driving or operating vehicles exceeding the permissible noise level within populated areas.

At the same time, the authors specifically noted that the ban will apply only to populated areas. Their intention is to avoid problems during automotive sports competitions and other events outside cities and villages.

Who will consider cases and whether vehicles can be detained

The bill provides for a separate procedure for considering such offenses.

In case of the first violation, cases will be considered by the National Police bodies.

If a driver violates the noise level requirements again within a year, the case will be considered by a court.

The document also proposes to grant police the right to temporarily detain vehicles in cases of such offenses by blocking or delivering them to a special site or parking lot in cases provided by law.

Why the authors consider current legislation insufficient

The bill's initiators believe that current legislation does not contain a clear and direct prohibition on operating vehicles with excessive noise levels.

They point out that Article 182 of the Code of Administrative Offenses on noise violations and Article 121 on technical malfunctions of vehicles do not always cover cases of using excessively loud exhaust systems.

Moreover, Article 81 of the Code operates with the concept of "level of physical factors impact," which lacks a clear legislative definition, which, according to the authors, complicates the practical application of this norm.

That is why they propose to introduce a separate article in the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses that will directly establish liability for driving or operating vehicles exceeding the permissible noise level.

However, despite significant public resonance after registration and support for the idea from representatives of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, bill No. 9564 has remained unconsidered by the Verkhovna Rada for almost three years.

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