03.02.2026
On Ukrainian roads, you can often spot cars with bright red license plates. Many drivers see them as something exotic or even suspicious. In fact, red plates are an official transit (temporary) plate with a clear purpose. To upgrade your car and add more visual character, we recommend using tuning accessories, with a wide selection available in our product catalog.
What red plates mean in Ukraine
Red license plates are temporary registration plates for vehicles that have not yet completed full state registration or have been deregistered. They are made of plastic or metal, feature white characters on a red background, and обязательно include the UA marking.
When red plates are issued
- A new car from a showroom or dealer — until it is registered permanently.
- A vehicle deregistered for export abroad.
- Temporary movement of a car while documents are being processed (since 2020 — only in specific cases).
Since 2020, when buying a used car in Ukraine, transit plates are issued rarely — the car is re-registered to the new owner immediately.
How long you can drive on red plates
Validity period — up to 10 days / 3 months (according to CMU Resolution No. 1388, depending on the reason for issuance). The expiration date is indicated on the plate or in the accompanying documents. Driving with expired transit plates results in administrative liability under the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses (KUpAP)
Useful tips for drivers
- Check the date on the red plate right after it’s issued.
- Don’t delay registration — the set validity period of transit plates is usually enough to complete the paperwork.
- If the plates are lost or damaged, contact certified manufacturers for duplicates.
- Remember: red plates are not a privilege, but a temporary tool for legal driving.
Red plates are not a fashionable accessory, but an important part of the bureaucratic system that helps avoid chaos on the roads while a vehicle is being registered.
