Fines for drivers have been updated in Europe: what Ukrainian refugees should know

In 2025, the road space of Europe has changed significantly. New fines, the expansion of camera functions, digital databases and stricter controls on foreigners have become the answer to alarming signals: the increase in the number of road accidents, the increase in the number of drivers from outside the EU and the need for a unified system of responsibility. For millions of Ukrainians who are in the EU countries, this is not just an administrative issue, but the risk of a court case, loss of a car or even problems with a visa.

European roads in 2025: what has changed globally

The EU no longer leaves room for “casual” drivers from abroad. All countries—from Spain to Poland—updated fines, harmonized databases and improved mechanisms for recording violations.

Fines have increased for the most common violations — speeding, using a phone while driving, drunkenness, and improper parking. But more importantly, now these fines are not lost. If the Ukrainian driver violated the rules in Germany, this will be known to both the French police and the Polish border guards.

A single digital system registers every case. If a driver commits a serious offense twice – even in different countries – it can result in a disqualification. No discounts for “foreign origin”.

Sharp increase in sanctions: new fines for countries

Fines increased the most in countries where there are especially many foreigners and tourists. For example:

In Germany, for speeding in the city by more than 21 km/h, you will now have to pay 115 euros (it was 70), and for a phone – 150 euros. Parking in a place for the disabled – 100 euros.

In France, running a red light will cost you 200 euros and minus 4 points, and intoxication within the range of 0.5–0.8 ppm is already 1,200 euros and a mandatory trial.

In Poland, where many Ukrainians own cars, the fine for exceeding the speed limit by 30 km/h has increased to 1,200 zlotys, and a repeat violation within a year is already plus 200% to the amount.

Spain fines 250 euros for wearing a seat belt and 200 euros for entering the city center without a permit — the fine is calculated automatically, through cameras.

In Italy, for a phone they promise not only a fine of 250 euros, but also the confiscation of the device, and for alcohol in the blood over 0.8 ppm – 1,500 euros and a year without a driver’s license.

Smart cameras, border sharing and automatic fines

2025 has become the year of mass installation of new types of cameras. They don’t just record speed or traffic lights. Now the devices read the traffic lane, road markings, permits for entering the city center, and the car number — even if it is Ukrainian.

In the border regions of Poland, Croatia, and Romania, cameras are integrated with the customs base. After crossing the border, the driver leaves a digital trail — and if there is an unpaid fine, it will be handed over personally or the car will be blocked during the inspection.

Important: fines are often sent through private firms or consulates. And it is legally effective – attempts to ignore the letters can end in court.

How to pay and whether you can appeal

Payment is usually made through an online portal, a QR code in the letter or through a cashier (in Italy, Spain). In many countries, a 30-50% discount is available when paying within the first 5-15 days.

You can appeal everywhere, but it is not always convenient. In France, Germany, Spain – online appeal, but only with translation and confirmations. Saving receipts from the parking lot, photos from the place, documents from the car rental can become decisive.

Tips for Ukrainian drivers: how to avoid problems

Ukrainians traveling or living in the EU should follow a few simple rules:

• Download special apps to help you avoid cameras and check permits: ANWB (Netherlands), Michelin (France), ADAC (Germany).
• Research the country’s rules: speed limits, restrictions in city centers, parking rules.
• If you often visit Spain, Italy or Portugal, find a gestor (official assistant) who will help with the documents.
• Regularly check the email specified in the insurance or customs declaration.
• If the car is registered in Ukraine, bring the technical passport, green card and notary power of attorney (if you are not the owner).

However, the main advice is not to break traffic rules.

What will happen if you don’t pay the fine

The consequences of not paying the fine in the EU in 2025 are severe:

• Poland — entry ban, enforcement at the border.
• Germany — record in the debtors database, court risk.
• France — blocking access to government services (even car rental).
• Spain – transfer of the case to collectors.
• Italy — confiscation of the car at the next entry, even after two years.

In addition, arrears on fines can spoil the visa history. More and more countries allow border guards to see debts at the time of entry.

So, the traffic control system in Europe has become part of digital control. Foreigners are no longer “let out of sight”. Every violation is a record, a notice, a fine. But a driver who knows the rules, acts carefully and respectfully, remains safe.

Remember: unlike Ukraine, where some drivers are used to avoiding responsibility, things are different in the EU. Hoping they won’t find out is a strategy that no longer works. Pay immediately, follow the rules and take no chances, because fines in Europe in 2025 are no longer a small thing, but part of your legal history.