The Rada is set to consider a bill to tackle the noise from motorbikes: there have been repeated complaints about noisy vehicles in Mykolaiv as well
-
- Alina KvitkoReporter
Fines of up to 34,000 hryvnias may be imposed for the noise of motorbikes and cars: a bill has been tabled in the Verkhovna Rada. Photo: NikVesti archiveDrivers of cars and motorbikes with excessively loud exhaust systems are set to face fines. Bill No. 15358 has been tabled in the Verkhovna Rada, which introduces specific penalties for excessive noise from vehicles.
This was announced by one of the bill’s initiators, people's deputy Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
The document was signed by 38 MPs. However, none of its authors are MPs elected from the Mykolaiv region.
In recent years, city residents have repeatedly complained about cars and motorbikes with loud exhaust systems, particularly in the evening and at night. During air raid alerts, such noises are often mistaken for the sound of Russian drones, causing additional stress for civilians, children and veterans.
Back in 2022, the Mykolaiv City Council passed a resolution imposing additional restrictions during martial law. In particular, councillors banned the use of vehicles that generate excessive noise, as well as the setting off of fireworks.
However, as the head of the Mykolaiv Regional Patrol Police Department (now Deputy Head of the Regional Directorate of the National Police) Vitalii Danila, law enforcement officers had no legal grounds to fine drivers of cars or motorbikes with modified or missing silencers.
According to Yaroslav Zhelezniak, it is precisely this loophole that the new draft bill is intended to close.
«It really has got on my nerves! We’ve tabled Bill No. 15358 against cars and motorbikes that deliberately roar their engines for the whole town to hear. This is no longer just a matter of comfort. During wartime, such noises often sound like drones. Civilians and children are frightened, veterans may experience PTSD triggers, and air defence units and the police are distracted from real threats. Not to mention that it’s almost impossible to sleep with the window open at night for those who live near major roads,» wrote Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
The draft bill proposes:
- to introduce specific liability for exceeding the permissible noise level of vehicles;
- set a fine of 8,500 hryvnias in peacetime, and 17,000 hryvnias for a repeat offence;
- during martial law, to increase the fines to 17,000 and 34,000 hryvnias respectively;
- to suspend driving licences for a period of three to six months for repeat offences during martial law.
Furthermore, the draft bill stipulates that the Ministry of Health, in conjunction with the relevant ministry, must approve clear noise limits for different types of transport, specifically defining the night-time period as from 22:00 to 08:00.
«I honestly don’t understand how someone could be sensible enough to buy a car for over 100,000 dollars, have it modified, yet lack even a modicum of intelligence to appreciate how such «races» and the roar echoing throughout the neighbourhood are perceived during wartime. But once our law comes into force, the rule will be: if you want to rev your engine, go to a racetrack or out of town. In built-up areas, the rules must apply to everyone,» wrote Yaroslav Zhelezniak.
Earlier, the mayor of Mykolaiv, Oleksandr Sienkevych, also commented on the issue. He stated that sports motorbikes are intended for tracks, not for city streets, and called on riders not to disturb residents, especially at night.
The mayor also noted that the city authorities had repeatedly contacted the police, but the police cannot pursue such motorcyclists as this could endanger other road users.
NikVesti
· post about this story
The Rada is set to consider a bill to tackle the noise from motorbikes: there have been repeated complaints about noisy vehicles in Mykolaiv as well.
The Verkhovna Rada is planning to introduce stricter penalties…
