In Ukraine, drivers have long been a tradition of briefly to turn on emergency alarm as a sign of gratitude to other road users. However, few people know that such a seemingly safe effect can cause a fine.
According to the current traffic rules, the use of emergency lights is allowed only in clearly defined cases. Pursuant to paragraph 9.9 of the DA, emergency signals should be switched on in the following situations: forced stopping due to a car malfunction, at the request of police, in the case of damping on the oncoming transport, at an accident, while towing another car, when planting or planting children in the organized group. The use of "accident" is not considered a violation for which the driver can receive a fine of 425 UAH. If such an action creates a potentially dangerous situation on the road, the amount of the fine can increase to 680 UAH. In extreme cases, the offender even threatens to deprive the driver's license for up to one year.
Thus, although the onset of emergency lights in gratitude looks like a polite gesture, the legislation does not allow such a signaling. Drivers should be careful not to get an unexpected fine for good intentions.
