New technical inspection: what will change from May 19 and why it is better to pass the technical inspection now

From May 19, 2025, new rules for conducting mandatory technical inspection (MTI) of vehicles will come into force in Ukraine. The relevant changes were approved by the Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 286 of March 4, 2025. And although the topic of technical inspection does not always cause a stir in society, the new version of the rules will really affect drivers: both financially and organizationally. Below are the main changes and their consequences.

Video and photo recording: now without exceptions

The loudest innovation is the full return of mandatory video recording of the technical inspection process. If earlier during martial law and for six months after it, video recording was not carried out, now it is mandatory at all times. No concessions. The entire technical inspection procedure must be recorded on video - from the first minute to the last.

As for photography, there are also new requirements. Previously, it was enough to take pictures of the front and one side of the car, but now the regulations provide for taking pictures from all four sides - with the mandatory inclusion of dimensions, contour lights, headlights, fog lights and emergency lights. Special attention is paid to lighting devices - all of them must be clearly recorded in the photo during their inspection.

Dashboard, tachographs and parts

Another innovation is the ability to take photos of not only the odometer, but also the tachograph, if the vehicle is equipped with one. Moreover, in this case, photos of the tachograph turned on and the plate verifying its adaptation are necessarily attached.

For training cars, the description has been simplified: now it is not necessary to specify each control element separately - a general fixation of all additional pedals and mirrors for the instructor is enough.

Buses — unchanged, but with nuances

For buses of categories M2 and M3, the requirements have not changed - as before, it is necessary to record the interior with passenger seats (without the driver's seat). But a new option has appeared: at the customer's request, an additional inspection of buses planned to be used on public routes - urban, suburban, intercity and international.

Photo quality: maximum detail

One of the key points was the increased requirements for the quality of photographs. From now on:

• images should be clear, with good lighting;
• any photo editing is prohibited;
• the vehicle must occupy at least 70% of the frame;
• The fixation date must be automatically generated by the device and correspond to the date of the OTC protocol.

What was canceled?

An interesting fact is also the list of requirements that are no longer in effect. From now on, you no longer need:

• record the results of brake tests on the bench;
• take photographs of the CO, CH content and smoke in the exhaust;
• print a photo on the back of the protocol.

Prices: growth is inevitable

Along with technical changes, the cost of OTC will also increase from June 1, 2025. And in some places, significantly. For example:

• for cars and trucks up to 3.5 tons, the cost will increase from 1,050 to 1,700 UAH;
• for buses and trucks over 3.5 tons - from 1,500 to 2,300 UAH;
• for trailers and motorcycles - an increase of up to 2,300 UAH depending on the category.

The service of applying for an ISTO (international technical inspection certificate) will also increase in price separately - from 300 to 500 UAH.

Tachographs: they were not left out either

Prices for services related to tachographs will also increase. For example, checking and adapting digital tachographs will cost 1,600 UAH (versus the previous 1,200). Reading data from driver cards is 150 UAH (was 100), and reading from tachographs themselves is 300 UAH (was 250).

Conclusion: get a technical inspection now or pay more later

All of the above innovations indicate one thing: technical inspection in Ukraine is becoming stricter, more regulated, and more expensive. More equipment, more procedures, more time — and, accordingly, more expenses. That is why vehicle owners should undergo technical inspection at the old rates now, while the previous rules are still in effect.

Don't delay - from May 19 and especially from June 1, 2025, the changes will become noticeable for everyone.