Challenging administrative rulings and fines

A decision imposing an administrative penalty can be challenged. The most common grounds are procedural breaches, unproven circumstances, and expiry of the period for imposing a penalty.

When to get in touch

• a decision imposing a fine has been issued
• the offence record was drawn up improperly, or without you
• you disagree with the circumstances recorded in it
• the penalty was imposed after the statutory time limit had expired

What the lawyer does

• analyses the record and the decision for procedural breaches
• checks that the period for imposing the penalty has been observed
• prepares the complaint within the ten-day deadline
• assembles the evidence and arranges for witnesses to attend
• represents the client at the hearing and in court
• deals with questions arising from enforcement of the decision

Legal basis

The rights of a person facing administrative liability are set out in Article 268 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offences. As a general rule, an administrative penalty may be imposed no later than two months from the day the offence was committed or, for a continuing offence, from the day it was detected; where the case is heard by a court, no later than three months. Some offences have different time limits: for example, one year from the offence for driving under the influence (Article 130), and, for breaches of military registration and mobilisation law during a special period (Articles 210 and 210¹), three months from detection but no later than one year from the offence (Article 38). The right to challenge a decision is provided for by Article 287; the complaint may be filed within ten days of the decision, or, for decisions on road safety offences recorded automatically, motor transport safety offences recorded by photo, film or video equipment, offences under Article 132² and breaches of the rules on stopping, standing and parking recorded by photo or video, within ten days of the day the decision takes legal effect (Article 289). As a general rule a fine must be paid no later than fifteen days after the decision is served (Article 307).

Legislation and case law are updated over time; this page reflects the position as of October 2026.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I have to challenge the decision?

As a general rule, ten days from the day the decision was issued (Article 289 of the Code on Administrative Offences). For decisions on offences recorded automatically or by photo or video (in particular road safety and parking offences), the period is counted differently: Article 289 runs the ten days from the day the decision takes legal effect, while for a court claim against a road safety decision Article 286 of the Code of Administrative Procedure runs them from the day the decision is served. So in such cases we check the deadline separately. A deadline missed for valid reasons may be restored.

What if the time limit for imposing a penalty has expired?

Expiry of the period for imposing a penalty (Article 38 of the Code on Administrative Offences) is a ground for challenging the decision in its own right. The general limit is two months, or three months where the case is heard by a court; some offences have longer limits, so we check them in every case.

Need legal assistance? Call us or leave a request – a lawyer will contact you and explain what to do in your situation.