Driving in Kyiv

This note is a mid-2000s tourist snapshot of driving in Kyiv, not current rules or prices. Most westerners will find driving along Khreshchatyk and several other main thoroughfares relatively easy. The problem kicks in when you try to drive anywhere outside of these well-surfaced and signposted routes. The condition of most roads in Ukraine is basically wretched, especially after the winter thaw. Sometimes the mosaic of potholes almost evokes feelings of aesthetic admiration among drivers, although your car - shook to bits - will undoubtedly disagree. At least most holes do get repaired, eventually...
Another problem is the decrepit traffic lights. They are not at all that bright, and sometimes it is difficult to tell which light is actually lit and which just has the sun shining on it to make it appear lit. Road markings - especially the central line separating one side of road from the other - can often be missing. In this case you should do what the locals do and decide for yourself where the line is. Just make sure that other drivers understand your intentions. Parking is difficult in the city centre, although it became considerably easier then when the sidewalks were opened to cars. Certain streets were patrolled by uniformed parking officials who collected payment (prices started at about 2 UAH per hour) and who would help you get out of your parking space and back into the heavy traffic flow.
According to Ukrainian law, foreign drivers should carry an International Driving Permit in addition to the licence from their home country. You need to acquire such a permit in your country of origin. As with just about everywhere in the world, the police will stop you for any sign of illegal or dangerous driving. In the mid-2000s traffic cops (DAI) had been legally deprived of their traditional right to impose on-the-spot fines, and could only write you a ticket and send the case to court. In some cases a 'donation' could save a lot of time and trouble, but a highly public campaign was then under way to eliminate this type of behavior. Meantime significant increases in traffic fines were considered imminent.