In 2026, amendments to the Road Traffic Law (RTL) will come into effect. The amendments aim to ensure the safety of pedestrians and other road users - explains the Ministry of Communications.
Bicycles: on Protective Gear, Restrictions, and OCTA
To enhance road safety, bicycles are categorized into three types based on their technical parameters. Each type has a separate regulatory framework:
Bicycle — powered solely by human muscle (pedals or levers). There are no changes in the law for such bicycles.
Electric Bicycle — equipped with an additional electric drive of up to 250 W. The electric drive is disabled if the speed exceeds 25 km/h or when the pedals stop turning.
Overall, the conditions in the law are the same as for regular bicycles. The only difference is that participation in road traffic with such vehicles will be allowed from the age of 14. Registration of electric bicycles is voluntary.
Self-Propelled Bicycle — power of up to 1 kW and a maximum speed of up to 25 km/h. These vehicles can operate their electric drive without pedaling.
Self-propelled bicycles are prohibited from riding on sidewalks, and from February 1, 2026, they will be subject to mandatory registration for participation in road traffic, as well as the requirement for OCTA.
For existing self-propelled bicycles, registration and obtaining OCTA must be completed by April 30, 2026. Participation in road traffic with such a vehicle will be allowed from the age of 14, and the use of a protective helmet is mandatory until the age of 16.
Starting May 1, 2026, fines can be imposed for riding such an unregistered vehicle and for the absence of OCTA, and municipal police will also have the authority to impose fines.
Who Will Have to Take Reaction Tests
To enhance road safety, new amendments to the law establish that for the use of all "shared mobility" means (rented cars, scooters, etc.), service providers must ensure that their clients undergo reaction tests and verify the presence of the appropriate category driver's license before the start of the trip.
The test is designed to assess the driver's reaction and identify any potential influence of alcohol or other intoxicating substances.
This test must be integrated into the rental service provider's application — for example, before receiving the service (starting the trip), it will be necessary to pass a logic and reaction test, which a person under the influence of intoxicating substances may not be able to complete.
The regulation will come into effect on April 1, 2026. That is, just before the start of the spring-summer season.
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