Traffic Fines on Rental Cars: Who Pays and How It Works

In Kyiv and on highways, there are over 300 automatic traffic enforcement cameras, and the number of fines on rental cars increases every year. Clients often find out about violations a week after returning the car and don’t understand why a manager is calling them. We break down the process from the camera to payment so there are no surprises.

Who Receives the Fine Notice

The violation notice recorded by the camera is sent to the vehicle owner—Apex Rent Car—via the driver’s account and by mail. It includes the date, time, location of the violation, and a photo. We cross-check this information with the rental log to determine who was driving the car at that time. Since there is a signed contract with passport details for each day, mistakes are impossible.

What Happens Next

• Within 1–2 days after receiving the notice, a manager sends you a copy with the photo via Viber, Telegram, or email.
• You pay the fine yourself using the details from the notice. A 50% discount applies if paid within 10 days of receipt.
• Send us the payment receipt — and the matter is closed.
• If payment is not made within 10 days, we pay the fine ourselves and deduct the amount from your deposit or issue an invoice including a $10 administrative fee.
• If the notice arrives after the deposit has been released, we will contact you for payment. This is stated in the contract, so ignoring it is not advisable.

Fines Issued by Police on the Spot

If you are stopped by a patrol officer, the fine is issued directly to the driver, and we are not involved in this situation. Show the officer the vehicle registration certificate, OSCPV insurance policy, and rental agreement, which are kept in the glove compartment. The agreement confirms your legal right to drive the car. After returning the vehicle, inform the manager about the stop — this helps if a duplicate fine is later issued.

Most Common Violations on Rental Cars

According to our 2025 statistics, 71% of fines are for speeding 20–50 km/h over the limit, most often on Bandera Avenue, Stolychne Highway, and the road to Boryspil. Another 18% are for parking in areas marked “No Stopping” in the city center, often accompanied by towing to an impound lot. The rest are for running red lights and driving in bus lanes. The fine for towing and storage at the impound lot is also charged to the renter.

How to Contest a Fine

If you disagree with the notice—for example, if the photo shows a different car or the date does not match your rental period—notify us within 3 days. Only the owner can contest the fine, so we prepare the appeal on behalf of the company, and you provide an explanation. The deadline for contesting is 10 days from receipt. In 2025, we successfully contested 14 notices, mostly due to errors in license plate recognition.

Conclusion

The fine for a rental car is paid by the person who was driving, which is fair. We only forward the notice and help ensure you don’t miss the 10-day deadline for the 50% discount. Follow speed limits near cameras, don’t park under no-stopping signs in the city center, and your deposit return will go smoothly.