Ukrainians face fines of up to 12,000 hryvnias for an autumn photo shoot: what actions will you have to pay for?

A regular autumn photo shoot among yellow leaves can result in a fine of several hundred to over 12 thousand hryvnias. At the same time, there is no ban on taking photos in parks or throwing up fallen leaves in Ukraine. Liability is only imposed for specific violations of landscaping rules, damage to vegetation, or failure to comply with environmental protection requirements.

Can you be fined for throwing up autumn leaves

A popular technique during autumn photo shoots — throwing up yellow leaves in the air — is not an administrative offense in itself.

However, the situation changes if, to create decorations, leaves are brought from other places, stacked in large piles, or left where it is prohibited.

According to Article 16 of the Law of Ukraine “On the Improvement of Settlements,” it is prohibited to store leaves and other waste in places not designated for this purpose.

For violation of landscaping rules, Article 152 of the Code of Ukraine on Administrative Offenses provides for fines:

From 340 to 1360 hryvnias – for citizens.

From 850 to 1700 hryvnias – for officials and entrepreneurs.

At the same time, to impose a fine, it is necessary to prove a specific violation. The fact of taking pictures with leaves is not enough.

Photo session on the lawn: when you have to pay

Another common location for autumn photos is lawns, flower beds and green areas of parks.

The legislation provides for liability for damage or destruction of green spaces.

According to Article 153 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, citizens face a fine of from 170 to 510 hryvnias if during a photo session they damage the lawn, trample the flower bed or break tree branches.

At the same time, simply being on the lawn does not mean an automatic violation. Actual damage to vegetation and local rules for using green areas are important.

For burning leaves, the fine can reach 12,240 hryvnias

The largest fines are provided for unauthorized burning of fallen leaves.

If the participants of the photo shoot decide to set fire to the leaves to create a smoke effect, they may face administrative liability under Article 77-1 of the Code of Administrative Offenses.

The amount of fines for citizens is:

From 3,060 to 6,120 hryvnias – for illegal burning of vegetation and its remains.

From 6,120 to 12,240 hryvnias – for similar actions in the territories of the nature reserve fund.

Even if the fire is used only to create a spectacular shot, this does not exempt from liability.

Photography in reserves: what restrictions apply

Special visiting rules may apply in the territories of the nature reserve fund.

In particular, the restrictions concern staying in protected areas, damaging vegetation and violating the established environmental protection regime.

According to Article 91 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, citizens are subject to a fine of 153 to 408 hryvnias for such violations. In cases provided for by law, confiscation of the instruments of the offense is also possible.

At the same time, taking photos in places allowed for visiting is not a violation.

Is it possible to take photos on someone else’s territory

Certain legal risks arise when a photo shoot is organized in a private yard or other territory without the owner’s permission.

Under certain circumstances, illegal entry into a dwelling or other property may fall under Article 162 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

In addition, according to Article 1166 of the Civil Code, a person who has caused property damage by unlawful actions must, as a general rule, compensate for it.

This applies, in particular, to damaged ornamental plants, trees, lawns and other property.

What can actually be punished for

In Ukraine, there is no separate fine for an autumn photo shoot, throwing a few fallen leaves or taking pictures among yellow leaves.

Liability is possible only when specific legislative requirements are violated during the shooting.

Therefore, taking pictures in parks and squares is allowed, but it is worth following the rules of landscaping, not damaging plants, not burning leaves and taking into account the restrictions established for individual territories.