Starting from February 1, 2026, new measures will come into effect in Uzbekistan that completely prohibit the operation and registration of vehicles older than 50 years. The Ministry of Justice of the republic has officially announced that such cars will be automatically removed from the state registry. In addition, a system of specialized license plates will be introduced for heavy machinery, quarry vehicles, legal taxis, and certified antiques. The vehicle registration process will become fully digital: the databases of the Ministry of Internal Affairs will be integrated with other state systems, ensuring instant access for traffic police officers to electronic sales contracts and invoices. Furthermore, the owner's home address will no longer be indicated on registration certificates.
If similar initiatives are implemented in Kyrgyzstan, especially in Bishkek, it could be an important step towards improving air quality. Currently, outdated vehicles make up a significant portion of the capital's fleet, and their unfavorable technical condition does not meet environmental standards, which in turn leads to the formation of winter smog.
The example of neighboring countries demonstrates that without decisive steps to limit "junk cars," it is impossible to tackle the problems of traffic jams and environmental pollution. Introducing age restrictions for cars in Bishkek could not only significantly reduce road congestion but also promote the renewal of the fleet to more environmentally friendly models. Such a measure, combined with data digitization as implemented in Uzbekistan, could become an effective tool for creating a safe and clean urban environment.
