Responsibility for Driving Without Catalytic Converters Proposed to be Introduced in Kyrgyzstan
The initiator of the new draft law aimed at improving the environmental situation in the country is the deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh, Marlen Mamataliyev.
The document, titled "On Amendments to Certain Legislative Acts of the Kyrgyz Republic" (including the Law "On Road Traffic in the Kyrgyz Republic" and the KR Code on Offenses), has been presented for public discussion.
Goals of the Initiative
The main task of this draft law is to reduce emissions of pollutants, which will be achieved by implementing legal mechanisms that encourage car owners to adhere to environmental standards and ensure the presence of functioning catalytic converters.
Significance of the Problem
The explanatory note emphasizes that air pollution poses a serious risk to public health. According to the World Bank and the World Health Organization, the economic losses from diseases and deaths caused by air pollution reach trillions of dollars annually. These costs place significant pressure on the healthcare system and the budget of Kyrgyzstan.
Particular attention is paid to road transport. In large cities such as Bishkek and Osh, the increasing number of cars leads to a deterioration in air quality. In January 2021, Bishkek ranked first in the list of the most polluted cities in the world according to AirVisual.
Catalytic Converters and Their Impact on Fuel Consumption
The document points out that the removal of catalytic converters and the alteration of engine software, actively promoted in auto services, not only increase emissions of harmful substances but also raise fuel consumption by 5–15%. This also leads to an increase in the volume and cost of fuel imports.
The proper functioning of the exhaust gas purification system (catalytic converter and oxygen sensors) ensures more complete combustion of fuel and reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons.
Kyrgyzstan's International Commitments
As a signatory to the Paris Agreement, Kyrgyzstan has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector is one of the key areas for achieving these goals. Monitoring the presence and functionality of catalytic converters is seen as an important and measurable step in this direction.
Strengthening Control and Accountability
The absence of eco-posts and effective monitoring on the roads currently prevents knowing how many vehicles do not meet environmental standards. The proposed draft law suggests strengthening the state control system and forming an environmentally oriented transport policy that meets international requirements.
The note states that in EU countries, the USA, and Japan, the removal of catalytic converters is considered a serious offense, subject to hefty fines, and control is conducted both during technical inspections and with the help of mobile gas analyzers.
Additional Opportunities
The adoption of this law could also create a basis for accounting and responsible disposal of used catalytic converters containing precious metals. This could help combat catalytic converter thefts and form a new sector for legal recycling.
The initiator believes that the proposed changes will contribute to the formation of a responsible attitude towards vehicle operation and the reduction of air pollution, which, in turn, will positively affect the health of citizens.
General Information about the Draft Law
The draft law proposes the introduction of mandatory environmental standards for vehicle operation, strengthening control over the presence and functionality of catalytic converters, as well as establishing liability for their removal and forgery during technical inspections.
Key Changes
For the first time at the legislative level, a definition of a catalytic converter is introduced as a mandatory element of the exhaust system for vehicles for which it is provided by design.
Environmental requirements are now officially included in the realm of road safety — vehicles must be safe for both road users and the environment and public health.
Responsibilities of vehicle owners:
- to operate vehicles only with functioning catalytic converters, particulate filters, or other systems for reducing exhaust toxicity;
- not to allow the removal or imitation of the operation of such systems.
- mandatory checks of environmental parameters are introduced;
- visual inspection of the catalytic converter and instrumental exhaust control are provided;
- a positive conclusion of the technical inspection will confirm compliance with environmental requirements.
Penalties and Liability
For operating a vehicle without a functioning catalytic converter:
- for individuals — 100 calculation indicators;
- for legal entities — 350 calculation indicators.
- for individuals — 150 calculation indicators;
- for legal entities — 500 calculation indicators.
- fine of 400 calculation indicators;
- confiscation of the license from the diagnostic center.
- fine of 300 calculation indicators;
- confiscation of equipment from auto services.
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