Gov’t introduces driver-friendly reforms to ease road regulations

Uzbekistan has announced a series of major regulatory changes aimed at easing conditions for drivers. These include the elimination of automatic fines for crossing road markings, the mandatory placement of radar warning signs, permission to use bus lanes at night, removal of unnecessary "No Parking" signs, and a shift of roadworks to nighttime hours only. The reforms were introduced following a directive from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, according to his press secretary Sherzod Asadov.

Cameras will no longer automatically fine for crossing lane markings

Starting from June 1, traffic cameras and automated photo-video recording systems will no longer issue fines for vehicles crossing road markings, except for violations involving the stop line.

“If a driver crosses a road line, it will no longer be recorded as a violation by radar or surveillance cameras. Therefore, no automatic fine will be issued. However, if such a violation is identified by a traffic officer, it will be processed through the standard procedure,” Sherzod Asadov clarified.

Daytime roadworks in cities banned

From June 1, road maintenance and line painting works on city roads will be prohibited between 07:00 and 21:00. Exceptions include weekends and emergency situations.

“From now on, road repairs and repainting of lane markings will only be carried out at night when traffic volume is lower. This change will ease daily commutes, school drop-offs, and hospital visits while also helping reduce traffic congestion,” the president’s press service explained.

Radar warning signs to be mandatory

Beginning September 1, all stationary and mobile radars used to monitor vehicle speed must be preceded by a “Radar” warning sign. These signs should be installed at a distance of no less than 250 meters and no more than 500 meters from the radar.

Nighttime use of bus lanes permitted

Effective immediately, from 23:00 to 06:00, vehicles other than public transport are allowed to use lanes marked with the letter “A” — previously reserved for buses.

“Considering that most bus routes stop operating after 11 PM, and to improve convenience, other vehicles are now permitted to use these lanes during nighttime hours. This will no longer be considered a violation,” the official statement said.

Speed limit relaxed near schools and kindergartens at night

Speed limits near schools and kindergartens will be relaxed from 19:00 to 07:00, and on weekends and holidays, allowing drivers to travel at the general permitted speed limit for the area.

Since April 2022, a 30 km/h limit has been enforced within 300 meters of educational institutions. The new rule allows a higher limit outside of school hours and on non-working days.

"No Parking" signs to be reviewed and removed if unjustified

All “No Parking” and “No Stopping” signs will be reviewed for necessity. Those deemed unnecessary will be removed. In addition, signs indicating time restrictions for these rules will be installed.

“For instance, if a sign says “No stopping” from 07:00 to 21:00, then vehicles will be allowed to park in that zone freely between 21:00 and 07:00,” the press service explained.

Railway crossings to replace “Stop” signs with traffic lights

Currently, some railway crossings in the country require drivers to stop even if no trains are passing, causing unnecessary traffic congestion. Examples include crossings on Fergana Yuli Street, the intersection of Choponota and Shota Rustaveli Streets, and the Kichik Halqa Yuli (Qushbegi) in Tashkent.

To address this, the government has ordered that “Stop” signs at certain railway crossings be replaced with controlled traffic lights.

All traffic cameras and radar systems to be reassessed by year-end

By the end of 2025, the Ministry of Internal Affairs will conduct a comprehensive review of all traffic monitoring equipment across roads and intersections. Equipment installed without proper authorization or failing to meet technical standards will be dismantled.

Additionally:

• In areas with frequent speeding violations, electronic display boards will be installed to show drivers their current speed as a warning.
• Steps will be taken to ensure data privacy and prevent misuse when private companies use surveillance equipment.

First-time minor violations will receive a warning, not a fine

A new law is being developed to introduce “administrative warnings” as a new penalty measure. For minor first-time violations of traffic regulations, drivers will receive a formal warning from a traffic inspector instead of a fine. This warning may only be issued once within a calendar year.