Uzbek Parliament Passes Road Safety Bill in First Reading

Uzbekistan's Parliament Approves Road Safety Legislation in Initial Vote

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) –

On August 4, 2026, the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis gave its first-reading approval to a proposed law that would impose more stringent penalties for serious traffic infractions, as announced by the lower house of parliament's press service.

The legislation introduces revisions to the Criminal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Code of Administrative Responsibility, and the Law on Road Traffic. These amendments are designed to bolster the efficacy of measures aimed at preventing the most hazardous violations on the roads.

A significant new provision is the temporary seizure of cars and other motor vehicles for durations ranging from six months to one year. This action is proposed for offenses such as road hooliganism, orchestrating illicit street races, driving while intoxicated, or refusing a medical examination, particularly when these violations are committed by individuals who do not possess a driver's license. District and city criminal courts will be responsible for issuing decisions regarding vehicle impoundment.

The bill also escalates administrative accountability for several actions, including: allowing a minor to operate a vehicle, unlawfully organizing or participating in street races, parking trucks on road shoulders at night in a way that endangers traffic safety, failing to follow vehicle deregistration protocols, and exceeding the speed limit by over 80 km/h.

Furthermore, the proposal includes the elimination of the right to a discount on fine payments for individuals who repeatedly commit severe administrative offenses.

The amendments also establish criminal liability for permitting a minor to drive a vehicle if such an act leads to bodily injury, death, or other grave outcomes. Concurrently, the penalties for driving under the influence are slated for an increase.

During the parliamentary discussion, deputies underscored that the bill's main purpose is to avert dangerous violations and enhance road safety, rather than merely to impose harsher penalties.

The day prior, the parliamentary faction of the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP) reviewed the bill and voiced its support for the proposed modifications.