Starting from February 1, 2026, new rules will be introduced in Uzbekistan that completely prohibit the operation and re-registration of cars older than 50 years. This initiative was announced by the Ministry of Justice of the country, and old cars will be forcibly removed from the state register. Additionally, specialized license plates will be introduced for categories such as heavy machinery, quarry vehicles, legal taxis, and certified antiques. Car registration will become fully digital: the Ministry of Internal Affairs' systems will be integrated with data from other agencies, allowing traffic police officers to quickly obtain electronic sales contracts and invoices. Furthermore, the new registration certificates will not indicate the owner's place of residence.
Implementing such measures in Kyrgyzstan, especially in Bishkek, could significantly impact improving air quality. The capital faces a serious pollution problem caused by a large number of old cars that have long exceeded their operational lifespan and do not meet environmental standards. These vehicles contribute significantly to the formation of winter smog.
The example of neighboring countries proves that without decisive actions to limit the use of outdated cars, it is impossible to solve problems related to traffic congestion and ecology. Introducing an age limit on vehicles in Bishkek could greatly ease traffic flow in the city and encourage the market to update its fleet to more environmentally friendly models. Combined with the digitization of databases, as done in Uzbekistan, such an approach could become an effective means of creating a safe and clean urban environment.
