Working in a taxi is the primary source of income for many drivers who support their families. They are confident that the ban will negatively impact their financial situation. Taxi drivers also note that a large portion of their vehicles was purchased on credit, and in the event of restrictions, they risk being unable to meet their financial obligations.
Shirinbek Niyazaliev, a foreman at one of the taxi companies, described the main problems faced by drivers. He reported that previously the company had 116 vehicles, but now only 76 remain. According to him, the issue of the legality of right-hand drive cars has been discussed for a year; however, they are brought into the country not only by taxi drivers but also by other organizations. “We live in a remote area, and right-hand drive vehicles are the most accessible and reliable for us. We take loans, work, pay taxes, and feed our families. Accidents happen not because of the cars, but because of drivers who obtain licenses illegally,” Niyazaliev noted.
Taxi drivers report that the cost of a trip on the At-Bashy—Bishkek route is 900 soms, while expenses for fuel, spare parts, and maintenance have increased. Every 8,000 kilometers, they have to change the oil and undergo scheduled maintenance, which adds to their financial burden.
Tighter road controls also create additional difficulties. Drivers note an increase in the number of traffic police checkpoints, the use of drones for monitoring, and intensified checks for compliance with regulations. They believe this creates additional pressure on them.
Taxi drivers are asking the authorities to consider the specifics of remote regions when making decisions and to review the ban on right-hand drive vehicles, emphasizing that they are not a burden on the state; on the contrary, they work officially, pay taxes, and contribute to the country’s economy.
As of August 22, 2025, a ban on the use of right-hand drive vehicles for commercial passenger transport came into effect in Kyrgyzstan.
The main provisions of the ban include:
- Licensing: All taxi drivers must obtain a special license; however, licenses are not issued to owners of right-hand drive vehicles.
- Effective dates: The law came into effect on August 22, 2025.
- Postponement of checks: The start of mass checks for the presence of licenses has been postponed to February 1, 2026, to give drivers time to prepare.
What does this mean for drivers?
- Ban on operation: As of February 1, 2026, the use of right-hand drive vehicles as taxis will become illegal.
- Fines: Penalties for working without a license, which will not be issued to owners of right-hand drive vehicles, are as follows:
- For individuals — 7,500 soms.
- For legal entities — 23,000 soms.
- Personal use: The ban only concerns commercial transport; the use of right-hand drive vehicles for personal purposes is still allowed.
- Additional restrictions: It is also prohibited to transport passengers in right-hand drive vehicles on mountain roads due to high accident rates.
The main reason for the introduction of the ban, as stated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate, is safety. Statistics show that right-hand drive vehicles are more often involved in accidents with serious consequences, especially during overtaking on highways due to limited visibility for the driver.
