At the meeting of the Jogorku Kenesh held on January 13, measures to tighten penalties for drivers violating traffic rules while under the influence of alcohol were discussed. It was also proposed to equate mopeds to mechanical vehicles and to introduce a mandatory category A1 driver's license for their operation. These initiatives have become relevant against the backdrop of an increase in the number of traffic accidents involving mopeds, scooters, and personal mobility devices, highlighting the need to enhance road safety.
New measures for drunk drivers and moped licensing
The Committee of the Jogorku Kenesh on judicial and legal issues supported a bill aimed at increasing responsibility for those who violate traffic rules while intoxicated. This bill was developed in accordance with the decree of the President of the Kyrgyz Republic on urgent measures to ensure road safety.
In addition, he noted the necessity of equating mopeds to mechanical vehicles and introducing a mandatory category A1 driver's license for their operation.
Previously proposed initiatives
In September 2025, the committee dealing with transportation and construction approved a bill to introduce driver's licenses for operating scooters and mopeds. The initiator of this document was Deputy Dastan Bekeshev, who emphasized that the sharp increase in personal mobility devices complicates their control and regulation.
- mandatory registration of vehicles with a maximum speed exceeding 50 km/h and an engine capacity of 50 cc;
- establishment of category AM for operating personal mobility devices up to 4 kW and speeds up to 50 km/h — from the age of 14;
- retention of age restrictions: category A1 — from 16 years, category A — from 18 years.
In many countries of the European Union, age restrictions and categories for operating motorcycles and light vehicles are clearly established.
For example:
- category AM applies from the age of 14 for light mopeds and scooters;
- category A1 — from 16 years for low-powered motorcycles;
- category A — from 18 years for full-powered motorcycles.
In Turkey, Russia, Ukraine, and Japan, a category AM or A1 license is also required for operating mopeds and light scooters.
In Kazakhstan, new rules prohibiting the operation of unregistered mopeds and driving them without a driver's license will come into effect on April 5, 2025. These vehicles will be equated to mechanical ones, for which category A1, A, or B licenses, technical inspection, and insurance are required.
New changes in legislation
As reported to the Kabar agency by Nurlan Zholdoshev, senior inspector of the Main Directorate for Road Safety, the proposed changes aim to increase responsibility in the context of rising traffic accidents.
A moped will be defined as a two- or three-wheeled vehicle that does not exceed a speed of 50 km/h, with an engine capacity of up to 50 cc and an electric motor power of 0.25 to 4 kW. This class also includes motor scooters, scooters, and electric scooters.
Additionally, changes will be made to Article 25 of the law, according to which a category A1 driver's license will be required to operate light vehicles from the age of 16,” added Nurlan Zholdoshev.
