Uzbekistan considers restriction on operation of cars older than 40 years

In Uzbekistan, a discussion has begun at the state level on banning the operation of outdated cars that are more than 40-50 years old. The initiative was announced by the head of the Main Road Safety Department Sherzod Ibragimov at a meeting with the participation of the President of the country. The proposal was approved at the highest level, which signals possible legislative changes in the field of motor transport in the near future.

The key argument of the initiative's supporters is ensuring road safety. Cars produced several decades ago often do not meet modern requirements for technical condition, ecology, braking systems, body stability and passive protection system. According to experts, outdated vehicles are becoming one of the causes of accidents and increased air pollution in a number of regions.

According to preliminary estimates, there are still thousands of vehicles produced in the 1970s and 1980s on the country's roads today. Many of them have not undergone major repairs, are not equipped with basic safety equipment, and are often used in rural and suburban areas where technical controls are carried out less regularly.

The idea was further developed by Deputy of the Legislative Chamber and leader of the parliamentary party Alisher Kadyrov. He suggested reducing the age threshold to 25-30 years, provided that the population creates financially favorable conditions for updating personal transport. Possible measures include subsidizing the purchase of new cars, state recycling programs, preferential car loans, and deferring tax obligations when replacing a car.

The economic aspect of this initiative affects several industries at once. First of all — car manufacturers and dealers, for whom this can become an impulse to increase sales. The second key block is the banking sector, which will receive additional demand for consumer and auto loan programs. Finally, the ecosystem of car service, recycling and logistics can be reoriented to more modern standards.

At the time of publication, there are no official regulations on this issue, but the very fact of discussion at the level of the president and Parliament indicates the beginning of a transformation in the country's transport policy. An example for Uzbekistan is the practices of European and Asian countries, where similar measures have already been implemented: a ban on the entry of old cars into megacities, an environmental tax, bonuses for recycling cars, tax incentives for electric vehicles and hybrids.

The issue requires a well-thought-out and step-by-step approach to avoid social tension among owners of old cars, for whom replacing vehicles can become financially burdensome. For Uzbekistan, where cars are often the only source of income, especially in small businesses and agriculture, targeted support and a flexible transition model are important.

Updating the country's fleet can not only improve road safety and environmental friendliness, but also accelerate the development of new production facilities, increase demand for domestic and imported cars, and stimulate the localization of components. Given the growing interest in sustainable mobility and the transition to a "green" economy, such steps are becoming an element of a long-term strategy for transport reform.