Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A new regulation has come into force in Uzbekistan, restricting taxi drivers to operate only within the administrative region where their vehicle is registered and neighboring territories.

The news, initially circulated via Telegram channels, was accompanied by a video explaining that licensing for taxi operations is now tied to the regional registration of the vehicle. For instance, a car with license plates starting with code “01” (Tashkent) is permitted to operate exclusively within Tashkent. The same rule applies to other regions — drivers from Andijan are limited to working within Andijan, those from Karakalpakstan within the Republic, and so forth.

The Ministry of Transport of Uzbekistan has confirmed this restriction, noting that it is part of a new legal framework adopted in 2025, which replaces the previous Cabinet of Ministers Resolution No. 139 from 2011.

Under the new rules, non-scheduled passenger transport services may only be conducted within the region specified in the license and its adjacent administrative areas. For example, a vehicle registered in Tashkent (code 01) may serve passengers in Tashkent, Tashkent Region, and Syrdarya Region. A driver from Tashkent Region (code 10) is permitted to operate in Tashkent, Syrdarya, and Namangan Regions.

However, the People's Democratic Party (PDP) of Uzbekistan has voiced concerns about the potential negative consequences of these restrictions. Party representatives warned that such regulations could fuel illegal taxi operations, limit citizens' right to work, and conflict with constitutional freedoms.

In response, the PDP faction has sent an official inquiry to the Minister of Transport requesting detailed clarification. The Minister has also been summoned to a government session of the Legislative Chamber, where members of parliament expect comprehensive answers and intend to discuss potential improvements to the country’s transportation policy.