Uzbek Parliament Passes Road Safety Bill in First Reading
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — The Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis passed in first reading on 4 August 2026 a draft law providing for harsher penalties for severe traffic violations, the press service of the lower house of parliament reported.
The document introduces amendments to the Criminal Code, the Code of Criminal Procedure, the Code of Administrative Responsibility, and the Law on Road Traffic. The amendments aim to enhance the effectiveness of measures to prevent the most dangerous road violations.
One of the key innovations is the temporary impoundment of cars and motor vehicles for a period of six months to one year.
This measure is proposed for road hooliganism, organizing illegal street racing, driving under the influence, or refusing a medical examination, if these violations are committed by individuals who do not hold a driver's license. Decisions to impound vehicles will be made by district and city criminal courts.
The bill also increases administrative liability for transferring control of a vehicle to a minor, illegally organizing and participating in street races, leaving trucks on road shoulders at night in a manner that creates a traffic safety hazard, violating vehicle deregistration procedures, and exceeding the speed limit by more than 80 km/h.
In addition, it proposes revoking the right to a discount on fine payments in the event of repeated severe administrative offenses.
The amendments further introduce criminal liability for allowing a minor to drive a vehicle if it results in bodily injury, death, or other severe consequences. Simultaneously, sanctions for driving while intoxicated are set to be increased.
During the debate, deputies emphasized that the primary objective of the bill is to prevent dangerous violations and improve road safety, rather than imposing stricter penalties for their own sake.
A day earlier, the bill was reviewed by the parliamentary faction of the Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP), which expressed support for the proposed changes.
