From the beginning of 2026, Uzbekistan may introduce a ban on the use of cars older than half a century. This initiative has already sparked heated debates — from safety concerns to fears for the fate of poor owners of old cars.
The Government of Uzbekistan published a draft resolution for discussion, which prohibits the operation of vehicles over 50 years old. The aim of the document is to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents. The bill has provoked active discussion in society and already contains proposals for exceptions and amendments.
What’s in the draft
The draft government resolution, which proposes banning vehicles older than 50 years, is actively discussed in Uzbekistan. The document has been published for public discussion and has already generated active debate.
According to the draft resolution, it is proposed to amend certain regulatory acts to improve road safety and reduce the number of accidents. In particular, it is planned to establish that starting from January 1, 2026:
- the use of vehicles aged 50 years and older is prohibited;
- their re-registration is impossible;
- such vehicles will be deregistered;
- an exception applies to “antique” vehicles.
Basis and necessity of the draft
The explanatory note to the draft resolution states that the initiative was developed by the Ministry of Internal Affairs in implementation of the orders of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The goal is to improve road safety, enhance ecology, and combat illegal use of license plates.
According to the draft, by 2025 more than 5.2 million vehicles were registered in the republic, of which 87.6 thousand are vehicles manufactured over 50 years ago.
Such vehicles do not meet modern safety requirements and environmental standards (Euro‑4, Euro‑5), emit 30% more harmful gases, and are often used in violation of regulations. According to official data, recently 139 cases of illegal use of state license plates have been recorded.
In 2024–2025, 67 road accidents involving vehicles over 50 years old occurred in Uzbekistan, resulting in the deaths of 23 people.
For comparison, the note says that in the United Arab Emirates since 2009 the registration of vehicles older than 20 years has been banned; in Kazakhstan, buses are restricted to 12 years of service, and in Russia — to 10 years for buses.
The explanatory note states that the ban should be introduced gradually, taking into account the possibility of transferring such vehicles to the category of “antique” and introducing separate registration plates for them.
Public discussion
During the discussion of the draft, various opinions were expressed. Some participants proposed increasing the age for assigning “antique” status to 75 years and clarifying the legal definition of the term. Others expressed concern that the ban would affect poor segments of the population for whom old cars are the only means of transport and livelihood.
One participant stated:
“A ban on cars older than 50 years — is this a bill for the welfare of the people or to make the poor even poorer? These cars are driven by people who cannot afford expensive vehicles. This means this law will worsen their lives.”
There were also proposals to create conditions for buying new cars, tighten technical requirements for operating old cars, and organize mechanisms for compensation or disposal. Some participants emphasized that a complete ban on vehicles older than 50 years without such measures would lead to social consequences, including rising unemployment and a decline in living standards.
It was also proposed to clearly define the category of “antique car” to prevent corruption, when, according to a commentator, traffic police officers could assign this status to cars for a fee.