Potential Ban on Driving Electric Scooters Without a License in Uzbekistan
The Traffic Rules to Include New Regulations for Scooter and Electric Scooter Users
The traffic rules will be updated to incorporate two new paragraphs that outline actions that are forbidden and compulsory for individuals driving scooters and electric scooters. As of January 1, 2024, electric vehicles with an engine capacity of 25 cubic centimeters or more, or a design speed of 25 kilometers per hour or more, must be registered by the State Traffic Safety Inspectorate. This registration requirement also applies to trailers and semi-trailers.
Only individuals possessing a driver’s license of the appropriate category will be permitted to drive vehicles with state registration. The Ministry of Internal Affairs will recommend to the Cabinet of Ministers, within three months, the prohibition of electric scooter rentals. They will also propose a simplified registration process and the assignment of separate state license plates for electric scooters.
A draft resolution of the Cabinet of Ministers titled “On amendments and additions to traffic rules” has been made available for public review. The draft identifies 190 traffic rule violations committed by electric scooter operators during raids conducted in Tashkent since June 14 of this year. The purpose of the resolution is to introduce measures that ensure the safety of road users and compliance with traffic rules when utilizing personal mobility devices (PMDs) and scooters.
Specifically, the draft resolution defines the concepts of “scooter” and “individual means of transportation” and specifies which types of vehicles they refer to. It also supplements appendix 1 of the traffic rules concerning road signs with signs 3.5.1 (prohibiting scooter usage) and 3.34 (prohibiting personal vehicle usage). New paragraphs, 12-1 and 12-2, are introduced to the traffic rules, outlining prohibited and mandatory actions for individuals driving personal vehicles.
Furthermore, the draft resolution adds the terms “scooter” and “personal means of transportation” to the relevant paragraphs of the traffic rules. The regulations prohibit various actions, including the operation of PMDs by individuals under 14 years old (except within enclosed spaces), PMD usage under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or other substances that impair senses and attention, and towing of PMDs. Other prohibited actions include driving without a firm grip on the steering wheel, driving with a passenger, and using a telephone while operating a PMD.
The draft also mandates that PMDs must be equipped with headlights or lanterns, brakes, sound signals, and white reflectors at the front, red or orange reflectors at the side, and red reflectors at the rear. Those operating PMDs are required to adhere strictly to traffic rules while driving. They are allowed to travel on sidewalks, pedestrian and bicycle paths, at speeds not exceeding 6 kilometers per hour. If these paths are not available, they must stay on the right edge of the road, maintaining a speed not exceeding 20 kilometers per hour. PMD users should yield to other traffic participants when leaving parking lots and follow the direction of movement of other vehicles.
These new regulations aim to enhance road safety and promote responsible and lawful usage of scooters and electric scooters.
