New moped law in Kyrgyzstan could deprive over a thousand families of their income

On 11 March, the Parliament passed in its second reading a draft law amending road safety legislation, which provides for the mandatory registration of mopeds and the requirement to obtain an A1 driving licence.

The International Business Council warns that the abrupt implementation of the law without mechanisms to legalise previously imported mopeds and expand the network of driving schools could deprive more than 1,000 families of their income, as they rely on mopeds for work in delivery, courier services and part-time jobs.

According to the IBC, more than 7,000 couriers and users of low-powered motor vehicles in the country rely on mopeds for their livelihood. Restricting access to vehicle operation will create a risk of job losses, increased logistics costs and rising service prices, which will affect small and medium-sized businesses.

Furthermore, most mopeds were imported previously without mandatory registration; therefore, in the absence of a simplified legalisation mechanism, many owners will be unable to register their vehicles legally. This will lead to an increase in fines and conflicts between drivers and regulatory authorities.

The MDS recommends:

• establishing a transition period of at least 12 months without penalties;
• to provide for simplified registration of previously imported mopeds using the VIN or engine number;
• to permit the use of mopeds during the training period for obtaining an A1 licence.

The MDS emphasises that the phased implementation of the law will improve road safety whilst preserving jobs, household incomes and the stability of the service sector.