Uzbekistan Driving Side 2026: Right, 60 km/h in Town

Uzbekistan drives on the right, with the steering wheel on the left, so it is drivers arriving from the UK, Japan, India or Australia who have the adjustment to make at junctions and roundabouts. Carry the original of your national licence with an International Driving Permit alongside it — photocopies are not accepted at a roadside check — and expect 60 km/h in cities, 70 km/h in smaller settlements and 100 km/h on open roads, motorways included.

Your case: Which permit you need depends on the convention your own licence country signed, not on Uzbekistan alone — put both into the IDP checker before you book the car.

The blood alcohol limit of 0.03 is close enough to zero that nothing before driving is the only safe reading. Studded tyres are permitted seasonally and winter tyres are not compulsory, the legal tread minimum is 1.6 mm, and emergencies go to police on 102, ambulance on 103 and fire on 101.

Emergency Numbers in Uzbekistan

Police: 102 | Ambulance: 103 | Fire: 101

Source: Global Affairs Canada, Uzbekistan travel advice.

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Uzbekistan, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan’s Road Traffic Rules (Cabinet of Ministers resolution No. 172 of 12 April 2022, chapter 11) set these limits for cars:

The rules have no separate motorway limit: the 100 km/h out-of-town limit applies on motorways too, and local councils may raise or lower limits on particular stretches with signs (clause 80). Intercity buses and minibuses are limited to 90 km/h outside settlements; other buses, cars towing a trailer, motorcycles and goods vehicles over 3.5 t to 80 km/h; goods vehicles with a trailer to 70 km/h (clause 79). Source: lex.uz.

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Uzbekistan vary based on how much you exceed the posted limit. Fines increase sharply for higher violations and may include licence points or driving bans for serious offences.

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free systems are permitted.

Use headlights in poor visibility, tunnels, and at night. Some areas require headlights at all times.

Priority at intersections follows posted signs. When no signs are present, yield to traffic from the right.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Uzbekistan is 0.03% BAC. This is higher than Turkmenistan (0.00% (zero tolerance) BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyres are not required in Uzbekistan. Standard tyres are sufficient for normal driving conditions.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm.

Studded tyres are allowed in Uzbekistan during winter months. Check specific dates and conditions.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Uzbekistan guide.

Driving License Requirements

Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted.

Parking and Fuel

Parking in major cities can be limited and expensive. Shopping centres and commercial areas usually have dedicated car parks. Read signs carefully to avoid towing.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Uzbekistan has extreme continental climate. Winter driving (November to March) requires caution — ice, snow, and reduced visibility are common. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. Allow extra following distance on slippery roads.

Summer driving is generally straightforward with long daylight hours. Watch for tourist traffic near popular destinations.

Practical Driving Tips for Uzbekistan

• Download offline maps of Uzbekistan before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.