Tashkent couriers and moped riders under police scrutiny: bikes being impounded
Tashkent traffic police have escalated checks on moped, scooter and e-bike riders, especially couriers. Registration has been required since October 2025 and an A1 licence since January 2026. According to Yandex, couriers have been fined more than 4.7 billion soums since the start of the year.
In Tashkent, the road-safety service has placed moped, scooter and e-bike riders — especially food-delivery couriers — under tight scrutiny. Vehicles without documents or found in violation are being impounded and riders fined. One courier said his e-bike, capped at 25 km/h, was confiscated after police demanded a driver's licence, leaving him unable to work.
New rules
Registration of mopeds and scooters became mandatory in October 2025. In January 2026 an A1 licence subcategory was introduced: a theory and practical exam are required, but driving school is not mandatory, and holders of A, B, C and D categories are exempt. Under Cabinet Resolution No. 125 of 30 March 2026, the rule applies to vehicles with engines up to 25cc or 0.25 kW and a top speed up to 25 km/h; electric kick-scooters, classed as personal mobility devices, need no licence.
Fines and figures
Figures vary by source: Times of Central Asia reports 4,312 moped and scooter violations in 2026 (about 14 times the 2025 figure); Vzglyad.uz cites 23,785 cases in total. According to Yandex Uzbekistan, couriers have been fined more than 4.7 billion soums (about $390,000) since the start of the year.
Who enforces it
Enforcement is carried out by the Road Traffic Safety Service of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and the Tashkent City Department of Road Safety. The rider stopped on 2 October was charged under Part 1 of Article 135 of the Code of Administrative Responsibility.
