Kyrgyzstan Allows Legalization of Cars with Converted Steering Wheels

Kyrgyzstan's cabinet has approved changes to regulations that will allow the legalization of vehicles with right-hand drive that have been converted to left-hand drive. The decision, signed by Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev, amends a previous resolution concerning the legalization of foreign-registered vehicles.

Previously, cars with steering wheels moved from the right to the left side were excluded from the legalization mechanism. It is estimated that around 50 such vehicles are currently in use for personal purposes across the republic. Before registration, these vehicles must undergo a technical inspection conducted by an accredited unit of the State Enterprise "Center for Technical Equipment" of the Main Department of Road Traffic Safety of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

Upon successful inspection, the owner will receive a conclusion on the vehicle's technical condition. However, the new regulation explicitly prohibits the use of these converted vehicles for commercial activities involving the transportation of passengers and cargo. This restriction aims to ensure safety standards for public transportation and freight services.

The country is currently undergoing a supplementary and final legalization campaign for vehicles with foreign registration numbers, which runs from July 10 to September 1, 2026. This campaign is a one-time event, and extensions are not planned after its conclusion. The move to allow converted vehicles addresses a specific segment of the car market while maintaining commercial transport safety.