Kyrgyzstan allows legalization of vehicles with relocated steering wheels

Kyrgyzstan is moving to legalize vehicles that have had their steering wheels relocated from the right side to the left side. Amendments to a Cabinet resolution, signed by Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers Adylbek Kasymaliev, will allow these vehicles to be legally registered.

Previously, vehicles with foreign registration plates and modified steering systems were not covered by the country's legalization mechanism. It is estimated that around 50 such vehicles are currently in use in Kyrgyzstan, all for personal purposes. The new amendments aim to bring these vehicles into the formal registration system.

Before registration, these vehicles must undergo a technical inspection conducted by an accredited unit of the Center for Technical Expertise. Following a successful inspection, owners will receive a certificate confirming the vehicle's technical condition. However, the modified vehicles are strictly prohibited from being used for commercial passenger or freight transportation.

The additional legalization campaign for vehicles with foreign number plates is scheduled to run from July 10 to September 1, 2026. This is being presented as a one-time, final measure, and authorities have indicated it will not be extended beyond the specified deadline.