Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — During the third plenary session of the Senate held on 24 January 2025, the Senate reviewed the Law "On Amendments and Additions to the Criminal Code, Criminal Procedure Code, and the Code of Administrative Responsibility of the Republic of Uzbekistan in Connection with Improving the Road Traffic Safety System."

The draft law was first discussed on 16 August 2024, during the 55th plenary session of the Senate of the previous convocation. At the time, senators noted that despite measures aimed at improving traffic culture, enhancing driver training and retraining, the number of traffic accidents causing significant harm to citizens’ lives and health remained high.

The adopted law introduces new provisions aimed at preventing the consequences of traffic violations. Specifically, the Criminal Code now includes penalties for repeated instances of driving under the influence of alcohol. Offenders may face corrective labor for two to three years with revocation of certain rights for up to three years, or imprisonment for two to three years. Criminal liability is also introduced for violations during driver training and retraining, conducting examinations, and issuing driver’s licenses, as well as for driving by individuals deprived of the right to operate a vehicle. Additionally, there is liability for non-compliance with safety regulations when operating vehicles powered by compressed or liquefied gas, or mixed diesel and gaseous fuel.

The Code of Administrative Responsibility has been amended to target violations such as aggressive driving, drifting, weaving between lanes, and obstructing traffic. These actions are now classified as road hooliganism.

During the earlier discussions, senators pointed out that certain provisions of the law did not align with modern realities and legislative requirements. A conciliation commission, comprising members of the Senate and deputies of the Legislative Chamber, was formed. After thorough examination of all comments and suggestions, the law was revised.

The revised document introduces administrative penalties for traffic violations that accrue penalty points. Exceeding the set limit of points will now result in a minimum six-month suspension of driving privileges.

The Code of Administrative Responsibility also introduces a new Article 195², which grants citizens the right to photograph and record law enforcement officers while they are performing their duties, as well as to distribute such materials. However, it prohibits distorting the officer’s image or actions with the intent to discredit them. Previously established fines were revised: the fixed fine of 50 base calculation units was replaced with a range of 20 to 50 base units, and the maximum term for administrative detention was reduced from 15 to 10 days. Courts now have the discretion to impose shorter detention periods based on the circumstances of each case.

The new edition of the article also includes liability for disseminating photo and video materials of law enforcement officers in a distorted manner that results in their discreditation.

Senators emphasized that the adoption of this law would promote a culture of road traffic safety, ensure compliance with traffic regulations by all participants, and ultimately reduce the number of road traffic accidents. Following the discussions, the law was approved.