Road safety measures strengthened in Uzbekistan with updated traffic signs

Uzbekistan’s traffic regulations are set to include new warning and informational signs. The changes were outlined in a resolution titled "Amendments and Additions to Improve Road Infrastructure and Safety in Uzbekistan," announced for public discussion on April 3, 2025, by the Cabinet of Ministers.

The amendments aim to expand Section 6 of the traffic rules with additional subclauses defining accident-prone areas and new categories of road signs.

Definition of Accident-Prone Areas: An "Accident Hotspot" refers to a section of road or intersection outside residential areas, up to 1,000 meters long, or within residential areas, up to 200 meters long, where a series of similar accidents or five or more accidents of varying types have occurred within a year, resulting in fatalities or injuries.

Accident Hotspot areas are classified into three categories:

• Long-Term: Areas requiring extensive construction or relocation of physical structures, such as bridges over water bodies or large-scale modifications to hilly terrain.
• Seasonal: Areas prone to accidents due to adverse weather conditions.
• Short-Term: Areas requiring up to three months for improvements to address accident risks.

New Warning Signs: The traffic regulations will introduce two new warning signs:

• 1.15.1 “Chains and Tires in Use”: Alerts drivers and pedestrians to snowy or icy road conditions in mountainous or desert areas during winter, ensuring safe and continuous travel.
• 1.36 “Accident Hotspot”: Provides notice of areas prone to accidents, accompanied by additional signs such as “Speed Limit,” “Object Distance,” “Effect Range,” and “Effect Direction.”

Additional Informational Signs: Four new informational signs will be included:

• 7.27 “Pedestrian Collision”: Indicates risk of accidents involving pedestrians.
• 7.28 “Vehicle Collision”: Alerts drivers to collision-prone areas.
• 7.29 “Cyclist Collision”: Warns of risks involving cyclists.
• 7.30 “Vehicle Overturn”: Identifies areas where vehicle overturning is a potential danger.

The resolution also addresses technical aspects, such as pricing for road marking paints and tools for traffic organization. Market rates will be reviewed monthly, and any discrepancies will be resolved collaboratively between contractors, road safety services, and relevant government ministries.

The public discussion on these changes will continue until April 18, 2025.

Note: A previous resolution adopted on November 30, 2024, introduced the “Elevated Pedestrian Crossing” road sign aimed at improving pedestrian safety.