New red license plates for heavy trucks to be introduced in Uzbekistan

In Uzbekistan, special license plates will be introduced for heavy trucks to protect transport infrastructure and increase road safety. In recent years, the number of trucks in the country has sharply increased, nearly tripling over the past 15 years. This increases the load on roads, accelerates their wear, and raises the number of traffic accidents.

Starting from January 1, 2026, separate license plates will be issued for vehicles with a gross weight of over 44 tons, as well as for large dump trucks used in quarries. The new plates have a red background with white letters and numbers and are presented in the “YUK” series. The left side displays the regional code, while the right side shows the national flag and the “UZ” marking.

According to experts, this system has several advantages:

• Road inspectors will be able to quickly identify the heaviest vehicles;

• Excessive load on roads is prevented, reducing accelerated wear;

• Traffic flow is regulated, and congestion decreases;

• The number of accidents on roads is reduced, increasing safety.

Additionally, it is proposed to strengthen penalties for leaving trucks on the roadside at night. According to statistics, in 2024 alone, such incidents caused 113 accidents, resulting in 47 fatalities.

The new system will not only ensure infrastructure safety but also facilitate precise accounting of heavy vehicles and drivers, improving traffic control and enhancing road safety.