Navigating Foreign Territory: Driving Tips for Vehicles with Non-Kazakh Number Plates
Headline: Navigating Car Registration and Fines for Foreign-Plated Vehicles in Kazakhstan
Are you a Russian driver crossing the border into Kazakhstan with your personal vehicle? Fear not! We've got the answers for you.
According to the "Road Traffic" law, all vehicles cruising on Kazakh roads need to be registered, except those participating in international traffic. And what exactly does that mean? Well, it's simple: vehicles that enter Kazakhstan for under a year and are registered in another country, owned by a non-resident, and imported temporarily fall under the category of international traffic.
To elaborate, Colonel of Police Alibek Kenispaev, head of the registration and digitalization department of the KAP of the MIA of RK, made it clear: "Foreign citizens do not need to register their own cars in Kazakhstan if they are in international road traffic. However, they should have a vehicle passport, inspection, and insurance with them."
So, insurance is not optional. Kairat Elamanov, director of strategic planning at the Association of Kazakhstani Automakers (AKAB), insists: "First, a foreign car owner in Kazakhstan should obtain insurance from any insurance company. Operating a vehicle on Kazakh territory without insurance is banned."
Shifting Landscape
Previously, cars from Russia and Armenia could roam free on Kazakh roads without registration. But the rules have changed. Kairat Elamanov explained that vehicles registered in Eurasian Economic Union member countries must spend minimum 30 days outside Kazakhstan annually to qualify for international traffic rules. That means, if you take your car out of Kazakhstan for 30 days, the international traffic rules apply again the next year.
However, the experts hint that the rules could change. "Temporarily imported vehicles must register temporarily, i.e., legalize their status, but this is not always done," said Kairat Elamanov. "There are no fines for drivers without temporary registration. Penalties will only apply if the country is not exited within a year. The regulations of imported vehicles are being discussed in light of the latest presidential order."
No Free Pass
When it comes to traffic violations, foreign-plated vehicles are not immune to fines. Kairat Elamanov confirmed: "There are measures to hold drivers with foreign plates accountable for traffic violations. Driving without Kazakh insurance is illegal. Data is transmitted to the police through insurance companies."
Curious about Russian car imports, foreign plate vehicles' safety checks, or the number of Russians arriving in Almaty? Be sure to check out our other articles for more insightful info!
Did You Know?When dealing with foreign-plated vehicles in international traffic in Kazakhstan, it's crucial to comply with local regulations regarding registration, insurance, customs, and border regulations. Consulting with the relevant authorities will provide precise and current guidelines. Moreover, monitoring official announcements from the Kazakhstani government or relevant international bodies is essential for staying informed about potential changes affecting foreign-plated vehicles.
Foreign-plated vehicles, even while participating in international traffic in Kazakhstan, should still have insurance, as stated by Kairat Elamanov, the director of strategic planning at the Association of Kazakhstani Automakers (AKAB).
Considering the shifting landscape, it's essential for vehicles registered in Eurasian Economic Union member countries to spend a minimum of 30 days outside Kazakhstan annually to maintain the benefits of international traffic rules, explained Kairat Elamanov.
