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A little guide on basic traffic rules, instructions on how to communicate with traffic police and gas stations where you need to refuel the car.

Someone likes to walk, for some, a bicycle is like a second pair of legs, someone cannot live without speed and rushes off on his/her motorcycle to nowhere, while someone is very comfortable driving, and the landscapes that change at the other side of the car window only decorate their life. The car can even be a second home for some people.

If you are reading this article, then you most likely enjoy spending time behind the wheel. And before you visit Kyrgyzstan you need to know about some the “roads rules” over there.

Let us then consider together all the advantages and disadvantages of the Kyrgyzstan road trip. We’ll learn a little about traffic rules, about what must be in your car and what to do if you accidentally violated some of the traffic rules.

First of all, you, of course, need to rent a car. Let’s say right away, the Kyrgyzstan roads suck. And from mid-September to mid-April they become even more impassable. Therefore, the only right option when choosing a car is an all-wheel-drive SUV.

What should be in your car? A standard set of any driver: first aid kit, warning triangle, cable, and fire extinguisher, spare wheel and all necessary tools for changing the wheel. It is also advisable to have some fuel in the car, in case you suddenly run out of fuel and the nearest gas station is far away. 

And a document confirming the right to own, or use, or dispose of this vehicle – in the case of driving in the absence of its owner.

Also, taking into account the natural features of Kyrgyzstan, it is advisable to have warm clothes, rubber boots and any other things that you might need when the temperature changes abruptly in your car.

You should also familiarize yourself with the traffic regulations of Kyrgyzstan. Below will be written the main traffic rules, which you must be familiar with:

A driver participating in international traffic is required to carry registration documents for the vehicle and driver’s license following the Convention on Road Traffic and also have the vehicle registration and distinctive signs of the state in which it is registered.

The driver is obliged to stop the vehicle and, upon request of the police officers, to hand over to them, as well as combatants and non-staff police officers, to check: a driver’s license of this category, and in case of withdrawal of a driver’s license in the prescribed manner, a temporary permit to drive a vehicle.

When driving on a vehicle equipped with safety belts, be fastened and do not carry passengers who are not wearing seat belts.

But also remember: Persons who have the right to verify documents with the driver of the vehicle or use the vehicle are required to produce an official certificate at the request of the driver.

The driver is forbidden to drive the vehicle while intoxicated (alcoholic, narcotic or otherwise), under the influence of drugs that worsen the reaction and attention, in a painful or tired state that jeopardizes traffic safety.

Also, you should not talk on the phone while driving.

Now let’s talk about speed limits. Outside of inhabited locality, the speed limit is usually 90 km per hour, within inhabited locality around 60 km per hour or 40 km, you should always pay attention to signs.

When traveling outside the inhabited locality, you must turn on the headlights. You will not always know where the borders of the inhabited locality go, so it is advisable to always have the headlights on.

There is such a thing as blinking headlights. Let’s say, a car with high beam headlights turned on is coming and you can “blink” them so that they turn it off.

If the car that goes to you “blinks” headlights, then most likely there is traffic police with radars on your way and you should slow down. This is a kind of driver solidarity.

 What to do if you violated traffic rules?

 It is a shame to admit this, but the traffic police of Kyrgyzstan is a rather corrupt organization. Therefore, the fact that you were stopped does not always mean that you have violated something.

Stay confident, do not enter into confrontation. Try to politely clarify what the problem is. By law, traffic police must provide you with a document that confirms your violation.

It is worth noting that the traffic Kyrgyzstan police officers unlikely to speak English or any other foreign language with you. Therefore, you should call people who speak Russian or Kyrgyz for help or call the company in which you rented a car.

If you are asked to give your driver’s license, try to get them back. Do not give your passport or any other documents. 

And of course, don’t give any money. The fact that you are a foreigner is already very attractive, most likely, they will try to take as much money as possible from you. Remember your rights and do not succumb to provocations.

Where to look for help in case of a car breakdown?

In this case, it is also advisable for you to call your friends who speak English or the agency that gave you the rental car. Name the place where you are at and ask to send a tow truck. If you do not have a connection or you can’t reach anyone, try to stop cars coming by and ask for help.

Where to refuel a car?

When leaving the city or any other locality, fill the tank of the car. There are gas stations outside of the city, but they are located far from each other.

Therefore, each time it is worth filling the tank.

It is recommended to refuel at “ПартнёрНефть” or “Газпром” gas stations, other gas stations are not recommended. 

The average price of AI-92 gasoline at gas stations in the capital is 39.47 som. The average cost of diesel fuel at gas stations is 45.0 som, and liquefied gas (LPG) – 21.1 som.