Kazakhstan (KZ)
Kazakhstan is the world's ninth-largest country by area and the largest landlocked nation — a vast Central Asian republic stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Altai Mountains, encompassing endless steppes, dramatic canyons, and the remnants of the ancient Silk Road.
Driving in Kazakhstan
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving in Kazakhstan is on the right side of the road. Road infrastructure in Almaty and Astana is generally good and improving; inter-city highways vary from excellent (Almaty–Astana corridor) to poor (remote regional roads). Driving conditions can be extremely challenging in winter — Astana temperatures of -30°C to -40°C require proper winter preparations. Speed cameras are widespread on highways. Kazakhstan has a relatively high road accident rate; defensive driving is essential. Traffic police (Дорожная полиция / ДПС) have been modernised and random stops are now less common than previously, but document checks do occur.
Driving Licence Exchange
Foreign driving licences are valid for up to 60 days from the date of registration as a resident. After 60 days, residents must exchange their foreign licence at the Traffic Police (GIBDD / Жол полициясы). CIS country nationals can use their national licences directly. International Driving Permits (IDP) are accepted for tourists/visitors up to 180 days. UK licence exchange requires a theory test; most EU licences exchange directly.
Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia
CIS and EAEU member-state licences are directly recognised in Kazakhstan under the EAEU/CIS Mutual Recognition of Driving Licences agreement. No theory or practical test is required. Submit at the Road Police (Жол полициясы): home country licence, passport, IIN, medical certificate (Form 086-U), and photos. Pay state duty ₸3,200–6,400.
EAEU members (Russia, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan, Armenia) have the most streamlined process. Other CIS states also qualify for direct exchange. Verify current status at your local Road Police office.
Direct exchange available for most EU nationalities. Submit at the Road Police office (Жол полициясы): foreign driving licence + notarised Russian translation, passport, IIN, medical certificate (Form 086-U), eye test certificate, 2 passport photos. Pay state duty ₸3,200–6,400. Receive Kazakhstani licence within 3–7 working days.
EU licences are generally accepted for direct exchange. Verify your specific country's bilateral agreement with Kazakhstan at the local Road Police office.
Submit at the Road Police office: foreign driving licence + notarised Russian translation, passport, IIN, medical certificate (Form 086-U), eye test certificate, 2 passport photos. Some non-EU countries require a written theory test (Kazakhstani road rules). UK licence: theory test required. US, Canadian, Australian licences: theory test typically required. CIS country licences: direct exchange, no test.
Bring all documents in originals plus copies. Medical certificate (Form 086-U) must be from a licensed Kazakhstani medical institution — obtain on arrival. Theory test is in Russian or Kazakh; translation assistance available at Road Police offices.
Road Rules
Residential/courtyards: 20 km/h. Urban roads: 60 km/h. Rural roads: 90 km/h. Motorways/expressways: 110 km/h (some sections 140 km/h where signed). School zones: 20 km/h when children present. Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 1 April in most regions — dedicated winter tyres with ice studs are strongly recommended for Astana conditions (-30°C to -40°C).
0 BAC — absolute zero tolerance. Any measurable blood alcohol above 0.0 is illegal. Penalties: licence suspension 1–3 years plus significant fines. Repeat offenders face criminal charges. Driving after any alcohol consumption is illegal.
Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited. Hands-free devices are permitted. Fine for violation: ₸10 MCI = ₸38,930 (2026).
Mandatory for all occupants in all seats. Children under 150 cm or 12 years must use age-appropriate child seats. Fine for non-compliance: ₸5 MCI = ₸19,465 (2026).
Children under 150 cm in height or under 12 years of age must be seated in an approved child restraint system (child seat, booster seat, or ISOFIX system). Child seats must meet UN ECE R44/04 or R129 standard. Check child seat availability before arrival — a limited range is available in Almaty/Astana.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Traffic fines in Kazakhstan are calculated in MCI (Monthly Calculation Index — ₸3,893 in 2026). Fines can be paid at ЦОН service centres, Kaspi.kz, or via the Kölik (e-government transport portal). Speed cameras are widespread on highways — camera fines arrive by post and can be checked at GIBDD.kz. Unpaid fines result in vehicle registration suspension at renewal.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding 10–20 km/h over limit | 3 MCI = ₸11,679 | — |
| Speeding 20–40 km/h over limit | 5 MCI = ₸19,465 | 1 point |
| Speeding 40+ km/h over limit | 10 MCI = ₸38,930 | Licence suspension 3 months |
| Red light violation | 5–10 MCI = ₸19,465–38,930 | — |
| No seatbelt | 5 MCI = ₸19,465 | — |
| Handheld mobile phone while driving | 10 MCI = ₸38,930 | — |
| No valid ОГПО insurance | 10 MCI = ₸38,930 + vehicle immobilised | — |
| No winter tyres in winter season (Nov–Apr) | 5 MCI = ₸19,465 | — |
| Drink driving — first offence (any BAC above 0) | 200 MCI + licence suspension 1 year | — |
Buying a Car
Kazakhstan has a large and active used car market. New vehicles are available from official dealers (Toyota, Hyundai, Chevrolet, and local Saryarka assembly). Used cars are primarily traded via Kolesa.kz (the main automotive classifieds platform) and OLX.kz. Japanese right-hand drive imports are legal but require conversion and can complicate driving licence exchange for some nationalities.
- 1.Search on Kolesa.kz for the vehicle you want. Filter by city, make, model, year, and price.
- 2.Inspect the vehicle in person — check the VIN at aisee.kz (official vehicle history check) for accident history, stolen status, and encumbrances (залог).
- 3.Negotiate price and agree terms. A private sale agreement (договор купли-продажи) is required.
- 4.Visit a ЦОН (government service centre) together with the seller to transfer ownership — both parties must attend with passports and IINs.
- 5.Pay vehicle transfer tax (if applicable) and registration fees at ЦОН.
- 6.Purchase mandatory ОГПО (third-party motor insurance) before driving — available at insurance offices or instantly via Kaspi.kz.
- 7.Register the vehicle in your name at the Road Police (Жол полициясы) within 10 days of purchase.
- •VIN check at aisee.kz — confirms accident history, stolen status, and any registered encumbrances (залог)
- •Confirm no outstanding fines or debts registered against the vehicle at GIBDD.kz
- •Confirm valid technical inspection coupon (талон техосмотра) for vehicles over 3 years old
- •Verify seller's identity matches the vehicle registration certificate (СТС)
Vehicle registration fee: ₸2,500–10,000 depending on vehicle age and type. Number plates: ₸9,000–50,000 (standard vs. personalised). Annual vehicle tax: varies by engine displacement (₸700–7,000/year for passenger cars). Technical inspection: ₸3,000–8,000. ОГПО mandatory insurance: ₸5,000–25,000/year.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
Register your vehicle at the Traffic Police (Жол полициясы / ГИБДД) within 10 days of purchase or import. Required documents: purchase contract or customs declaration, vehicle passport (ПТС/техпаспорт), owner's passport and IIN, payment of registration fees and vehicle tax, valid mandatory third-party insurance (ОГПО), and valid technical inspection coupon (техосмотр) if vehicle is over 3 years old. New vehicles 0–3 years old are exempt from technical inspection. Registration fee: ₸2,500–10,000. Number plates: ₸9,000–50,000.
ОГПО (Обязательное Государственное Страхование Гражданско-Правовой Ответственности) — mandatory third-party liability insurance — is required for all vehicle owners and drivers. Annual cost: ₸5,000–25,000 depending on vehicle type, region, and driver history. Purchase at insurance offices or instantly via Kaspi.kz app. After any road accident: call 102 (police) immediately, do not move vehicles until police arrive and complete the accident report (схема ДТП). Comprehensive КАСКО insurance is strongly recommended for Almaty conditions (high accident rate, hail damage, theft risk).
Required annually for vehicles over 3 years old. Vehicles 0–3 years old are exempt. Inspection at authorised technical inspection stations (СТО / станция техосмотра). Cost: ₸3,000–8,000. Book via the Kölik portal (egov.kz) or visit a station directly. On passing, receive a technical coupon (талон техосмотра) valid for 1 year — this must be visible on the windscreen. Failure to have a valid coupon: ₸5 MCI fine.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure is developing in Almaty and Astana, with dedicated cycle paths in some districts. Almaty has a growing cycling community and mountain biking trails in the foothills. Astana has wider roads but harsh winters (November–March) make year-round cycling challenging. Bicycle theft is a risk in both cities — use a quality lock.
- •Cyclists must use cycle lanes where available
- •Helmets are recommended but not legally required for adults
- •Children under 14 must wear helmets
- •Lights and reflectors required when cycling after dark
- •Cycling on pavements (sidewalks) is permitted only where cycle lanes are absent
- •Alcohol restrictions apply to cyclists — cycling under the influence is an offence
- •The Almaty Cycling Community Facebook group is the best resource for routes, events, and safety tips
- •Mountain biking trails near Almaty are excellent — access via Shymbulak road (Medeu direction)
- •Almaty has a bike-share scheme (Almaty Velopark) — available via mobile app in warmer months
- •Astana city centre has dedicated cycle paths along major boulevards
- •Avoid cycling on the main highways — traffic volumes and driving standards make it dangerous