Deputy of the Jogorku Kenesh Marlen Mamataliyev has proposed a draft law aimed at improving the environmental situation in the country and reducing harmful emissions from vehicles.
The proposal includes amendments to the Law "On Road Traffic in the Kyrgyz Republic" and the KR Code on Offenses, which have been submitted for public discussion.
Essence of the Draft Law
The main objective of the draft law is to reduce pollutant emissions through the implementation of legal mechanisms. These mechanisms will aim to ensure that vehicle owners comply with environmental standards, particularly regarding the presence and functionality of catalytic converters.
Significance of the Initiative
The justification for the draft law emphasizes that air pollution is one of the main factors threatening public health. According to information from the World Bank and WHO, the economic losses from diseases and deaths caused by air pollution amount to trillions of dollars annually. For Kyrgyzstan, such losses create a significant burden on the healthcare system and the state budget.
Particular attention is paid to the role of road transport, as in large cities, including Bishkek and Osh, the increasing number of vehicles negatively affects air quality. It is reminded that in January 2021, Bishkek ranked first in the list of the most polluted cities in the world according to AirVisual.
Impact of Catalytic Converters on Fuel Consumption
The document emphasizes that the removal of catalytic converters and engine modifications, widely advertised in auto services, not only contribute to increased emissions of harmful substances but also lead to a 5–15% increase in fuel consumption. This, in turn, also increases the volume and cost of imported fuel.
A properly functioning exhaust gas neutralization system (catalytic converter and oxygen sensors) contributes to more complete fuel combustion and reduces emissions of carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and unburned hydrocarbons.
Kyrgyzstan's International Commitments
As a participant in the Paris Agreement, Kyrgyzstan has committed to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The transport sector has been identified as one of the key areas for achieving these goals. The introduction of control over the presence and functionality of catalytic converters is a concrete step in this direction.
Control and Responsibility
The absence of eco-posts and effective monitoring on the roads makes it impossible to determine the actual number of vehicles that do not meet environmental standards. The draft law proposes to improve the system of state control and lay the foundations for an environmentally oriented transport policy that meets international standards.
The justification note states that in EU countries, the USA, and Japan, the removal of catalytic converters is considered a serious offense, punishable by hefty fines, and control is carried out both during technical inspections and using mobile gas analyzers.
Additional Benefits
The adoption of the law could also serve as a basis for a system of accounting and responsible disposal of used catalytic converters containing precious metals, which would help combat their theft and create a new sector for legal recycling.
According to the initiator's opinion, the proposed changes will help foster a responsible attitude towards vehicle operation and reduce atmospheric pollution, which will positively impact the health of citizens.
Main Provisions of the Draft Law
The draft law includes mandatory environmental requirements for the operation of vehicles, enhanced control over the presence and functionality of catalytic converters, as well as responsibility for their removal and forgery during technical inspections.
Key Changes
For the first time at the legislative level, a definition of a catalytic converter is introduced as a mandatory element of the exhaust system for vehicles where it is provided by design.
Environmental requirements will be officially included in the field of road safety — vehicles must be safe not only for road users but also for the environment and public health.
Responsibilities of vehicle owners:
- to use vehicles only with functioning catalytic converters, particulate filters, or other systems for reducing exhaust toxicity;
- not to allow the removal or imitation of the operation of such systems.
- mandatory checking of environmental parameters is introduced;
- visual inspection of the catalytic converter and instrumental control of emissions are provided;
- a positive conclusion of the technical inspection will confirm compliance with environmental requirements.
Penalties and Responsibility
For driving a vehicle without a functioning catalytic converter:
- individuals — 100 calculation indicators;
- legal entities — 350 calculation indicators.
- individuals — 150 calculation indicators;
- legal entities — 500 calculation indicators.
- fine of 400 calculation indicators;
- revocation of the license from the diagnostic center.
- fine of 300 calculation indicators;
- confiscation of equipment from auto services.
