Health Ministry defines conditions exempting drivers from seat belt use

The list was developed in accordance with the government resolution “On approval of the traffic rules” and provides that citizens who have the specified medical conditions and possess a medical certificate are permitted not to use a seat belt.

According to the document, the list includes bone fractures, severe cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, conditions following certain surgical procedures, as well as illnesses associated with physical limitations. The list was approved by Order No. 29 of the minister of health dated December 24, 2025.

Main medical conditions and circumstances in which wearing a seat belt is not possible

The list includes the following:

• Fractures of the clavicle and sternum
• Fractures of the shoulder girdle
• Rib fractures
• Surgical operations performed due to dislocation of the left clavicle
• Nonunion fracture (false joint) of the left clavicle
• Compression fractures of the spine
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (stage IV)
• Bronchial asthma (stage IV)
• Interstitial lung diseases (fibrosis and others)
• Surgical removal of part or all of a lung (left or right) – lobectomy, pneumonectomy
• Chronic heart failure, stage III and the decompensated stage
• Severe cardiovascular diseases (previous myocardial infarctions, ischemia and others)
• Class III (morbid) obesity (body mass index ≥ 40)
• Short stature (nanism) – height below 150 centimeters
• Neurological diseases that restrict movement of the arm or shoulder
• Severe forms of allergic or dermatological diseases affecting the chest area (eczema, psoriasis and others)
• Presence of internal or external implants in the clavicle, scapula, shoulder, sternum or ribs
• Open-type surgical operations performed on the chest and abdominal cavity
• Presence of stomas
• Large masses (tumors) in the chest area

How is a medical certificate issued?

An electronic medical certificate confirming the presence of these conditions is issued with a QR code and provided through the “Electronic healthcare” information system. The certificate is issued by the primary healthcare facility to which the patient is attached or by the medical institution where the patient received treatment.

Depending on the type of condition, the medical certificate may be issued for a period of up to one year or on a permanent (indefinite) basis. In particular, citizens who have had part or all of a lung removed, as well as individuals whose height is below 150 cm, are issued certificates without a time limit. In cases involving certain bone fractures and post-surgical conditions, the document is issued for periods of two months, four months, six months, or one year.

This procedure is intended to ensure road safety while also providing legal clarity for citizens who, due to health reasons, are unable to use seat belts.

Seat belt requirements in Uzbekistan

Under the traffic rules, drivers and front-seat passengers are required to wear seat belts before starting to drive if the vehicle is equipped with seat belts.

Drivers are also obligated to warn passengers to fasten their seat belts. For rear-seat passengers, this requirement is conditional, with exceptions for children under the age of 12, pregnant women, and individuals who are unable to wear a seat belt due to health reasons.

Failure to wear a seat belt results in a fine for the driver. As of 2025, the fine amounts to approximately UZS 206,000.