Phone Use Fines: Lawyers Demand Reform of Outdated Driving Regulations in Kazakhstan

A growing gap between modern digital reality and aging legislation has sparked a national debate in Kazakhstan. Legal experts are calling for urgent amendments to the Code of Administrative Offenses, arguing that current regulations on mobile phone use while driving are "relics of the past" that create significant corruption risks, reports "Channel 31."

Since March 12, 2026, Kazakhstan has officially launched automatic detection for seatbelt and mobile phone violations via "Sergek" and other traffic camera systems. While the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) has yet to release comprehensive statistics, the move has triggered widespread anxiety among motorists.

On social media, drivers are sharing "hacks" to evade the cameras:

• Hiding devices under hats or headgear;

• Using small umbrellas to shield the dashboard from camera view.

Auto experts warn that these tactics are not only ineffective against high-resolution AI cameras but also dangerously distract drivers, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Lawyer Saiken Aisin points out that the current legal framework was designed nearly 18 years ago, when mobile phones were primarily used for calls and SMS. Today, smartphones are essential professional tools for taxi drivers, couriers, and delivery services who rely on navigation and order-management apps.

"Vague and ambiguous legal definitions allow law enforcement to apply rules selectively. This creates a breeding ground for corruption," Aisin stated.

Experts also highlighted a perceived double standard, noting that police officers frequently use radio transmitters (walkie-talkies) while driving - an action that remains legally gray under current definitions.

Automotive expert Alexey Alexeyev argues that verbal clarifications from the MIA cannot replace formal law. Without clear legislative criteria, judges may interpret the law inconsistently during appeals.

Current MIA Guidelines:

• Prohibited: Holding a phone to the ear or in the hand while driving, even in traffic jams.

• Permitted: Using a phone mounted on a special holder (cradle).

• Caveat: Any interaction (tapping the screen) must not distract the driver from the road.

Legal professionals are demanding that the Administrative Code be synchronized with the "Digital Code" to ensure fines are issued fairly and to eliminate the disparity between modern technology and outdated enforcement.