The Legal Policy and State Building Committee of the Milli Majlis (National Assembly) discussed proposed amendments to the Law on Road Traffic during its meeting today.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the draft law encompasses several significant innovations aimed at modernizing the country's transport infrastructure and regulatory framework.
Specific Speed Limits for Toll Highways
According to the proposed changes, a distinct speed regime will be established for toll highways in Azerbaijan. The project sets a maximum speed limit of 130 kilometers per hour for passenger cars and trucks with a maximum authorized mass not exceeding 3.5 tons outside of residential areas. For other buses, passenger cars with trailers, and trucks exceeding 3.5 tons, the speed limit is set at a maximum of 90 kilometers per hour.
Updated Definition of "Highway"
The draft law provides a refined definition for the term "highway." A highway is defined as a road with a special movement regime, marked with specific start and end signs, where traffic directions are separated by a median strip or other structural elements. These roads are designed without level crossings with other roads, railways, tram lines, bicycle paths, or pedestrian walkways. Furthermore, the legislation mandates the inclusion of special rest zones and parking areas at least every 50 kilometers.
While the concept of a highway exists in current legislation, these amendments provide a more precise and technically expanded definition to align with international standards and the growing network of high-speed roads in Azerbaijan.
New Rules for Impounded Vehicles
The draft law also clarifies the mechanism for returning vehicles taken to impound lots. In accordance with the Code of Administrative Offenses, when vehicles belonging to drivers who violate stopping, standing, and parking rules are taken to secured lots, the primary condition for their return is the payment of the established fees.
Under the new proposal, vehicle owners will be able to retrieve their cars immediately after paying the amount specified for the transportation and storage of the vehicle at the secured lot of the body determined by the relevant executive authority.
The legislation stipulates that if a vehicle is detained illegally or suffers material damage during detention, the owner has the right to appeal through administrative or judicial channels. The calculation of storage fees at the secured lot will begin at 00:00 on the day following the vehicle's arrival. If administrative proceedings are terminated or an appeal against a fine is upheld, the funds paid for storage will be refunded to the owner.
These legislative updates reflect Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to enhance road safety and streamline transport management. In recent years, the government has invested heavily in the construction of modern highways and the implementation of intelligent transport systems to manage the increasing volume of transit and domestic traffic across the Republic.
Mehman Mirzazade
