Taliban Interior Ministry Imposes Restrictions on Right-Hand Drive Vehicles

Kokcha News Agency: According to a statement from the Taliban Interior Ministry, owners of right-hand drive vehicles that have obtained registration and stickers from Kabul Traffic Department and provincial traffic offices now have a one-month deadline, starting from Saturday, 8th of Sene, to apply for transit permits and temporary license plates. The ministry has emphasized that all vehicles without official registration and stickers must leave Kabul immediately and register with the local traffic offices.

The ministry also declared that vehicles lacking legal documents are forbidden from entering Kabul province from today onwards, except those already registered with Kabul Traffic. These registered vehicles can only travel within the province during this period to obtain temporary license plates.

Furthermore, the Taliban’s Interior Ministry stated that vehicles with stickers and permits issued in one province are only allowed to operate within that province. They are forbidden from traveling to other provinces. The ministry anticipates stricter restrictions in the future due to the high number of traffic accidents caused by right-hand drive vehicles and urges citizens to refrain from purchasing such vehicles.

The ministry highlighted that in order to reduce traffic-related casualties and fatalities, all owners must comply with these regulations. Non-compliance will result in legal action.

It is noteworthy that Afghan traffic regulations specify that vehicles should drive on the right side of two-way roads, with steering on the left. The import of right-hand drive vehicles, however, has been ongoing for years, creating significant traffic issues. The Taliban’s recent measures aim to address this ongoing problem and improve road safety.