Uzbekistan is considering legislative changes to regulate valet parking services, including requirements for vehicle safety, operator liability, insurance and consumer protection. The O‘zLiDeP faction in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis held a roundtable discussion on the proposed regulations following an initiative raised during President Shavkat Mirziyoyev's open dialogue with investors and entrepreneurs on the development of New Tashkent (Yangi Toshkent).
During the presidential meeting, Mirziyoyev emphasized that New Tashkent should develop beyond a residential area into an economic center attracting businesses, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, tourism and services. Entrepreneurs proposed introducing valet parking services to help reduce traffic congestion and improve convenience for customers.
The parliamentary discussion brought together lawmakers, representatives of the Ministries of Internal Affairs and Justice, Tashkent city administration, insurance companies, the Tourism Development Association, the Institute for Parliamentary Studies and business representatives. Participants noted that valet parking services are already operating in Tashkent, but the procedures governing vehicle acceptance, storage and return require clearer legal regulation.
Proposals included amending the Law "On Road Traffic" to introduce definitions for valet parking services, operators, employees and designated vehicle collection and return areas. The proposed regulations would also establish requirements for road safety, pedestrian access and compliance with existing stopping and parking rules.
Employees operating customers' vehicles would be required to hold driving licenses corresponding to the relevant vehicle categories. Participants emphasized that valet parking operations should not permit parking in prohibited areas or the unauthorized occupation of roads and sidewalks.
The roundtable also addressed possible amendments to the Civil Code to establish clearer contractual requirements for valet parking services. Proposals included introducing procedures for documenting vehicle handovers, recording the condition of vehicles and identifying existing damage before they are transferred to service providers. The discussions also covered operator responsibility for vehicle safekeeping, compensation for damage and the handling of disputes involving missing property.
Lawmakers and industry representatives examined ways to improve insurance arrangements and clarify liability between service operators, employees and vehicle owners. Additional attention was given to preventing hidden fees, protecting consumer rights and establishing transparent operating requirements without creating unnecessary administrative barriers for businesses.
Dilmurod Artiqov, a deputy of the Legislative Chamber, said the proposal originated during the presidential dialogue with entrepreneurs in New Tashkent. According to Artiqov, the O‘zLiDeP faction supports establishing a legal framework that defines the rights and obligations of customers and service providers while improving safety and service standards.
Another deputy, Firdavs Qurbonov, noted that although valet parking services are already available in the capital, their operating procedures and legal requirements remain insufficiently defined. He raised questions about responsibility for vehicle damage or missing belongings, as well as the documents needed to confirm the transfer and return of a vehicle. Qurbonov emphasized the importance of establishing clear rules for operators and consumers while avoiding unnecessary restrictions on entrepreneurial activity.
During the meeting, lawmakers reviewed proposals from entrepreneurs, industry representatives and insurance specialists concerning contractual obligations, damage compensation and insurance mechanisms. At the conclusion of the roundtable, participants agreed on the need to further analyze the proposals and incorporate relevant recommendations into the legislative process.
Specific tasks were assigned for preparing the draft legislation regulating valet parking services.