Recently, Kyrgyzstan (KY) parliament member Bakhtyar Karpayev proposed a ban on vehicle retrofitting with LED (light-emitting diode) and xenon headlights.
He pointed out that the use of LED headlights has been increasing in the country in recent years, but the principle of LED headlights is completely different from that of traditional halogen or sodium lamps. LED lights disperse light more widely, while reflector headlights are designed to focus and direct halogen light sources. Unauthorized modification of LED headlights by citizens is likely to result in abnormal light distribution, causing localized glare or glare.
Karpayev stated, "This will cause glare pollution, seriously affecting the vision of oncoming drivers."
He added that glare can even cause temporary blindness to oncoming drivers, significantly increasing traffic accidents.
According to the Kyrgyz Ministry of Internal Affairs, a total of 486 traffic accidents occurred in Kyrgyzstan in January 2025. The ban aims to prevent traffic accidents, reduce accident rates, and improve road safety by prohibiting the installation of LED and xenon headlights in non-specialized lamps. The measure will also eliminate legal gray areas and strengthen oversight of vehicle technical conditions.
Karpaev noted that Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan have already implemented similar bans.
