Uzbekistan is a country filled with sun. Any traveler will be welcomed here, and the abundance of local fruits and sweets is breathtaking. This Central Asian state is actively developing, including new roads are being built in Uzbekistan. However, public transport is not very developed here, and therefore, if a tourist does not want to limit himself to visiting only large cities, such as Tashkent or Samarkand, it is worth going on a trip around the country by car.
Road network of Uzbekistan
A significant part of the country is occupied by deserts and mountains, most of the settlements are located in river valleys, and therefore Uzbek roads are not uniform. The main roads can be distinguished here:
- a network of highways and highways covering the southeast of the country, where many cities are concentrated and a significant part of the population lives;
- highways that cross almost the entire country from south to north and connect other settlements.
Large highways of republican importance are of good quality, some sections were built or repaired quite recently. There is excellent smooth asphalt, bright markings, bumpers separating the lanes. These highways include both the one that connects Tashkent and Samarkand, and the two highways crossing the country parallel to the borders with Turkmenistan, from the south-east to the north.
Minor roads of local importance, although they have worse asphalt, are still quite convenient for driving. This is facilitated by the lack of serious traffic and the hot climate with little rainfall. Along such roads, you can often see planted gardens; as part of the development of the transport network, the government is trying to improve the associated infrastructure. So it is quite convenient and pleasant for tourists to travel along many roads. And the opportunity to have a snack on the way with fresh delicious fruits will turn the trip into a sheer pleasure.
How they behave on the roads in Uzbekistan
Traffic jams are rare in Uzbekistan. The exception is the roads in large cities, where there is much more transport and the traffic is busier. And here the traveler may encounter the peculiarities of local driving.
The inhabitants of Central Asia have a certain skill to remain calm and benevolent in any situation. This also affects their driving style. Traffic in Uzbek cities is chaotic, but most drivers are surprisingly adept at avoiding accidents, even in situations where a collision seemed imminent. However, they do not show any aggression. On the contrary, they remain friendly and level-headed in any situation.
But it can be difficult for a visiting tourist to find his bearings in such an environment. And if on the highways passing between cities, the lack of a large traffic flow makes the task easier, then in cities the traveler needs to be especially careful.
It is not recommended to break traffic rules, as in any other country. However, it is quite possible to come to an agreement with the Uzbek representatives of the traffic police, and even if you exceed the speed limit or commit another, not the most serious violation, you can do without a fine. Sometimes it is quite friendly and heart-to-heart to talk to a police officer, and he will let the tourist go in peace.
