Kazakhstan raises speed limits on key Europe-China transport route

Speed limits on key sections of Kazakhstan’s Western Europe–Western China transport route have been updated. The changes, introduced on May 19, 2026, affect the Kainar–Taraz and Taraz–Shymkent highways. Drivers can now travel faster, but some enforcement measures have been paused for now. KazAvtoZhol JSC, the company managing the toll roads, raised the limit from 110 km/h to 120 km/h on two major stretches. The new rules apply to the Kainar–Taraz and Taraz–Shymkent highways, both part of the international corridor linking Europe and China.

At the same time, average speed monitoring on the Taraz–Shymkent section was temporarily halted on the same date. This means cameras tracking speeds over long distances are not currently in use. However, fines for breaking the old 110 km/h limit before the change will still be handled by local authorities. The adjustments aim to improve traffic flow on these paid highways. But with monitoring paused, enforcement of the updated limits remains unclear for now.

The speed increase to 120 km/h is now in effect, but drivers on the Taraz–Shymkent route won’t face average speed checks for the time being. Local officials retain responsibility for penalties tied to the previous limit. The changes reflect ongoing efforts to balance efficiency and safety on this major trade route.