What is a windshield pass and why is it needed in Kazakhstan?

A windshield pass is an official document that is placed at the bottom of a car's windshield and confirms the owner's right to free passage into restricted traffic areas. In Kazakhstan, such passes are most often required for travel to ecological zones, on paid parking in city centers or for special transport (e.g. disabled cars, company cars). Without this document, the driver risks receiving a fine of 5 to 20 MCI (from 17,000 to 68,000 tenge in 2026).

The main purpose of introducing passes is regulating traffic flow in congested areas and reducing air pollution. For example, in Almaty and Nur-Sultan there are zones where only cars with an environmental class are allowed to pass. Euro 4 and above. In this case, the pass under the windshield serves as confirmation of the vehicle’s compliance with the requirements. You may also need it to travel to the territory closed organizations (airports, military facilities, large enterprises).

It is important to understand that a pass is not a universal document. Its type, terms of issue and rules of use depend on purposes of application:

  • 🚗 Ecological pass — for travel to the “green” zones of cities.
  • 🅿️ Parking pass — for free or discounted parking in the center.
  • 🚑 Special pass — for ambulances, disabled people, official vehicles.
  • 🏭 Corporate pass — for travel to the territory of enterprises.
📊 Why do you need a windshield pass?
Travel to the ecological zone
Parking in the city center
Service transport
Directions to the enterprise
Another option

Types of windshield passes in the Republic of Kazakhstan: which one do you need?

There are several types of passes in Kazakhstan, each of which has its own design and use features. Let's look at the main categories relevant for 2026.

1. Ecological pass — required for travel to zones with emission restrictions (for example, the center of Almaty). Issued to owners of cars with environmental class Euro 4 and above. For registration you will need vehicle registration certificate and a diagnostic card confirming the environmental class. Validity period - 1 year.

2. Parking pass — allows you to park for free or at a discount in paid parking lots in city centers. Issued through the portal eGov.kz or from local transport authorities. Most often issued residents of the center or owners of business facilities in the paid parking zone. Duration - from 3 months to 1 year.

3. Pass for disabled people — entitles you to free parking in specially designated areas. To register you must present disability certificate and documents for the car. Valid for an indefinite period, but requires re-registration when changing cars.

4. Service/corporate pass — issued to organizations for travel to closed areas (airports, military bases, industrial zones). Issued via authorized structures (for example, Transport Control Committee). The period depends on the internal regulations of the enterprise.

Pass type Who needs it Validity period Where to apply
Ecological Car owners Euro-4+ 1 year Portal eGov.kz or Public Service Center
Parking Residents of the center, businessmen 3–12 months Local transport authorities
For disabled people Disabled people 1–3 groups Indefinitely* PSC or Ministry of Internal Affairs
Official Organizations, government agencies Individually Transport Control Committee

*When changing a car, re-registration is required.

⚠️ Attention: A pass for disabled people is only valid if available. "Disabled" sign by car. Without it the fine is 15 MCI (51,000 tenge).

Step-by-step instructions: how to apply for a windshield pass

The process of issuing a pass depends on its type, but the general scheme looks like this:

  1. Collection of documents. You will need:
    • 📄 Vehicle registration certificate (original + copy).
    • 🆔 Owner’s identification document (passport or ID card).
    • 📊 Diagnostic card (for environmental pass).
    • 🅿️ A document confirming the right to preferential parking (for a parking pass).
  2. Submitting an application. Methods:
    • 💻 Through the portal eGov.kz (section "Transport and driving").
    • 🏛️ At the Public Service Center (PSC).
    • 📞 By phone 1414 (eGov call center).
  • Payment of state duty. The size depends on the type of pass:
    • Ecological - 1 MCI (3,400 tenge).
    • Parking — 0.5 MCI (1,700 tenge).
    • For disabled people - free.
    • Obtaining a pass. The finished document can be picked up at the Public Service Center or received by mail (for electronic applications).

    Vehicle registration certificate|Owner's passport|Diagnostic card (for eco-pass)|Receipt for payment of state duty|Additional documents (if necessary)

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    Production time is usually 3–5 working days. To speed up the process, you can use the services accredited intermediaries (but this will require additional payment).

    ⚠️ Attention: When registering via eGov.kz, check that personal account there was up-to-date information about the car. If the information is out of date, the application will be rejected.
    💡

    If you are applying for an environmental pass, check the class of your car in advance technical passport. Cars older than 2010 often have a lower class Euro 4 and will not receive a pass.

    How to properly install a decal under the windshield: requirements and tips

    Incorrect installation of a pass can lead to a fine, even if the document is issued legally. According to Traffic rules of the Republic of Kazakhstan (clause 2.1.1), the pass must be placed so that:

    • 🔍 To be easy to read from the street (without having to approach the car).
    • 🚫 Do not block the driver’s view (not lower than 10 cm from the bottom edge of the glass).
    • 📌 Be pinned without damaging the glass (adhesive tape, glue, metal fasteners are prohibited).
    • 🌞 Do not reflect the headlights of oncoming cars (use matte backings).

    Best mounting methods:

    1. Special transparent holder (sold in auto stores, cost - 500–1,500 tenge).
    2. Magnetic fastener (suitable for metal body parts next to glass).
    3. Rubber clothespins (do not damage the glass, but may fall off due to vibration).

    Prohibited:

    • 🚫Use double sided tape - when removed, traces remain.
    • 🚫 Pin the pass on the dashboard (the inspector must see it from the street).
    • 🚫 Place document under the wiper - this complicates verification.
    What happens if the pass is installed incorrectly?

    If the inspector cannot read the pass data from a distance of 2–3 meters, he has the right to issue a fine for "failure to comply with requirements for posting permits" (5 MCI or 17,000 tenge). In addition, in the event of an accident, an incorrectly secured pass can be regarded as obstruction to view, which will aggravate the driver’s guilt.

    Penalties for missing or incorrect use of a pass

    In Kazakhstan, control over the availability of passes is carried out traffic police and municipal inspectors. The amount of fines depends on the type of violation and region:

    Violation Fine (MCI/tenge) Additional measures
    No pass in the eco-zone 10 MCI (34,000 ₸) Car evacuation (in Almaty)
    Expired pass 5 MCI (17,000 ₸) —
    Unreadable/incorrectly set pass 3 MCI (10,200 ₸) Requirement to reinstall
    Fake pass 50 MCI (170,000 ₸) + confiscation Criminal liability

    Valid in Almaty and Nur-Sultan enhanced control: automatic recording cameras scan vehicle license plates and check them against the pass database. If the car is not listed in the registry, the owner receives a “letter of happiness” with a fine.

    How to appeal a fine:

    1. During 10 days submit a complaint through the portal eGov.kz or in territorial traffic police department.
    2. Attach evidence (photo of the pass, receipts for payment of state fees, screenshots from your eGov personal account).
    3. If the pass was lost, provide a certificate of reissue.
    ⚠️ Attention: In 2026, a floating penalty system — if you drove to the eco-zone without a pass for the first time, you can pay 50% of the amount within 7 days. If the violation is repeated, the discount will not apply.

    Common mistakes when registering and using a pass

    Even experienced drivers make mistakes that lead to fines or refusal to issue a pass. Let's look at the most common ones:

    1. Failure to verify environmental class. Many owners of old cars (until 2010) apply for an eco-pass, not knowing that their car has a class Euro-3 or lower. Before registration, check the class in STS or on the website Traffic Police Committee.

    2. Registration for someone else’s car. The pass is issued strictly on the owner of the vehicle. If the car is leased or rented, a notarized power of attorney will be required. Otherwise, the issue will be refused.

    3. Ignoring expiration dates. Many people forget to renew their pass and travel with an expired document. We remind you: the eco-pass is valid 1 year, parking - up to 12 months (specify when registering).

    4. Change data yourself. If there is an error in the pass (for example, an incorrect car number), you cannot correct it by hand. Needed reissue the document via eGov or PSC.

    5. Lost pass. If you lose it, you don’t need to apply for a new one - just get it duplicate (state duty 0.2 MCI or 680 tenge). But if the pass is stolen, you will have to file a statement with the police.

    💡

    Before applying for a pass, always check the current requirements on the official websites (eGov.kz or kgd.gov.kz). Rules may change, especially in large cities.

    Alternatives to a pass: when you can do without it

    A pass under the windshield is not always required. There are situations when you can legally travel to a restricted area without special permission:

    • 🚗 Cars with environmental class Euro 6. In some regions (for example, in Astana) they are exempt from the need to obtain an eco-pass. Check on the spot.
    • 🚑 Emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire, police) - a pass is not required, but must be included special signal.
    • 🅿️ Paid parking without benefits. If you are willing to pay for parking according to the tariff, you do not need a pass (but it is expensive - up to 500 tenge/hour in the center of Almaty).
    • 🚲 Electric cars. In Kazakhstan they are equal to Euro 6 and can enter eco-zones without a pass (but a sign is required "Electric car").

    The requirement for passes is also temporarily waived during:

    • 🎉 Festive events (for example, Nauryz, City Day).
    • ⚡ Emergency situations (accidents, natural disasters).
    • 🏗️ Repair work on roads (diversion routes may be open to everyone).

    To find out about the lifting of restrictions, follow the news on the websites Traffic Police Committee or in official city groups on social networks.

    FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions about windshield decals

    Is it possible to issue a pass for a car registered in another city?

    Yes, but this will require temporary registration at your place of stay (if you are in the city for more than 3 months). An alternative is to issue a pass through representative by proxy (notarized).

    What should you do if the inspector demands a fine, although you have a pass and it is valid?

    Demand to see protocol on administrative offense. Without it, the fine is illegal. You can also call the traffic police hotline (102) and clarify the reason for the stop. If the inspector refuses to explain, record the conversation on video.

    Do I need to get a new pass when selling a car?

    No, pass not tied to owner, and to the car. When selling, it is enough to re-register registration certificate, and the pass remains valid until the end of the period. However, the new owner can request a duplicate in his name (optional).

    Can I use an electronic version of the pass (on my phone)?

    No, according to Traffic rules of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the pass must be in physical form and is located under the windshield. Electronic copies are not a replacement for the original. An exception is temporary permits (for example, for travel to an event), which can be checked against the database via a QR code.

    Which cities in Kazakhstan require an eco-pass to travel to the center?

    As of 2026, mandatory eco-zones are in effect in:

    • Almaty (center, Ablai Khan district).
    • Nur-Sultan (left bank, Baikonur region).
    • Shymkent (central streets).

    In other cities (Aktau, Atyrau), passes are required only for travel to industrial facilities.