Gov’t proposes ban on cars older than six years to improve environment

The Georgian government has submitted a draft law to parliament that would prohibit the import of vehicles older than six years, Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze announced at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.

Kobakhidze said the measure was aimed at protecting the environment, public health, and ensuring comfortable transportation for citizens.

“Vehicle numbers in Georgia have grown sharply in recent years. In 2012, there were 864,000 registered cars, and this year the total has exceeded 2 million. Such growth leads to traffic congestion and worsens environmental conditions,” he said.

The draft legislation will include some limited exceptions, but Kobakhidze stressed that banning the import of cars older than six years was essential for ecological protection, public health, and improving mobility. He also thanked the Interior Minister for preparing the proposal, describing it as a “very important initiative.”