A resident of Kostanay was fined for parking in a courtyard due to a sign that has no legal force. After an investigation, the police cancelled the fine and discontinued the administrative case.
HOW THE SITUATION AROSE
As reported by "Our Newspaper", driver Saken Rakhimzhanov left his car in the courtyard of a residential building on Tauelsizdik Street, 165, ignoring a sign that read "Private Property. Parking Prohibited." One of the residents contacted the police, after which the car owner was held accountable.
The driver himself questioned the legality of the fine, pointing out that the sign may have been installed without authorisation and had no legal force.
WHAT THE POLICE RESPONDED
As reported by the Police Department (PD) of Kostanay Region, the sign is not a standard road sign and has no legal force for regulating traffic.
The department clarified that the unauthorised installation of such signs carries no legal consequences and cannot serve as grounds for administrative liability.
Following the investigation, the administrative case opened on 25 March 2026 against Saken Rakhimzhanov under Article 601 of the Administrative Code of the Republic of Kazakhstan was discontinued.
The Head of the Kostanay Region Police Department, Yerlan Fazullin, also stated that a directive to dismantle the sign was issued to the state institution "Department of Housing and Public Utilities, Passenger Transport and Highways" of the Kostanay city akimat.
The driver's money was returned immediately after the request was received and the investigation was carried out.
WHAT RULES APPLY TO ROAD SIGNS
Road signs in Kazakhstan are installed in accordance with the standard ST RK 1412-2017 ("Technical means of traffic management. Rules for the application of road signs, markings, traffic lights, and road barriers").
Furthermore, according to the Law of the Republic of Kazakhstan dated 17 April 2014 No. 29-1 "On Road Traffic", the organisation of road traffic, including the installation of signs and other technical means, falls under the competence of local executive bodies — akimats.
CONTEXT AND SIGNIFICANCE
Such signs restricting parking — "Parking Prohibited," "For Customers Only," or "Do Not Park Cars" — are often installed in the courtyards of residential buildings and near business premises.
However, these signs have no legal force if they do not meet established standards and have not been approved by the relevant authorities.