Kazakhstan Fines Entryway Smoking 64,875 Tenge

Kazakhstan authorities are penalizing residents who smoke in apartment building entryways, corridors, and elevators with fines starting at 64,875 tenge. Under Article 441 of the Code of Administrative Offenses, the ban applies to traditional cigarettes, vapes, hookahs, and heated tobacco systems.

Fines for Smoking in Common Areas

First-time violations in shared residential spaces incur a fine of 15 Monthly Calculation Indices (MCI), totaling 64,875 tenge based on the 2026 MCI rate of 4,325 tenge. Repeat offenses within a single year escalate the penalty to 20 MCI, or 86,500 tenge.

The Balcony Legal Loophole

While common areas are strictly regulated, smoking on private apartment balconies remains legal. Because balconies are legally defined as private property rather than shared spaces, local police cannot fine neighbors for smoking there.

However, residents can face prosecution under two conditions. Throwing cigarette butts off a balcony constitutes littering, which carries separate penalties. Additionally, if an unextinguished butt causes a fire on a neighbor’s property, the offender faces criminal charges for violating fire safety regulations.

How to Report Violations

To report entryway smoking, residents must submit photo or video evidence showing the offender’s face and the location to their local community police officer. General complaints about entryway smoking without specific proof are insufficient for police to issue a fine.

Read more: Kazakhstan Proposes Higher Minimum Tobacco Prices to Curb Smoking

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Matthew Ma

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With over a decade of experience in the e-cigarette industry, Matthew Ma is a seasoned expert in both the manufacturing and usage aspects of vaping products. His extensive background has provided him with a deep understanding of the intricacies and evolving dynamics of e-cigarettes.