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A peculiar trend is emerging among drivers in Kazakhstan: miniature umbrellas designed for smartphones. These small accessories are gaining traction on social media, with sellers touting them not only as protection against overheating but also as a way to evade detection by traffic cameras.

The "Thousand Tenge" Solution

Advertisements for these 990 tenge (approximately $2 USD) umbrellas are circulating widely online. Initially presented as a simple sunshade to prevent phones from overheating on dashboards, especially for taxi drivers, the accessory's secondary function is now being openly promoted.

One promotional video highlights the legal restrictions on phone use while driving. The narrator suggests the umbrella is a "great solution" to use a smartphone safely, claiming "no one will suspect anything."

Reality vs. Fines

Despite drivers' hopes of becoming "invisible" under these tiny umbrellas, modern violation detection systems operate differently. It's important to remember that starting from March 2026, the capabilities of automatic cameras in Kazakhstan are set to expand significantly. They will be able to detect mobile phone usage and the non-use of seatbelts in real-time.

The fine for using a phone while driving currently stands at 5 MCI (Monthly Calculation Index). In 2026, this amounts to 21,625 tenge (approximately $48 USD).

Expert Opinions

Road safety specialists express skepticism about such workarounds. They point out that cameras are positioned to capture the driver's hands and any foreign objects. Instead of aiding evasion, these "umbrellas" might inadvertently draw the attention of patrol officers or obstruct the driver's field of vision, potentially leading to dangerous situations.

This isn't the first time Kazakhstani citizens have attempted to "outsmart" technology. Previously, discussions arose around special masks for license plates and anti-glare stickers, but these ultimately resulted only in hefty fines and vehicle impoundments.

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