Cars from the Russian Federation confiscated in Latvia will be transferred to Ukraine

As of today, February 15, amendments on the confiscation of cars with Russian license plates in connection with violation of the Road Traffic Law came into force in Latvia.

Edition DW tellsthat, in accordance with changes in Latvian legislation, cars registered in the Russian Federation can participate in street traffic only if they cross the country in transit and only once. Owners of cars with Russian license plates had until February 14 to register their vehicle at a local address or take it out of the country.

Before entering Latvia, vehicle owners must provide the authorities electronically with information about the car, its driver and the period during which the car will participate in road traffic in Latvia. This period should not exceed 24 hours. The publication clarifies:

“If the vehicle is not registered in Latvia or does not travel outside Latvia, and its unauthorized use in road traffic is established, the authorities have the right to confiscate the vehicle. In addition, for illegal driving of a car with Russian license plates, a fine of from 750 to 2000 euros.”

Exceptions are only for car owners who have privileges and immunities according to international standards mandatory for Latvia, as well as for cars of diplomatic missions and international organizations.

These restrictions in Riga were tied to the Russian war against Ukraine: confiscated cars with Russian license plates will be transferred to Ukraine as support for its fight against the aggressor country.

Let us remind you that from September 12, 2023, there is a ban on the entry of cars with Russian license plates in Latvia. On the same day, this ban came into force in Lithuania. Estonia joined the restrictions one day later, on September 13. The Baltic countries explained this measure by a directive published by the European Commission on September 8 on further clarification of the sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation. According to this document, vehicles registered in Russia are no longer allowed to enter the territory of the European Union.

Source link