In Latvia, a ban on the movement of cars with Russian license plates came into force on Thursday, February 15. The only exceptions so far are cars of diplomats and transit cars - but there are nuances.
What's happening?
On September 12, 2023, the Latvian authorities banned travel through the Latvia - Russia and Latvia - Belarus border crossing points. After that, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recommended that Russians not visit Latvia in private cars registered in their home country.
In the same September, the Ministry of Justice of this country initiated amendments to the Law on Road Traffic, prohibiting Russian cars from driving in Latvia, and threatening their confiscation. They were adopted by the Saeima (Parliament) of the Republic on November 2, 2023.
Owners of cars with Russian license plates had three months - until February 14, 2024 - to re-register their vehicles. But, according to the Latvian portal "LSM.LV", it was carried out only for 46 cars.
The fact is that customs operations with Russian cars purchased after October 2022 are prohibited in Latvia. In addition, for re-registration, the owner had to pay a number of taxes, and the car had to meet a number of criteria, including having a certificate of operation approved in the European Union. It was very difficult to obtain such a certificate.
What will happen to the confiscated cars?
The Latvian Saeima has determined that Russian cars that have not been re-registered in the last three months will be confiscated and transferred to Ukraine.
Also, owners will have to pay a fine for the unauthorized use of a Russian vehicle not registered in Latvia, in the amount of 750 to 2000 euros.
Is it possible to travel through Latvia in transit with Russian license plates?
Yes. But you can cross Latvia in transit in a car with Russian license plates only once.
At the same time, before entering Latvia, it is necessary to provide information about the vehicle, its driver and the duration of their stay in the territory of the republic.
Earlier, Latvia closed access to all Yandex services - residents of the country were even forbidden to listen to Yandex Music.
