Latvia plans to transfer confiscated cars with Russian registration to Ukraine

In Latvia, lawmakers want to transfer cars with Russian license plates to Ukraine.

The Latvian Saeima has approved amendments to the Law on Road Traffic in the first reading that would ban Russian-registered vehicles from staying in Latvia.

As stipulated by the draft law, the owner of a vehicle registered in Russia will have to register the vehicle. He will also have to either take it out of Latvia within three months of the law’s entry into force.

After the end of the transition period, the use of vehicles registered in Russia in Latvian traffic will be allowed if a person is crossing the country in transit.

A vehicle registered in Russia will be able to cross the territory of Latvia in transit only once.

The amendments require that before entering Latvia, information about the vehicle registered in Russia, the driver of the vehicle, and the period during which the vehicle will be involved in road traffic in the country must be submitted. It should not exceed 24 hours.

If the vehicle is not registered in Latvia or does not leave the country. Also, if it is found to be used in unauthorized traffic, the vehicle will be confiscated. It is planned that the confiscated cars will be transferred to Ukraine.

The Ministry of Justice notes that, given Russia’s full-scale attack on Ukraine and the threat to its territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence, the presence of Russian-registered vehicles in Latvia is unacceptable.

In addition, vehicles in Russia often do not meet EU technical requirements. The use of such vehicles in road traffic may jeopardize its safety.

The Ministry of Justice points out that, in accordance with the Constitution, a legal framework has been created that will strengthen the security of the state and society during the hybrid threat by removing sanctioned vehicles from Latvian roads. The law is expected to enter into force on November 15.

Previously, the reference to cars registered in Belarus was excluded from the adopted draft law. They will be able to continue to stay in the country. Currently, all Baltic countries have banned the entry of cars with Russian license plates. Poland, Finland, Norway, and Bulgaria have also imposed such bans.

As previously reported, in March, Latvia donated cars that had been confiscated from drunk drivers to the Ukrainian army.