The government’s deadline for Russian license plate owners in Latvia to either register their vehicles locally or remove them from the country ended yesterday. With the implementation of the new law, the authorities now have the power to seize these vehicles and contribute them to Ukraine’s war efforts.
Today, Latvia’s Interior Ministry announced in a statement posted on X (previously known as Twitter) that any vehicle registered in Russia discovered in use on Latvian roads can be seized and transferred without cost to aid Ukraine in fighting Russian aggressors.
Under the new regulations, drivers of the cars with Russian license plates will face both vehicle confiscation and a monetary penalty ranging from €750 ($808) to €2,000 ($2,150).
However, new law grants permission for continuous transit in Latvia for 24 hours and provides an exemption for vehicles utilized or possessed by diplomatic personnel.
Owners of Russian cars have faced difficulties in obtaining Latvian license plates, Russian media complained. To complete the registration process, they have been obliged to pay a customs duty equivalent to 10% of the vehicle’s market value, along with a 21% value added tax. Moreover, only vehicles purchased prior to October 2022 and possessing an EU-approved operating certificate are eligible for registration in Latvia.
According to recent reports, majority of individuals who owned Russian cars chose to sell them internationally, without disclosing specific numbers.
The new law and planned seizure of Russian cars was condamned by the Russian embassy in Riga as an instance of “state robbery.”
SOURCE: Do Not Drive Cars With Russian License Plates in Latvia! BY: eTurboNews | eTN