Latvia enforces ban on Russian-registered vehicles in show of solidarity with Ukraine

The Latvian parliament decided to enforce these regulations last autumn. Under these rules, owners of cars with Russian registration plates were required to reregister their vehicles by 14th February or remove them from Latvian territory. Failure to comply with these rules may lead to vehicle confiscation and potential financial penalties for the driver.

Rihards Kozlovskis, the head of the Ministry of the Interior in Latvia, declared that there won't be special efforts to search for cars with Russian registration plates. Instead, the reaction will be taken when such a vehicle is seen on the street or a report is received about it.

Kozlovskis further indicated that vehicles registered in Russia can participate in Latvian traffic for transit purposes only.

- If drivers cannot provide proof of their transit status in Latvia, i.e., that their stay does not exceed 24 hours, their car will be subject to confiscation - stated the minister.

He argued that the presence of these vehicles on Latvian roads does not pose a significant safety threat to Latvia. However, the ban symbolizes Latvia's solidarity with Ukraine.