In order to ensure the enforcement of the sanctions set by the European Union, a vehicle registered in Belarus will have to either leave the country or be re-registered in Latvia, according to the amendments to the Road Traffic Law conceptually supported by the Saeima on Thursday, September 5.
The draft law under consideration stipulates that those vehicles registered in Belarus, which are currently located on the territory of Latvia, must be exported or re-registered by October 31. If the vehicle is not re-registered or taken out of the country within the specified period, it is liable to confiscation.
It is not a complete ban on Belarusian vehicles, however. After the specified deadline, vehicles from Belarus will be able to enter Latvia only to cross the territory of Latvia once in transit, by applying in advance for permission via e-services provided by the Road Safety Directorate.
Also, after this deadline, vehicles registered in Belarus for the transportation needs of diplomatic and consular services, embassies and delegations, as well as for humanitarian purposes, will be able to enter Latvia.
An exception is also provided for persons with mobility impairments who drive their own specially equipped vehicles registered in Belarus, if they wish to enter for the purpose of visiting their parents, children or spouse living in Latvia, they will be able to apply for permission to do so.
Another exemption is provided for if the Latvian Minister of Foreign Affairs approves an application to enter Latvia in special matters related to national security. A permit to enter and stay in the territory of Latvia can be issued for a period of up to three months.
In order for the amendments to enter into force, they must be approved by the Saeima in the second – final – reading. When passed, the bill will enter into force the day after its promulgation by the President. A similar regulation is already in place for cars registered in Russia.
