Latvian Authorities Decide to Ban Entry of Vehicles with Belarusian License Plates

The Latvian Saeima has adopted, in the first reading, a draft law that prohibits the presence of vehicles with Belarusian license plates in the country. The initiative has been given urgent status, thus it will be discussed in two readings instead of three, Delfi reported.

If the law is adopted, vehicles registered in Belarus must be re-registered or removed from Latvia by October 31; otherwise, the vehicle will be confiscated. Starting in November, vehicles with Belarusian license plates may enter the country once for transit purposes, on the condition that a relevant online application is submitted in advance by the driver.

The ban will not apply to drivers with limited mobility visiting relatives in Latvia, as well as to 'special cases related to security.' In mid-July 2024, the Latvian authorities banned the entry of vehicles registered in Belarus. An exception has only been made for vehicles used for the needs of embassy and consulate staff and members of delegations.