Latvia to confiscate cars with Belarusian license plates and send them to Ukraine

The Latvian Parliament has adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Law, prohibiting vehicles registered in Belarus from entering Latvia, Rubryka reports, citing Apollo.

What's the problem?

Last year, Latvia enacted amendments to the Road Traffic Law, according to which vehicles registered in Russia are prohibited from being present in Latvia starting from mid-February 2024.

According to the law, if a vehicle is not registered in Latvia and is found to be illegally used in road traffic, it will be confiscated and transferred to Ukraine.

What's the solution?

Currently, the Latvian Parliament intends to confiscate vehicles with Belarusian license plates.

The amendments proposed by the opposition stipulate that vehicles with Belarusian license plates must leave the territory of Latvia or be re-registered in Latvia within three months from the date the law comes into force.

How does it work?

The amendments provide that unauthorized use of a vehicle registered in Belarus may result in a fine ranging from €750 to €2,000, and the vehicle itself will be confiscated.

Transfer of confiscated cars to Ukraine

Latvia has been one of Ukraine's most active allies since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion, providing military and political support.

In February 2023, the Latvian Parliament unanimously adopted changes to the law on supporting the civilian population of Ukraine, allowing the country to send confiscated vehicles to the Ukrainian government.

Vehicles confiscated in Latvia from drivers who were driving under the influence of alcohol were sent to Ukraine. The Latvian Parliament also allowed the transfer of all movable property, including cars owned by the parliament, to Ukraine.

Latvia has already sent 271 cars confiscated from intoxicated drivers to Ukraine. As of mid-December 2023, the total value of confiscated cars is estimated at nearly €1 million.

Earlier, Rubryka reported that Latvia initiated a drone coalition to support Ukraine. Moreover, Latvia has significantly increased military training for Ukrainian defenders.