Latvian registration plates issued for 31 transport vehicles from Russia in 2023

RIGA - Last year, 31 transport vehicles that previously were registered in Russia were added to the Register of Transport Vehicles and Drivers of the Latvian Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), LETA was told at the CSDD.

From mid-November, when a provision banning Russian-registered autos from Latvia came into force, to December 31, Latvian registration plates were issued to 21 transport vehicles from Russia. 

Another four transport vehicles from Russia were added to the Latvian register between January 1 and 16, 2024.

According to data from the CSDD, the Russian cars now registered in Latvia include vehicles of brands like Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Jaguar, Volkswagen, KIA and other car makes. 

CSDD representatives explained that in order to register a vehicle from Russia in Latvia, it has to meet several criteria.

"Firstly, the vehicle must have a certificate of conformity with European Union (EU) requirements. For example, vehicles destined for the Russian market are often equipped with engines whose emission class is lower than the EU standard. Registration of such vehicles in Latvia will not be possible," the CSDD representatives stressed.

Also, according to the CSDD, persons wishing to register vehicles in Latvia must have valid residence and customs documents, which in many cases is not possible.

LETA has already reported that in early November 2023, the Saeima adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Law banning Russian-registered motor vehicles from Latvia. The amendments entered into force on November 15, 2023. Owners of the Russian-registered vehicles are required to remove them from Latvia by February 14, 2024 unless they re-register them in Latvia.