Ban on cars with Russian license plates in the EU: how it works, where it was introduced, sanctions for violations

In which countries a ban on Russian cars has been introduced, what threatens car owners, what are the nuances – in the Kommersant material.

Grounds for the ban and practice of application

Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Finland, Poland, Norway, Germany and Bulgaria have closed entry for cars with Russian license plates. At the same time, the governments of these countries refer to the instructions of the European Commission. Among other things, they indicate that the entry of cars with Russian license plates may be considered illegal imports.

Lithuania

On March 3, 2024, Lithuanian customs stated that Russian cars must leave the country by March 11. If the ban is ignored, car owners may be held administratively liable under an article that provides for a fine and confiscation of the vehicle.

The exception applies to transit to and from the Kaliningrad region. In this case, the driver can move around the territory of Lithuania in a car with Russian license plates if:

— the car is in the country for no more than 24 hours;

— its owner is present in the car;

— the driver has a simplified transit document.

So far, one car has been detained – on March 11 in Lithuania at the Medininkai checkpoint. The driver is a citizen of Moldova, but the car itself was registered to a Russian woman. A report was drawn up against the driver, and the vehicle was impounded.

Finland

In September 2023, a ban on the entry of passenger cars with Russian license plates into the country came into force in Finland. Until March 16, Russians are required to take their cars out of the country, otherwise the car may be detained.

The exceptions are cars owned by students or people working in Finland under a valid employment contract, as well as those cars that are in the country on the basis of a sanctions decree.

Drivers of cars with Russian registration will have to prove to regulatory authorities their right to use the car in Finland. It is recommended to have documents with you so that, if necessary, you can prove the right to use a car with Russian license plates.

Estonia

Estonia has banned the entry of cars with Russian license plates from September 13, 2023. Cars that are already in the republic must be registered in Estonia or removed from it within six months, Interior Minister Lauri Läänemets said on September 21. The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the republic explained that the grounds for staying in Estonia or the European Union will not be taken into account when entering in a car with non-Russian license plates. The Estonian authorities have no plans to confiscate the cars yet.

Latvia

In Latvia, the ban on Russian cars came into force on February 15, 2024. Owners face fines and vehicles may be confiscated.

Exceptions apply to cars of diplomats, as well as transit cars. But the driver must prove that the transit is registered in a special system (CSDD); transit cannot last more than 24 hours.

Poland

From September 17, 2023, Poland has banned the entry of passenger cars with Russian license plates, regardless of whether the car is driven by a citizen of Russia or another country.

Previously, Poland introduced a ban on the entry of Russian trucks, tractor units, trailers, semi-trailers and vehicle combinations.

Norway

Norway has banned the entry of cars registered in the Russian Federation since October 3, 2023. The restrictions do not apply, in particular, to cars with Russian license plates with ten or more seats (minibuses and buses), the press service of the Norwegian Foreign Ministry reported.

The ban will not affect vehicles owned by citizens of Norway or European Economic Area countries permanently residing in Russia, or members of their families. Exceptions are also made for cars registered in the Russian Federation that cross the border “for humanitarian reasons” (meaning, for example, acute illnesses, death or funerals). Also, the ban will not affect cars of diplomatic departments, vehicles belonging to international organizations or the Russian courier service.

Germany

Any crossing of the German border in a vehicle with a Russian license plate can be regarded as grounds for his arrest.

The import of passenger cars from Russia to the EU is prohibited in accordance with Art. 3i of Regulation 833/2014 establishing the embargo against Russia. In this context, the expression “importation” actually covers any movement of goods or cargo.

Earlier, it was repeatedly reported about the arrests of Russian cars in Germany. “Russian citizens are warned about the possibility of criminal prosecution in connection with violation of German legislation,” the Russian Embassy in Germany reported.

Bulgaria

Bulgaria introduced a ban on the entry of cars with Russian license plates on October 2, 2023. The head of the Bulgarian border police, Anton Zlatanov, noted that the ban will apply to both cars and trucks.

Efim Bryantsev