German customs to stop private cars with Russian license plates at the border

The German authorities will now regard traveling in a private car from Russia to Germany as grounds for arrest, reports Russian state broadcaster RBC, citing official customs statements.

The restriction is related to how Germany phrased its sanctions policies against Russia. Important passenger cars from Russia to the E.U. is prohibited, and in German the word “import” applies to any movement of goods, including a regular car trip.

RBC notes that the English version of the regulations defining the embargo against Russia states that “the acquisition, import, or transfer of goods that generate significant income for Russia” is prohibited. The German translation uses the term Einfuhr, which can mean either “import” in the sense of trade or simply “bringing in” by any individual. 

Drivers began reporting on social media last week that cars with Russian license plates were being stopped at the border to Germany.