Estonia third Baltic country to ban entry of vehicles with Russian license plates

Estonia joined Latvia and Lithuania in banning most vehicles with Russian license plates from entering the country. The decision was made after the European Commission issued a set of guidelines for European customs services about implementing sanctions against Russia.

Drivers trying to cross the Russian–Estonian border in cars with Russian plates will have to return to Russia and leave their vehicles behind before entering Estonia.

The ban, effective September 13, will not apply to buses, motorcycles, or diplomatic vehicles, the Estonian authorities clarify. The question of what to do about Russian vehicles already in Estonia will be addressed at a September 14 meeting.

On September 11 and 12, Lithuania and Latvia announced they would no longer let vehicles with Russian plates enter by crossing their state borders.