Baltic: Cars with Russian license plates banned from entering

The Baltic States have banned motor vehicles with Russian license plates from entering, ERR reports. Earlier, the European Commission issued new guidelines on EU sanctions, according to which cars registered in Russia are not allowed to enter EU territory. The ban applies to the entry of both commercial and private vehicles through the borders with Russia and Belarus, except for transit traffic to Russia’s Kaliningrad (Königsberg) region, LSM reports. Drivers will either have to return to Russia or cross the border without their vehicle. Owners who defy the ban may have their vehicles confiscated, LRT reports. The ban does not apply to cars with Belarusian license plates. Officials from EU member states bordering Russia will meet to coordinate their actions.