Crimeans Appeal Decision to Switch to Russian License Plates
The Russian Government has required all Crimean drivers to change their documents and license plate numbers to Russian standards by April 1, 2016. However, the residents of Crimea have appealed this decision by Russia before the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation, RIA Novosti reported.
“The Supreme Court will hear a complaint filed in connection with the government resolution requiring Crimean drivers to change their registration documents and license plate numbers to the Russian system,” the Court’s spokesperson said. Currently, Crimean drivers use Ukrainian license plate numbers and registration documents.
The plaintiff argues that according to the Crimean legislature, all documents issued by Ukraine are still functional even after Crimea was annexed by Russia in early 2014. The representative of the Russian Government in court, Hayk Marjan, explained that the Act on Road Safety extends to the entire territory of the Russian Federation, and requires all cars to be registered with the Russian Main Directorate for Road Traffic Safety.
“That’s why there was a deadline given for all drivers to replace Ukrainian license plates with Russian ones,” he explained. The claim will be reviewed by the Russian Supreme Court on the 17th of February.