The Saeima on Thursday adopted amendments to the Road Traffic Law, drafted by the Transport Ministry, introducing a reaction test for alcohol or other intoxicating substances before using shared vehicles.

Under the amendments, before providing the service, the provider must check the client’s age via an electronic app or website, verify that the client holds a valid license to operate the particular vehicle, and test the client’s reaction to alcohol or other intoxicating substances.

Failure by ride-sharing service providers to implement age and driver’s license checks through their apps or websites will result in fines ranging from EUR 70 to EUR 350. If reaction tests are not introduced, the provider may also be fined between EUR 70 and EUR 350.

The amendments further require self-propelled bicycles to be covered by compulsory third-party liability (MTPL) insurance. Owners of self-propelled bicycles who fail to obtain the required MTPL insurance while using the vehicle in road traffic will be fined between EUR 125 and EUR 200.

The amendments also introduce mandatory registration for self-propelled bicycles. Drivers using an unregistered self-propelled bicycle in road traffic will face fines ranging from EUR 30 to EUR 70.

The requirement for ride-sharing providers to introduce reaction tests is scheduled to take effect on April 1, 2026.

The transitional period for the mandatory registration of self-propelled bicycles will run from February 1 to April 30, 2026. From May 1, 2026, drivers of unregistered self-propelled bicycles will be subject to fines.

Source: BNS

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