Latvia confiscates 550 cars from drunk drivers this year

Authorities in Latvia have confiscated 550 cars from drunk drivers this year, LSM reports. About 50 drivers are caught driving under the influence each week, and 2,250 were detained in the first nine months of the year.

Nearly 3,000 vehicles have been confiscated since the end of 2022. Seven vehicle storage yards managed by the State Provision Agency hold cars seized from drunk drivers.

The most valuable car confiscated this year was a Mercedes-Benz, with an estimated sale value of 52,000 euros, said Jānis Nebars, the agency’s deputy director.

The vehicles are dealt with according to their value and condition. About one-third, or slightly fewer, are sent to metal recycling companies. Cars worth up to 10,000 euros are transferred through organisations to support Ukraine, while higher-value vehicles are sold at auction. Auctions have brought more than half a million euros into the state budget this year, and the value of cars allocated to support Ukraine is about the same.

Police figures show the number of drunk-driving offenders has fallen since stricter penalties were introduced at the end of 2022. The article reports more than 4,500 cases in 2022 and 3,000 last year. Police remain concerned that many detained drivers have high alcohol levels. Last year, about 27% had more than 1.5 parts per thousand of alcohol in their blood.