However, the Ministry has observed repeated instances over the past year where vehicles bearing diplomatic license plates have exceeded the legally permitted speed limits. Careless and irresponsible behaviour in traffic can have serious consequences for both the driver and other road users. Speeding reduces significantly the ability to react in unexpected situations and increases the risk of tragic accidents. Such violations not only contravene traffic laws but also pose risks to public safety and may impact the reputation of the diplomatic community.
The Ministry has the further honour to refer to the Paragraph 1 of Article 41 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, according to which it is the duty of all persons enjoying relevant privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving State. Therefore, the Ministry expects the Foreign Missions and International Organisations in Tallinn to follow the traffic laws and regulations of the Republic of Estonia.
Furthermore, the Ministry respectfully requests that all outstanding fines related to speeding and other traffic violations be settled without delay. Additionally, the Ministry would like to emphasize that any future incidents of speeding will require the immediate payment of fines, in accordance with the laws of the Republic of Estonia. The Ministry does not have the authority to dismiss violations or cancel fines associated with traffic citations. This approach aims to ensure accountability and uphold the principles of mutual respect. A history of traffic violations may also affect registrations and de-registrations of vehicles belonging to the concerned Missions or their personnel.
Tallinn, 22 April 2025
