The way older cars are removed from circulation and deregistered in Estonia has changed significantly with the introduction of a substantial increase in fees related to vehicle deregistration. Starting next year, the fee for deregistering a lost or self-demolished vehicle will rise to 800 euros, up from the current 15 euros. This change is intended to encourage vehicle owners to take action on their registrations before fees rise, as roughly 60,000 vehicles were removed from registration last year without the fee.

Märten Surva, head of the Vehicle Registration Department of the Transport Administration, explained that the high fee applies primarily to vehicles that are lost or have been self-demolished by their owners, not to those still physically present. This regulatory move is positioned as an environmental tax, promoting responsible vehicle management and discouraging the deregistration of vehicles that remain usable. With approximately 130,000 vehicles still listed as suspended, there is a looming urgency for owners to address their vehicle registrations.

This shift in policy not only affects car owners in Estonia but also reflects a broader trend of adapting regulations to enhance environmental responsibility. As fees escalate, there may be financial implications for many households, prompting them to properly manage their vehicles to avoid significant costs. The government's move is seen as a part of its strategy to manage waste and promote a more sustainable vehicle economy in Estonia.