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Road Traffic Act

Content

Road Traffic Act - content
Issuer:Riigikogu
Type:act
In force from:15.07.2024
In force until:31.12.2024
Translation published:19.08.2024

Road Traffic Act1

Passed 17.06.2010
RT I 2010, 44, 261
Entry into force 01.07.2011

Amended by the following legal instruments (show)

PassedPublishedEntry into force
23.12.2010RT I, 31.12.2010, 301.07.2011, in part 01.01.2011 and 19.01.2013
22.02.2011RT I, 17.03.2011, 118.03.2011
23.02.2011RT I, 25.03.2011, 101.01.2014; date of entry into force amended to 01.07.2014 [RT I, 22.12.2013, 1]
08.12.2011RT I, 29.12.2011, 101.01.2012, in part 01.01.2014 and 01.11.2014; date of entry into force amended to 01.07.2014 [RT I, 22.12.2013, 1]
15.02.2012RT I, 02.03.2012, 512.03.2012, in part 01.07.2012
02.05.2012RT I, 25.05.2012, 704.06.2012
14.11.2012RT I, 05.12.2012, 119.01.2013
15.05.2013RT I, 01.06.2013, 101.07.2013
12.06.2013RT I, 02.07.2013, 101.09.2013, in part 01.01.2014; date of entry into force amended to 01.07.2014 [RT I, 22.12.2013, 1]
05.12.2013RT I, 22.12.2013, 101.01.2014
05.12.2013RT I, 27.12.2013, 501.01.2014
29.01.2014RT I, 14.02.2014, 124.02.2014
29.01.2014RT I, 18.02.2014, 101.08.2014
19.02.2014RT I, 13.03.2014, 401.07.2014
26.03.2014RT I, 11.04.2014, 101.10.2014
23.04.2014RT I, 10.05.2014, 120.05.2014
05.06.2014RT I, 29.06.2014, 101.07.2014
19.06.2014RT I, 12.07.2014, 101.01.2015
19.06.2014RT I, 29.06.2014, 10901.07.2014, the ministers’ official titles have been replaced on the basis of subsection 4 of § 107³ of the Government of the Republic Act.
17.09.2014RT I, 08.10.2014, 218.10.2014
11.02.2015RT I, 28.02.2015, 101.05.2015, in part 02.03.2015
11.02.2015RT I, 12.03.2015, 101.01.2016
18.02.2015RT I, 12.03.2015, 401.03.2016
18.02.2015RT I, 12.03.2015, 622.03.2015
18.02.2015RT I, 23.03.2015, 301.07.2015
18.02.2015RT I, 23.03.2015, 501.07.2015
09.12.2015RT I, 30.12.2015, 118.01.2016
14.12.2016RT I, 03.01.2017, 118.01.2017, in part 01.02.2017
15.03.2017RT I, 28.03.2017, 107.04.2017
14.06.2017RT I, 04.07.2017, 714.07.2017
14.06.2017RT I, 04.07.2017, 601.09.2017
14.06.2017RT I, 04.07.2017, 801.11.2017
14.06.2017RT I, 04.07.2017, 520.12.2017
14.06.2017RT I, 07.07.2017, 101.11.2017
19.06.2017RT I, 07.07.2017, 301.08.2017, in part 01.01.2018
06.12.2017RT I, 20.12.2017, 130.12.2017
19.12.2017RT I, 11.01.2018, 101.06.2018
04.04.2018RT I, 24.04.2018, 101.07.2018
09.05.2018RT I, 25.05.2018, 101.01.2019, in part 01.06.2018
09.05.2018RT I, 31.05.2018, 101.01.2019
13.06.2018RT I, 22.06.2018, 502.07.2018
13.06.2018RT I, 06.07.2018, 101.01.2019
20.02.2019RT I, 13.03.2019, 215.03.2019
20.02.2019RT I, 15.03.2019, 125.03.2019
20.02.2019RT I, 19.03.2019, 101.01.2021
23.10.2019RT I, 30.10.2019, 101.02.2020 - upon exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union
20.04.2020RT I, 06.05.2020, 107.05.2020
17.06.2020RT I, 30.06.2020, 801.07.2020, in part 01.01.2022; date of entry into force amended [RT I, 30.03.2021, 1]
17.06.2020RT I, 10.07.2020, 201.01.2021
28.10.2020RT I, 13.11.2020, 101.01.2021
25.11.2020RT I, 10.12.2020, 101.01.2021, the name ‘Road Administration’ has been replaced with the name ‘Transport Administration’ throughout the Act.
17.03.2021RT I, 30.03.2021, 131.03.2021, in part 09.04.2021
19.05.2021RT I, 28.05.2021, 1107.06.2021
17.11.2021RT I, 30.11.2021, 401.12.2021
08.12.2021RT I, 22.12.2021, 101.03.2022
16.02.2022RT I, 10.03.2022, 121.03.2022
09.03.2022RT I, 22.03.2022, 201.04.2022
08.06.2022RT I, 20.06.2022, 6327.06.2022
20.06.2023RT I, 30.06.2023, 101.07.2023
04.12.2023RT I, 22.12.2023, 101.01.2024, in part 01.01.2025 and 01.01.2026
12.06.2024RT I, 29.06.2024, 215.07.2024
12.06.2024RT I, 29.06.2024, 409.07.2024, in part 01.07.2024, 01.04.2025 and 01.07.2025

Chapter 1 GENERAL PROVISIONS  

Subchapter 1 General Provisions  

§ 1.  Scope of application of Act

 (1) This Act provides for traffic management on the roads of Estonia, traffic rules, the principles and basic requirements for ensuring road traffic safety, the duties of the owner of the road, the conditions and rates of financing roads and paying road tolls, the rules for registration of and the requirements for motor vehicles, trams, their trailers and off-road vehicles, the requirements for granting the right to drive, the working and rest time of drivers of motor vehicles, management and maintenance of the motor register, and liability for violation of the traffic rules.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

 (2) This Act also regulates the off-road driving of off-road vehicles.

 (21) The provisions of § 69 of this Act also apply to drivers of motor vehicles driving a vehicle off the road.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (3) This Act extends to foreign road users and vehicles registered abroad, which are located in the territory of Estonia, unless an international agreement provides otherwise.

 (4) Any movement or positioning on a road closed for traffic for the purpose of a competition or mass event by an order of the Police and Border Guard Board or the Rescue Board, for road management or for another similar purpose is not considered traffic for the purposes of this Act.
[RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (5) The provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act apply to administrative proceedings provided for in this Act, taking account of the specifications of this Act.

§ 11.  Financing of road management and road management plan

 (1) Activities relating to national roads (hereinafter road management) are financed under a road management plan.

 (2) The volume of the financing of management of national roads and the volume of support to management of local roads on a yearly basis is provided for in the state budget strategy.

 (3) The funds for road management are allocated in the state budget for each budgetary year.

 (4) Local road maintenance support for municipalities is allocated in the municipalities support fund in the state budget.

 (5) Where case-based support is allocated in the state budget for maintenance of local roads, the support is distributed in accordance with the State Budget Act.

 (6) The national road management plan must include at least a list of construction and reconstruction sites as well as the volume and sources of financing per year. In the framework of construction of a national road included in the national road management plan, a road that does not belong to the state may be constructed in part where it is provided for in the design documentation and where the construction or maintenance technology calls for it or where it is in the public interests for the purposes of ensuring the integrity of the road network. The national road management plan may, in addition to national roads, also contain activities in support of the traffic safety of local roads.

 (7) The national road management is prepared by the Ministry of Climate for four years and it is updated annually, where necessary.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]

 (8) The national road management plan is established by an order of the Government of the Republic

 (9) Upon establishing the national road management plan, the Government of the Republic may authorise the minister in charge of the policy sector to amend the national road management plan to the extent determined by the Government of the Republic where the volume of financing planned for the maintenance of national roads changes during the term of validity of the national road management plan.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 2.  Definitions

  For the purposes of this Act:
 1) give way (not hinder) means that a road user must not continue or commence advancing or make manoeuvres where by so doing they might compel other road users to abruptly change the direction or speed;
 2) built-up area means a developed area that has entry and exit roads equipped with road signs establishing the road traffic rules applicable in the built-up area;
 3) car means a motor vehicle with at least four wheels, which is designed for the carriage of passengers or goods or for drawing while coupled to vehicles or for specific work applications, and the design speed of which exceeds 25 kilometres per hour. Trackless vehicles connected to an electric conductor are also deemed to be cars. Mopeds, motorcycles, tractors and mobile machinery are not deemed to be cars;
 31) automated traffic supervision system means a set of technical facilities consisting of a surveillance camera, a speedometer in case of measuring speed, a recording device and other necessary ancillary equipment designed to record traffic offences, the recording of which may be used to identify the motor vehicle and its driver, owner or authorised user;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2024]
 4) combination of vehicles means a combination of vehicles consisting of one or more hauling vehicles (traction unit) and one or more trailers or towed equipment;
 5) bus means a car designated for carrying passengers, which has more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat;
 6) right of way means the right of a road user to advance before another road user;
 7) dividing strip means a kerb, green or other strip separated from the road and not intended for vehicular traffic;
 8) traffic lights means an electric device used on roads to regulate traffic by using light signals;
 9) trailer means a vehicle manufactured to be drawn when coupled to a motor vehicle or a vehicle adapted for such purpose. Towed equipment and interchangeable towed equipment is not deemed to be a trailer;
 10) poor visibility means a temporary situation caused by weather or another phenomenon (fog, rain, snow, snowstorm, twilight, smoke, dust, water and mud splashes, sun glare) in which objects on the road are indistinguishable from their background at more than 300 meters;
 11) reflector means a means for increasing the visibility of a person or another object in darkness by reflection of light from that means towards the light source, visible in the illumination of the dipped-beam headlamps at a distance of at least 150 metres and of the main-beam headlamps at a distance of at least 300 metres;
 12) emergency stopping means the bringing of a vehicle to a halt or where the halting of a vehicle when the continuation of driving is dangerous or technically impossible;
 13) pedestrian means a road user who travels on foot, in a wheelchair or in another vehicle designated for use solely by a person with reduced mobility. A road user who travels using a muscle-powered skateboard, roller skates, roller skis, kick scooter, kicksled or another similar item and a road user walking a cycle or a one-wheeled or two-wheeled vehicle without power is also deemed a pedestrian;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 14) cycle means a vehicle that has at least two wheels and is propelled solely by the muscular power of the person riding it by means of pedals or hand-cranks and levers as well as a vehicle that meets these criteria and is equipped with an electric motor of a maximum continuous rated power of 0.25 kilowatts whose output capacity decreases along with an increase in speed and whose power supply stops once the rider stops pedalling or before the speed of the vehicle reaches 25 kilometres per hour. A wheelchair for a person with reduced mobility is not deemed a cycle;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 15) cycle and pedestrian track means a separate road or part of a road designated for cycles, personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds, self-driving delivery robots and pedestrians and signposted as such. A cycle and pedestrian track is part of the carriageway at an intersection of carriageways;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 16) cycle lane means a longitudinal strip of the carriageway indicated by road surface marking and designated for cycles, personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds or two-wheeled mopeds;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 17) cycle track means a part of the road separated from the carriageway by structural means or a separate part of the road or a separate road, which is designated for cycles, personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds or two-wheeled mopeds and signposted as such. A cycle track is part of the carriageway at an intersection of carriageways;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 18) footpath means a separate road designated for pedestrians, self-driving delivery robots and personal light electric vehicles, which may be signposted as such;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 19) driver means a person who drives a vehicle or an off-road vehicle or guides animals on a road. A driving instructor or personal driving supervisor is deemed to be a driver during driving lessons and driving practice and the examinee is deemed to be the driver during a driving test;
 20) ice road means a temporary road made on a frozen body of water for vehicles and pedestrians, signposted as such using adequate traffic control devices;
 21) light trailer means a trailer with its maximum mass not above 750 kg;
 211) personal light electric vehicle means a battery-driven vehicle designed for carrying one individual, which complies with the requirements of subsection 12 of § 87 of this Act, except a cycle. A personal light electric vehicle also means a self-balancing vehicle specified in clause 80 of this section;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 22) motorway means a road specially designed and built for the traffic of motor vehicles and signposted as such, which does not serve adjacent immovables, is provided with separate carriageways for the opposite directions of traffic and does not cross at level with any road, railway, tramway, cycle and pedestrian track, cycle track, footpath or pavement;
 23) speed limitation device means a device limiting the speed of a motor vehicle;
 24) inspector means a person who exercises supervision over vehicles, road users and drivers within the limits of the authority granted by a statute and carries a document certifying their authority;
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3– entry into force 01.07.2011]
 25) pavement means a part of the carriageway designated for pedestrian, self-driving delivery robot and personal light electric vehicle traffic and separated from the carriageway or cycle track by a kerb or in another manner, which may be signposted as such or marked with respective road surface markings;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 26) side turn means a right or left turn;
 261) group of children means a group of children of a pre-school child care institution and of students of the first stage of school;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 27) road user means a person who participates in traffic as a pedestrian or a driver;
 28) traffic means the movement and positioning of (a) pedestrian(s) or (a) vehicle(s) on the road. Driving cattle and riding animals is also deemed to constitute traffic;
 281) traffic supervision means state supervision over traffic and the movement of off-road vehicles;
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]
 29) traffic control device means a device for managing or guiding traffic (traffic lights, traffic sign, road marking, flashing lamp, barrier, speed limitation device, threshold, warning tape, traffic post, traffic cone, crossing barrier, safety island or other such device);
 30) road sign means a sign that establishes certain road traffic rules, informs road users of a traffic hazard or helps to adapt to the traffic situation;
 31) traffic hazard means a situation that compels road users suddenly to change direction or speed or to stop in order to avoid danger;
 311) non-traffic means of information means an announcement, notice, advertisement or sign which is installed on a carrier permanently attached to the ground or on a movable supporting structure or on another supporting structure of the means of information and which is not designated for the management of traffic or which does not conform to the requirements established for traffic control devices;
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]
 32) traffic accident means an event in which an individual is injured or killed or material damage is caused as a result of at least one vehicle moving on or off the road;
 33) person with mobility disability means a person with a moderate, severe or profound mobility disability;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 34) mobile machinery means a motor vehicle on wheels or caterpillar tracks designed for carrying out specific work and with a design speed of over 6 but less than 40 kilometres per hour. Vehicles designed for specific work applications, which are manufactured on the basis of a car, are not deemed to be mobile machinery;
 35) off-road area means a territory that is not a road for the purposes of the Building Code and is not designated for traffic of motor vehicles, trams or rail vehicles;
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]
 36) off-road vehicle means a vehicle powered by a motor, which is designed to be driven off‑road and is not a motor vehicle for the purposes of this Act;
 37) manoeuvre means any turn or changing of lanes or rounding;
 38) combination of tractors means a combination of vehicles consisting of a tractor or mobile machinery (traction unit) and a trailer or towed equipment or interchangeable towed equipment;
 39) motorcycle means a two-wheel motor vehicle with or without a sidecar, which has an internal combustion engine with a capacity exceeding 50 cubic centimetres and a design speed above 45 kilometres per hour. A three-wheel motor vehicle that has a symmetric placement of the wheels and complies with the aforementioned conditions is also considered a motorcycle;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 40) motor vehicle means a power-driven vehicle, except for an engine-powered vehicle designated for use solely by a person with reduced mobility, a cycle, a personal light electric vehicle, a light moped, a self-driving delivery robot, an off-road vehicle, a tram and a vehicle with a design speed of no more than six kilometres per hour;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 41) driving a motor vehicle means any activity of a person in the driver’s seat of a motor vehicle while it is moving. Any activity of a person while the person is not in the driver’s seat but influences the driving direction or speed of the motor vehicle with the help of control devices (steering bars, steering wheel or other similar devices) is also deemed to be driving a motor vehicle;
 42) moped means a two-wheel, three-wheel or four-wheel vehicle having an unladen mass of no more than 425 kilograms, a design speed of no more than 45 kilometres per hour and an internal combustion engine with a net power of or an electric motor with a continuous rated power of up to four kilowatts in the case of a two-wheel or three-wheel moped and up to six kilowatts in the case of a four-wheel moped. The capacity of the internal combustion engine of a two-wheel moped does not exceed 50 cubic centimetres and the capacity of the spark ignition internal combustion engine of a three-wheel or four-wheel moped does not exceed 59 cubic centimetres;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 43) high-visibility warning clothing means clothing designated to increase the visibility of a traffic controller;
 44) overtaking means moving past one or more driving vehicles by exiting one’s own lane. Rounding or passing is not deemed to be overtaking;
 45) passing means moving past one or more driving vehicles without exiting one’s own lane. Moving past a vehicle driving in the opposite direction is also deemed to be passing;
 46) rear registration plate light means a lamp illuminating the rear registration plate of a vehicle;
 47) safety island means a road structure increasing the safety of pedestrians upon crossing the carriageway;
 48) safety waistcoat means a garment designated to increase the safety of road users;
 49) parking means bringing a vehicle to an intentional halt for longer than is necessary for picking up or setting down passengers or for loading or unloading goods;
 50) car park means an area designed structurally or for traffic management purposes for the parking of vehicles, comprising parking places and parts of a road connecting them;
 51) priority road means a road signposted as such in its entirety. At an intersection, the priority road is a road signposted as such in relation to an intersecting road or a paved road in relation to a gravel road or an earth-track and a gravel road in relation to an earth-track. Gravel roads or earth-tracks that have a paved section before emerging into an intersection with a paved road are not deemed to be paved roads;
 52) standing means the bringing a vehicle to an intentional halt for picking up or setting down passengers or for loading or unloading goods. Stopping with the traffic flow or when requested by a traffic control device or a traffic controller is not deemed to be standing;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]
 53) limited visibility means a situation where curves, crests of hills, roadside facilities, green areas or obstacles on the road reduce visibility to such an extent that driving on this part of road with the maximum speed allowed thereon may be dangerous;
 54) night-time means the period of time between nightfall and dawn when visibility is less than 300 metres due to the lack of natural light;
 55) blind person means a person whose visual acuity with correction in the better eye is lower than 0.1 or whose field of vision is narrower than 20 degrees;
 56) light moped means a vehicle that has at least two wheels and a seat and whose capacity in the case of an internal combustion engine or whose maximum continuous rated power in the case of an electric motor does not exceed one kilowatt and whose design speed does not exceed 25 kilometres per hour;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 57) drawing means hauling another motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors using a motor vehicle;
 58) towed equipment means a mechanism, structure, construction or other equipment with at least one wheel having stable contact with the ground, coupled to a motor vehicle and pulled after or pushed before such vehicle;
 59) haulage of towed equipment means also the haulage of interchangeable towed equipment;
 60) side appropriate to the direction of traffic means a carriageway or a part thereof designated for vehicular traffic in one direction. In the event of a two-way carriageway, the right part of the carriageway bordered by a traffic control device on the left or, in its absence, by the imaginary centre-line, is deemed to be the side appropriate to the direction of traffic. Where the tracks of a tramway are located in the middle of a carriageway and they are at grade with it, the centre-line of the tracks of the tramway is deemed to separate the two sides of the direction of traffic. A tramway appropriate to the direction of traffic belongs to the side appropriate to the direction of traffic. On a two-way carriageway that has three lanes marked with road surface markings in its overall width, only the rightmost lane is the side appropriate to the direction of traffic, unless provided otherwise by a traffic control device. Where a road has a separate lane for public transport vehicles or slow-moving, heavy or other vehicles that are not rail vehicles or rail-borne vehicles, the edge of this separate lane closest to the carriageway is the edge of the side appropriate to the direction of traffic for other trackless vehicles;
 61) turn means a side turn or a U-turn;
 62) continuous rated power means the net power specified by the manufacturer at continuous load;
 63) heavy vehicle means a vehicle with or without cargo, a combination of vehicles or a combination of tractors, with its laden mass or load on any axis exceeding the requirements specified in § 80 of this Act;
 64) rail vehicle means a is a rail vehicle as defined in the Railways Act;
 65) level crossing means an intersection at grade between a road and a railway. A barrier or, in absence thereof, the location of a railway sign indicating a single or multi-track railway constitute the border between a road and a level crossing;
 66) permissible maximum mass means the maximum mass determined for a fully equipped vehicle together with its driver, passengers and cargo upon registration, which must not exceed the maximum mass permitted by the manufacturer;
 67) traffic controller means a person who directs or stops road users within the limits of their authority;
 68) intersection means an area formed by any intersecting carriageways at grade. The following is not deemed to be an intersection: any place where a car park, a calm traffic area, resting place or an area adjacent to a road is adjacent to a carriageway, any access road to a car park, calm traffic area, resting place or an area adjacent to a road, any intersection of a single-lane road and a field or forest road, and any intersection of such roads. An intersection is regulated when traffic lights or directions given by a traffic controller determine the sequence of road users. An intersection is unregulated in all other events;
 681) self-driving delivery robot means a partially or fully automated or remotely controlled vehicle which moves on wheels or another chassis that is in contact with the ground, which uses sensors, cameras or other equipment for obtaining information on the surrounding environment and based on the obtained information is able to move partially or fully without being controlled by a driver;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]
 682) self-driving delivery robot user means a natural or legal person who is the direct possessor of a self-driving delivery robot and uses the self-driving delivery robot in traffic. A person who is provided with a service using a self-driving delivery robot under a contract or on another ground and who does not have substantive control over the maintenance, operation the self-driving delivery robot or over allowing the self-driving delivery robot to engage in traffic is not considered a self-driving delivery robot user.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]
 683) controlling of a self-driving delivery robot means the adjustment of the moving speed or direction of a self-driving delivery robot by a natural person directly or by way of remote control using electronic, manual or other control equipment. The controlling of a self-driving delivery robot also means the setting of the path of movement for a self-driving delivery robot and the giving for the related movement and stopping instructions for the time during which the self-driving delivery robot participates in traffic partially or fully without the controller’s control, but only to the extent that the self-driving delivery robot follows such instructions;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]
 69) rail-borne vehicle means a vehicle designated to move on rails. For the purposes of this Act, a rail vehicle is not deemed to be a rail-borne vehicle;
 70) large vehicle means a laden or unladen vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors, which has at least one dimension that exceeds the requirements specified in § 80 of this Act;
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]
 71) passenger car means a car designated to carry passengers, which has up to eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat;
 72) road with right of way means a road where the driver has the right of way in relation to the drivers driving on an intersecting road;
 73) vehicle means a device powered by a motor or in another way, designated for road traffic or driving on the road;
 74) motorcade means two or more vehicles travelling in an organised way after one another;
 75) [Repealed – RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 76) lane means any one of the longitudinal strips into which a carriageway is divisible, whether or not signposted as such or defined by road markings, wide enough for one moving line of cars. Two-wheel motorcycles and mopeds may drive in two lines on a lane;
 77) traffic line means a line formed by vehicles driving behind one another;
 78) carriageway means the part of a road designated for vehicular traffic. Cycle tracks and cycle and pedestrian tracks are not carriageways. A road may comprise several carriageways separated from one another by a dividing strip. Carriageways intersecting at grade form an intersecting area of carriageways. The edge of a carriageway is indicated by the respective road surface marking or, where there is no road surface marking, by a shoulder, dividing strip, green area or the edge of another verge, or by the bottom of a gutter or the kerb of the carriageway. Where both tracks of a two-way tramway that is at grade with a carriageway are on one side of the carriageway, the tramway rail closest to the carriageway is deemed to be the edge of the carriageway for trackless vehicles;
 79) passenger means a person who is using a vehicle for travelling, but is not the driver;
 80) self-balancing vehicle means a self-balancing electric two-track vehicle designed to carry one individual;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 81) road means a public structure that is used for pedestrian or vehicular traffic or another area designated for traffic by a landowner. A road also comprises shoulders, dividing strips and green area strips. Roads may be paved roads, gravel roads or earth-tracks depending on the upper layer. A paved road is a road coated with a layer of material processed with cement, ash or bitumen (asphalt, cement concrete or other such coating) and a paving stone or cobblestone road. A gravel road is a road of gravel, gravely sand or crushed stone sand or crushed stone screenings. An earth-track is a field, forest or other such uncoated road that is built for traffic or has developed into a road as a result of traffic;
 82) area adjacent to a road means a roadside territory where constructions visible to a driver from the road are located and that may be accessed by an access road;
 83) road marking means a road surface marking or a vertical marking that establishes a certain traffic order, helps to adapt to traffic and indicates various sources of danger. A road surface marking is a line, arrow, entry or image on the road surface. A vertical marking comprises alternate white and black stripes at the edge of the road or a reflector on a white post with or without a black stripe;
 84) laden mass means the actual mass of a vehicle at a given moment together with its driver, passengers and cargo;
 85) axle load means the portion of the mass of a vehicle that exerts force on the road through the axle;
 86) tractor means a motor vehicle designated for field or forest work, which has wheels or tracks and at least two axes, and whose maximum design speed is at least six kilometres per hour. Vehicles designed for specific work applications, which are manufactured on the basis of a car, are not deemed to be tractors;
 87) tram means a rail vehicle for carrying passengers, with or without a rail-borne trailer, which runs on tracks and is connected to an overhead wire;
 88) trolleybus means a car for carrying passengers, which is connected to an overhead wire and has more than eight seats in addition to the driver’s seat;
 89) maximum mass means the authorised maximum mass, declared by the manufacturer, of a fully equipped laden vehicle, with the crew and passengers on board;
 90) unladen mass means the mass of a fully equipped vehicle as determined by the manufacturer;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 91) interchangeable towed equipment means a mechanism used in agriculture or forestry, the main purpose of which is to add to or change the functions of a tractor and which is designed to be drawn coupled to a tractor;
 92) design speed means the maximum speed designated for a vehicle by the manufacturer;
 93) authorised user means a natural person with Estonian citizenship or with a permanent residence and a residence permit or right in Estonia or a legal person registered in Estonia who uses the vehicle under a contract for use or a sales contract with reservation of title of ownership and has been entered in the motor register as the authorised user of the vehicle. A representative nominated by the authorised user of a vehicle not meeting the conditions specified in this clause is also deemed to be an authorised user;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 94) truck means a car designed for the carriage of goods or for drawing while coupled to vehicles or for specific work applications;
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]
 95) driving practice area means a paved road or area adapted to this purpose and closed for other traffic;
 96) calm traffic area means a road designated for the common traffic of pedestrians and vehicles in which the speed of vehicles is reduced by structural or other means and where entry and exit roads are signposted as such;
 97) public transport vehicle means, for the purposes of the Public Transport Act, a bus, trolleybus or tram providing the public transport service or a passenger car intended to provide the public transport service;
 98) lane reserved for public transport vehicles means a part of a carriageway, marked with the respective traffic control device, which is designated for the traffic of vehicles specified in § 37 of this Act;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]
 99) crossing means a part of a road that is designated for pedestrians to cross the carriageway, cycle track or tramway track and marked as such, where the pedestrians have no right of way towards drivers of vehicles, unless the pedestrian uses the crossing on a carriageway onto which the driver of the vehicle is turning;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 100) pedestrian crossing means a part of a road that is designated for pedestrians to cross the carriageway, cycle track or tramway track and is marked with a relevant traffic control device and where drivers are required to give way to pedestrians. A pedestrian crossing is considered a regulated pedestrian crossing where the sequence of movement of the road users is determined by traffic light signals or signals given by a traffic controller. Pedestrian crossings are unregulated in all other cases;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 101) rounding means the passing of one or several vehicles standing on a carriageway or another obstacle by exiting one’s own lane.

Subchapter 2 Traffic Safety  

§ 3.  Ensuring safety of road users

 (1) The Government of the Republic develops the national road traffic safety policy.

 (2) The Ministry of Climate organises the ensuring of the safety of road users and traffic safety.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]

 (3) The Ministry of the Interior organises traffic supervision.

 (4) The Ministry of Education and Research organises the implementation of the traffic education policy.

 (5) Municipalities organise road traffic safety awareness raising and educational work among the population, at schools and at child care establishments within their administrative territories.

 (6) Municipalities ensure compliance with road traffic safety requirements upon drawing up and adoption of plans.

§ 4.  Traffic education

 (1) The purpose of traffic education is to shape a culture of road users who show consideration for other road users and who:
 1) practise safe road use, understand the traffic environment and avoid acting in a manner that could endanger people or obstruct traffic;
 2) have the knowledge and skills to help themselves and other road users cope and remain safe in various traffic situations as pedestrians, passengers and drivers;
 3) disapprove of driving in a state exceeding the maximum permitted alcohol level in the bloodstream or in a state of intoxication as well as of travelling in a motor vehicle driven by a driver who is in such a state.
[RT I, 07.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.11.2017]

 (2) Children are provided with traffic education and taught how to use the road safely by:
 1) their parents or legal guardian;
 2) pre-school child care institutions, basic schools, upper secondary schools, vocational educational institutions, hobby schools or other competent authorities.

 (3) The procedure for educating children about traffic and road use specified in clause 2 of subsection 2 of this section is established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

 (4) Road traffic safety education for adults is provided through training, the mass media, road traffic safety campaigns, information days, special information bulletins and other similar means.

§ 5.  National road traffic safety programme

 (1) The aim of the national road traffic safety programme is to more effectively implement measures to continuously improve road traffic safety and to reduce the number of persons killed or injured in traffic accidents.

 (2) The national road traffic safety programme is implemented by ministries and authorities that have the competence to develop and take road traffic safety measures as well as by municipalities, state agencies and non-governmental organisations that have the competence to educate road users and cultivate their proper attitudes and safe traffic habits.

 (3) The implementation of the national road traffic safety programme at the local government level is effected through regional and local road traffic safety programmes and action plans.

§ 51.  Information on state of road and organisation of use of road

 (1) Information on the state of national roads, closure of a road and general requirements for the use and protection of a road is provided by the Transport Administration. Fresh information on traffic conditions on national roads is provided by the Transport Administration via the Internet and a radio station that is broadcast nationwide.

 (2) At least 24 hours in advance, the Transport Administration gives notice of any significant changes in traffic control on a national road and of the period during which such change is in force via a radio station that is broadcast nationwide. The owner of a public road must give notice of any changes in traffic control in such a manner that the information reaches the road users whom it may concern.

 (3) In the event of a heavy snowstorm or black ice and in other cases which significantly affect traffic control or traffic safety, the Transport Administration is required to give immediate notice of the state of national roads and give fresh information on any changes in traffic control caused by a natural disaster or traffic accident via a radio station that is broadcast nationwide.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 52.  Rights and duties of owner of public road

 (1) The owner of a public road must:
 1) remove from the road plantations, trees and bushes which restrict visibility as well as other construction works, rubbish, dead animals and birds which pose a traffic hazard;
 2) install traffic control devices which warn road users or divert traffic in the event of an accident and in a situation endangering other road users.

 (2) The owner of a road may close the road or a part thereof for a certain period of time or restrict traffic on the road where the load-bearing part of the road has deteriorated due to soil thawing, rain or other factors significantly affecting traffic and where traffic may damage the road, or where traffic on the road is dangerous.

 (3) In order to ensure the safety of passengers, the owner of a road must ensure the safety of the road and of the locations designated for the entry and exit of passengers.

 (4) In order to ensure the safety of passengers, the owner of a public road may establish temporary or permanent restrictions on other vehicle traffic on a public transport route.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 53.  Non-traffic means of information

 (1) Permission to install and non-traffic means of information in the protection zone of a road, except on buildings, is granted by the owner of the road. To obtain the permission, the applicant must submit a drawing and the layout of the location of the means of information.

 (2) A non-traffic means of information may be installed in the road protection zone where the means of information:
 1) does not mislead road users or obstruct their view of a traffic control device;
 2) does not make it difficult to distinguish a traffic control device;
 3) does not pose a traffic hazard by dazzling road users or distracting their attention;
 4) does not restrict visibility at a junction.

 (3) A non-traffic means of information which, due to its shape, colour or design, could be mistaken for a traffic control device cannot be installed on a road or in the road protection zone

 (4) Damage caused by disregarding the requirements for the installation of a non-traffic means of information must be compensated to a road user by the owner of the means of information.

 (5) A non-traffic means of information may be installed on a road of the European road network and in the protection zone of such roads only where the means of information is parallel to the axis of the road.

 (6) A non-traffic means of information may be installed in the road protection zone on the conditions provided for in subsection 2 of this section where the distance between the edge of the means of information closest to the carriageway and the edge of the carriageway is at least 12 metres.

 (7) The owner of a non-traffic means of information bears all expenses relating to the installation, maintenance and removal of the means of information.

 (8) A non-traffic means of information installed on a roads or in the road protection zones without the consent of the owner of the road or the owner of the land in the road protection zone must be without delay removed by the owner of the means of information at the request of the owner of the road or the owner of the land in the road protection zone. Where this requirement is not met, the owner of the road or the owner of the land in the road protection zone has the right to remove the means of information. The costs of removing the means of information are borne by the owner of the means of information.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

Subchapter 3 Traffic  

§ 6.  Traffic management

 (1) The purpose of traffic management is to ensure trouble-free, smooth, swift and safe traffic with minimum harm to the environment.

 (2) Traffic management is achieved through the use of traffic control devices.

 (3) The traffic control devices used for traffic management must meet the requirements of this Act and the Building Code.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (4) The owner of a road or a person responsible for the organisation of road management ensures traffic management and the proper positioning and maintenance of traffic control devices.

 (5) Traffic control devices may not be damaged and hidden from the view of road users. Traffic control devices may not be installed, moved or removed without authorisation to do so.

 (6) The meanings of road signs and road markings (road surface markings and vertical markings) are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 61.  Intelligent Transport System

 (1) ‘Intelligent Transport System’ means a system in which information and communication technology is applied in the field of road transport, including infrastructure, vehicles and users, and in traffic management and mobility management, as well as for an interface with another mode of transport.

 (2) The principles specified in Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport apply (OJ L 207, 06.08.2010, pp 1–13) and the specification adopted by the European Commission based on the given Directive apply to the development and deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems and services. The personal data required for the functioning of applications and services of Intelligent Transport Systems must be processed in accordance with the Personal Data Protection Act and Electronic Communications Act.

 (3) Once the European Commission adopts the specification, specific conditions and procedure for the development and deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems may be established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 25.05.2012, 7 – entry into force 04.06.2012]

§ 62.  Electronic collection of road toll

  [Repealed – RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

§ 63.  European Electronic Toll Service

 (1) ‘European Electronic Toll Service’ (hereinafter also EETS and service) means a service provided in the Member States of the European Union for the purpose of facilitating the levying of road tolls, which the provider renders to a service user via an electronic road toll system and the on-board equipment of the vehicle under a contract covering a single electronic road toll domain or multiple domains.

 (2) An EETS provider must make available to an EETS user on-board equipment which is interoperable and suitable for use in electronic road toll systems where at least one of the technological solutions specified in Article 3(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems and facilitating cross-border exchange of information on the failure to pay road fees in the Union (OJ L 91, 29.03.2019, pp 45–76) is used.

 (3) ‘Electronic road toll system’ means a toll collection system in which the obligation, for the user, to pay the toll is exclusively triggered by and linked to the automatic detection of the presence of the vehicle in a certain location through remote communication with on-board equipment in the vehicle or automatic number plate recognition.

 (4) ‘EETS domain’ means a road, a road network, a structure, such as a bridge or a tunnel, or a ferry, where tolls are collected within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council using an electronic road toll system.

 (5) ‘On-board equipment (OBE)’ means the complete set of hardware and software components to be used as part of the toll service which is installed or carried on board a vehicle in order to collect, store, process and remotely receive/transmit data, either as a separate device or embedded in the vehicle, which meets the requirements provided in Article 3 of Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council and in Directive 2014/53/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to the making available on the market of radio equipment and repealing Directive 1999/5/EC (OJ L 153, 22.05.2014, pp 62–106) and Directive 2014/30/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of the laws of the Member States relating to electromagnetic compatibility (recast) (OJ L 96, 29.03.2014, pp 79–106).

 (6) Proving the compliance of OBE and interoperability constituents is subject to Article 15 of Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/203 on classification of vehicles, obligations of European Electronic Toll Service users, requirements for interoperability constituents and minimum eligibility criteria for notified bodies (OJ L 43, 17.02.2020, pp 41–48), Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/204 on detailed obligations of European Electronic Toll Service providers, minimum content of the European Electronic Toll Service domain statement, electronic interfaces, requirements for interoperability constituents and repealing Decision 2009/750/EC (OJ L 43, 17.02.2020, pp 49–62) and Chapter 3 of the Product Conformity Act.

 (7) When creating an electronic road toll system, the Transport Administration prepares a domain statement in accordance with Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/204 and publishes it early enough to allow for interested service providers to prove the compliance of the interoperability constituents specified in subsection 6 of this section and complete the accreditation procedure established by the toll charger not later than one month before launching the electronic road toll system.

 (8) The technological solution of the electronic road toll system must comply with the requirements provided in Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council, Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2020/203 and Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2020/204.

 (9) The electronic road toll system database containing data specified in Article 21(1) of Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council is established and the statutes thereof are adopted by the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

§ 64.  Acting as an EETS provider

 (1) To be registered as an EETS provider, a person submits to the Transport Administration an application and information proving that the person fulfils the requirements provided in Article 4 of Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council. Where the person fulfils the requirements, the Transport Administration approves the application and registers the EETS provider in the database specified in subsection 9 of § 63 of this Act, publishes the name and contact details of the provider on its website and updates these at least once a year, informing the European Commission of any changes in the data.

 (2) ‘EETS provider’ means an entity which, under a separate contract, grants access to EETS to an EETS user, transfers the tolls to the relevant toll charger, and which is registered by its Member State of establishment.

 (3) ‘Toll charger’ means an entity which levies tolls for the circulation of vehicles in an EETS domain.

 (4) An EETS provider publishes on its website the principles of conclusion of a contract with an EETS user.

 (5) An EETS provider:
 1) within one month after registration in the database specified in subsection 9 of § 63 of this Act publishes on its website information on the domains regarding which it has concluded a contract on levying electronic road tolls which, among other things, provides that the EETS provider submits a toll invoice directly to the EETS user, as well as a detailed plan on the expansion of its services to other domains, except for the domains where toll chargers do not follow Article 6(3) of Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
 2) within 36 months after registration in the database specified in subsection 9 of § 63 of this Act concludes a contract on levying electronic road tolls with the toll chargers of all of the domains of at least four Member States of the European Union, publishes on its website information of the domains covered by the contract and updates it at least once a year;
 3) makes data on the vehicle and its owner or possessor suspected of not paying the road toll available to the toll charger.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

§ 65.  Regulatory enforcement of the performance of the duties of an EETS provider

 (1) ‘Regulatory enforcement regarding the performance of the duties of an EETS provider’ means an activity aimed at verifying the performance of the duties provided in subsection 2 of § 63 or subsection 4 or 5 of § 64 of this Act by an EETS provider.

 (2) Regulatory enforcement regarding an EETS provider is carried out by the Transport Administration.

 (3) An official engaged in regulatory enforcement has the right to demand that the EETS provider submit relevant documents, data, reports and explanations.

 (4) Where an EETS provider is unable to submit documents providing the performance of the duties, the regulatory enforcement authority has the right to issue a compliance notice aimed at eliminating the deficiency.

 (5) Where a compliance notice specified in subsection 4 of this section is not complied with, the maximum non-compliance levy imposed in accordance with the rules provided in the Substitutional Performance and Non-compliance Levies Act is 6,400 euros.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

§ 66.  EETS user

 (1) ‘EETS user’ means a person who has a contract with an EETS provider in order to have access to the EETS.

 (2) An EETS user has the right to conclude a contract with any EETS provider, regardless of the Member State of the European Union where the vehicle has been registered.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

§ 67.  Variations of electronic road toll

  No electronic road toll within the meaning of Directive 2019/520/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council is levied on a national road.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

§ 7.  Meaning of traffic light signals

 (1) Traffic lights with circular shaped signals regulate vehicular traffic and, in the absence of traffic lights for pedestrians, also pedestrian traffic. Traffic lights have three circular shaped signals: red on top, amber in the centre and green on the bottom. In exceptional cases a horizontally mounted traffic light with red in the left, amber in the centre and green in the right may be used.
The signals have the following meanings:
 1) green permits proceeding;
 2) flashing green permits proceeding but informs that amber is about to illuminate;
 3) amber prohibits proceeding; proceeding from the place designated for halting is permitted only where halting in that place is impossible without endangering road traffic; where the light illuminates at the moment when the driver is on the intersection or a pedestrian crossing, proceeding must be continued;
 4) red prohibits proceeding;
 5) red and amber at the same time prohibit proceeding and inform that green is about to illuminate.

 (2) Traffic lights with arrowheads regulate vehicular traffic at intersections. The signals are the shape of an arrowhead. Red and amber signals may have a circular shape; in that case they show the contour of an arrowhead. The signals are mounted vertically. The positioning of signals, sequence of illumination and meaning correspond to that of the traffic lights with circular signals. When a green arrowhead illuminates, traffic may proceed in the direction pointed by the arrowhead. A green illuminated arrowhead pointing to the left allows a U-turn from the leftmost lane.

 (3) Traffic lights with additional signals regulate vehicular traffic at an intersection. The main signals of the traffic lights are mounted vertically, similarly to traffic lights with circular signals. There is an additional arrowhead signal on one or both sides of the green signal, illuminating in green. When the green arrowhead signal illuminates, vehicles may proceed in the direction indicated by the arrowhead regardless of which main signal is illuminated. A green illuminated arrowhead pointing to the left allows a U-turn from the extreme left lane. When the arrowhead signal is not illuminated, vehicles may not proceed in the direction indicated by the arrowhead. The green signal of a traffic light may itself show an arrowhead indicating the permitted directions for traffic when illuminated.

 (4) A traffic light with a flashing amber signal indicates an unregulated intersection, a pedestrian crossing or other dangerous location.

 (5) A traffic light for public transport regulates traffic for vehicles driven on a lane reserved for public transport vehicles. The traffic light has three vertically mounted white signals. The top signal is S-shaped, the middle signal is a horizontal bar and the bottom signal a vertical bar. The upper part of the vertical bar may be pointed in the direction of the turn. Illuminated signals have the following meanings: the top signal prohibits proceeding, the middle signal prohibits proceeding and informs that another signal is about to illuminate and the bottom signal allows for proceeding.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (6) Direction-changing traffic lights regulate traffic on lanes where traffic may change direction. When a red signal in the form of a tilted cross is illuminated in the left section of the traffic lights, traffic may not proceed along the lane above which the traffic lights are mounted. When a green signal in the form of an arrowhead pointing down is illuminated in the right section of the traffic lights, traffic may proceed along the lane above which the traffic lights are mounted. An intermediate section may also be used, incorporating a tilted amber arrowhead pointing down and flashing simultaneously with the green or being illuminated all the time. Illumination of the arrowhead in the intermediate section indicates that this direction will soon be closed for the traffic and vehicles need to proceed to a lane in the direction indicated by the arrowhead. When the direction-changing traffic lights are not illuminated and are located above a lane marked by a double broken line, proceeding onto this lane is prohibited.

 (7) Traffic lights at a crossing regulate traffic at level crossings, berths, places of exit of emergency vehicles and movable bridges. The traffic lights have two flashing red signals. Flashing prohibits advancement. On level crossings a slowly flashing white signal may be used in addition to the two red flashing signals; the level crossing may be traversed when the white signal is flashing, but not when the red signals are flashing. Traffic lights at a crossing may also incorporate only a red and a green signal, which have the same meaning as in traffic light with circular shaped signals.

 (8) Cycle traffic lights regulate the traffic of cycles, personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds and two-wheeled mopeds. Traffic lights with a pedestrian and cycle pictograph regulate the traffic of pedestrians, personal light electric vehicle riders, self-driving delivery robots and cyclists. The shape of the traffic lights and the position and meaning of the signals are the same as those of traffic lights with circular signals. The signals show a pictogram of a cycle or of a cycle and a pedestrian or incorporate an additional section with the pictograph of a cycle next to the traffic lights with circular signals.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (9) Pedestrian traffic lights regulate the traffic of pedestrians, personal light electric vehicle riders and self-driving delivery robots. Pedestrian traffic lights also regulate the traffic of cyclists and light mopeds where the cycle and pedestrian track has no cycle traffic lights. The upper part of the traffic lights shows a red pictograph of a pedestrian, prohibiting pedestrians, personal light electric vehicle riders and self-driving delivery robots to cross the carriageway, while the lower part shows a green pictograph of a pedestrian, permitting pedestrians, personal light electric vehicle riders and self-driving delivery robots to cross the carriageway. The traffic lights’ red pictograph of a pedestrian prohibits and the green one permits also cyclists and light moped riders to cross the carriageway where the cycle and pedestrian track has no cycle traffic lights. The traffic lights may be equipped with an audible signal that, when beeping with long intervals, indicates that the red signal is illuminated, and when continuous, indicates that the green signal is illuminated. Where necessary, the pedestrian traffic lights may have two upper red signals showing the pictograph of a pedestrian.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (10) A countdown timer may be incorporated into the traffic lights, indicating how many seconds remain until another signal illuminates.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (11) The requirements for traffic lights are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 71.  Designation of road

 (1) A place name compliant with § 4 of the Place Names Act must be given to a public road. A place name may be given to other roads as well in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Place Names Act.

 (2) The types of road that must be designated, the procedure for installation of guiding signs and service point signs, and the system of referring to destinations are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (3) During road construction, the proper installation of traffic control devices and traffic safety is ensured by the undertaking for the purposes of the Building Code.

 (4) The requirements for traffic management are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 72.  Requirements for road use

 (1) It is prohibited to damage and pollute a road.

 (2) Upon using a road, an undertaking engaged in the carriage of cargo or passengers must provide the owner of the road, where the owner so requires, with information on vehicles using the road, the volume of transport operations, the itinerary and the frequency of journeys.

 (3) A road may be used for a non-traffic purpose only upon the written consent of the owner of the road and on the conditions established by the owner of the road.

 (4) Where the road is closed for a non-traffic purpose, the person who obtained the respective consent must compensate the road owner for the costs relating to the reorganisation of traffic.

 (5) The owner of a private road must allow an emergency vehicle, a surveillance vehicle and, during a state of emergency or war, a vehicle of the Defence Forces to use the private road. The owner of a private road must allow other vehicles to temporarily use the private road only where a public road that reasonably grants access to the same place has been closed for eliminating the consequences of an emergency or a natural disaster.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 8.  Traffic control

 (1) A traffic controller controls traffic where it needs to be done in a way differing from the signals given by traffic control devices or where the existing traffic control devices do not ensure a normal flow of traffic over a certain time period, as well as in the event of traffic obstacles or congestions or in other events when traffic is disturbed.

 (2) The directions given by a traffic controller must be clearly visible and unambiguous. The traffic controller must give the directions in good time so that drivers would not cause a dangerous traffic situation due to an unexpected manoeuvre or a sudden change in speed and would not disturb other road users. The traffic controller may use a whistle, audible warning or another device to give directions.

 (3) Traffic is controlled by a police officer or an assistant police officer that has undergone the respective training. Traffic may be controlled within the obtained competence and after having undergone the respective training also by:
 1) traffic controllers of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League where a motorcade of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League participates in traffic;
 2) rescue service officials and voluntary rescuers;
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]
 3) nature conservation officials in a protected area for the purposes of the Nature Conservation Act, in a limited-conservation area, on a species’ protection site or in a limited management zone of an individual protected natural object and on the roads leading thereto;
 4) persons in charge of state forest management or officials of state agencies on forest roads;
 5) railway workers on level crossings;
 6) persons in charge of ferry traffic at ports;
 7) persons in charge of parking in car parks;
 8) persons assigned by a road owner or administrative authority to temporarily control traffic due to road works or during duly approved events or in other events where traffic is disturbed or the road is temporarily closed for public traffic;
 9) persons accompanying a large or heavy goods vehicle where traffic is disturbed or endangered due to the largeness or heaviness of the vehicle;
 10) persons accompanying children’s groups in order to ensure the safety of the children;
 11) ambulance crew members at scenes of traffic accidents in order to ensure the safety of the victims and the ambulance crew;
 12) persons undergoing the training for traffic controllers.

§ 9.  Requirements for traffic controller and traffic controller training provider

 (1) A traffic controller must wear the high-visibility warning clothing or uniform specified in subsection 1 of § 11 of this Act.

 (2) By way of exception, a safety waistcoat specified in subsection 1 of § 11 of this Act may be worn in urgent or short-time traffic control episodes.
[RT I, 10.05.2014, 1 – entry into force 20.05.2014]

 (3) A traffic controller must be at least 18 years of age and must have undergone training in accordance with the established procedure. By way of exception, a traffic controller controlling parking in a car park may be at least 16 years of age. A traffic controller accompanying special carriage must also have the right to drive a combination of vehicles belonging to category CE. A traffic controller specified in clauses 8 and 9 of subsection 3 of § 8 of this Act must hold the traffic controller certificate and their state of health must correspond to at least the health requirements established for the driver of a motor vehicle of category B as provided for in subsection 10 of § 101.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (4) The requirements specified in subsection 3 of this section do not apply to police officers, assistant police officers, traffic controllers of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, rescue servants or voluntary rescuers involved in mediating a rescue incident.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (5) Where an event or activity is not periodically recurring or does not require traffic control for more than three days, except in the event of accompanying special carriage, persons having undergone the traffic controller training provided by a training provider specified in subsection 8 of this section may provide traffic controller training. The owner of a road on which traffic control is to take place has the right to request the use of a traffic controller specified in subsection 3.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (6) The training of traffic controllers and the practical on-road training of traffic controllers by a training provider approved by the Transport Administration must take place under the direct supervision of a traffic controller specified in subsection 3 of this section, who is at least 24 years of age, upon the approval of and on the conditions established by the owner of the road.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (7) A police officer and the road owner have the right to suspend the activities of a traffic controller specified in subsection 3 of this section where the traffic controller does not achieve the aim of traffic control or causes a traffic hazard as a result of their activities. In the event of suspension of the activities of the traffic controller, the police officer has the right to order that the person who granted authorisation to control traffic ensure, within a reasonable time, the replacement of the traffic controller by a traffic controller who complies with the requirements provided by a statute.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (8) Training providers approved by the Transport Administration have the right to train traffic controllers.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (9) To obtain the approval specified in subsection 8 of this section, the following documents and information must be submitted to the Transport Administration:
 1) an application;
 2) a curriculum complying with the requirements for the curricula of the traffic controller training course specified in subsection 12 of this section;
 3) information on the professional qualifications of the lecturers of traffic controller training;
 4) written consent by the lecturers specified in clause 3 of this subsection to commence work.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (10) The Transport Administration refuses to approve a training provider where:
 1) the curricula submitted by the educational institution do not meet the established requirements;
 2) the training provider does not have lecturers who meet the requirements specified in subsection 12 of this section, or
 3) false information was given upon application for approval.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (11) The Transport Administration has the right to revoke the approval providing traffic controller training specified in subsection 8 of this section where:
 1) false information was submitted upon application for approval;
 2) the training does not comply with the requirements established by the minister in charge of the policy sector specified in subsection 12 of this section; or
 3) the training provider has decided to terminate the traffic controller training.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (12) The procedure for training traffic controllers and the form, procedure for issue and revocation of certificates of traffic controllers as well as the curricula and requirements for the qualifications of lecturers are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (13) A person who has acquired foreign professional qualifications can act as a traffic controller where their professional qualifications have been recognised in accordance with the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act. The competent authority provided for in subsection 2 of § 7 of the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act is the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 30.12.2015, 1 – entry into force 18.01.2016]

§ 10.  Directions given by traffic controller

 (1) An upright raised arm of the traffic controller means that road users have to stop. Road users must stop immediately after the traffic controller has raised an arm and has pointed to a place for stopping. Where the direction is given at the moment when a driver is at an intersection or on a pedestrian crossing, the driver must proceed.

 (2) A horizontally outstretched arm or arms of the authorised designate a stop signal for all road users approaching from any direction that would cut across that indicated by the outstretched arm or arms; after the traffic controller has made this gesture and lowered an arm or arms, it means a stop signal for drivers in front of or behind the official.

 (3) Drivers towards whom a traffic controller is with their side may drive to the right, forward, left or back. The traffic controller may also make a gesture in a direction of traffic, allowing road users to proceed in this direction.

 (4) Traffic controllers may use other gestures or oral instructions to give comprehensible directions to road users.

 (5) A direction prohibiting advancement remains valid until a direction allowing advancement is given.

 (6) Proceeding is allowed in directions in which it is not prohibited.

 (7) Directions given at intersections and on the roads between intersections have the same meaning.

 (8) Traffic control directions are given by:
 1) a traffic baton striped in black and white;
 2) a red reflective disk;
 3) a disk featuring the traffic sign ‘Closed to all vehicles’;
 4) hand.

 (9) A disk featuring the traffic sign ‘Closed to all vehicles’ may also be used by other traffic controllers where the image ‘Closed to all vehicles’ is replaced by other words characterising the profession of the traffic controller or an organisation, e.g. ‘Rescue,’ ‘Nature protection,’ ‘Roadwork,’ ‘Children,’ etc.

§ 11.  Requirements for high-visibility warning clothing, safety waistcoat, cycling helmet, and reflector of animal-drawn vehicle, cycle, personal light electric vehicle, self-driving delivery robot, light moped and pedestrian

  [RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (1) High-visibility warning clothing, safety waistcoats, cycling helmets and reflectors used by pedestrians must meet the requirements established for personal protective equipment and correspond to their purpose of use.

 (2) Reflectors used on animal-drawn vehicles, cycles, personal light electric vehicles, self-driving delivery robots and light mopeds must meet the requirements established in subsection 1 of this section or on the basis of subsection 11 of § 73 of this Act
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 12.  Traffic restrictions

 (1) The owner of a publicly used road has the right to temporarily or permanently restrict vehicular traffic, depending on the mass, axle load, dimensions or category of vehicle, or pedestrian traffic or to prohibit traffic for ensuring the safety of road users, performing road maintenance works, preventing damage to road and road structures, reducing the adverse impact on the natural environment or ensuring the physical and social environment for the purposes of the Public Health Act.

 (2) Where restriction of traffic is not caused by the impacts of nature (thawing of the ground, storm and rainfall damage or other similar impact) or other extraordinary circumstances, the road owner or the person establishing the restriction must ensure access of road users to the restricted areas by other roads, by other modes of travel or in another time period.

 (21) For the purpose of ensuring the safety of road users and public order, the owner of the road may establish temporary or permanent restrictions on the use of the road by self-driving delivery robots. The restrictions must be made available to the user of a self-driving delivery robot in a generally available machine-processable electronic form.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

 (3) [Repealed – RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (4) [Repealed – RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (5) The procedure for publication of traffic restrictions and application for an issue of traffic ban permits is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (6) More detailed requirements for the general availability of restrictions on the road use by a self-driving delivery robot and the machine-processable electronic form may be established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

§ 13.  Environmental protection requirements

 (1) The drivers must not damage the environment with excessive noise, dust or exhaust gases produced by the motor or other equipment of the vehicle where it is possible to avoid such damage.

 (2) Motor vehicles may not be washed in bodies of water or on the shore closer than 10 metres to the waterline.

 (3) The road user must not:
 1) damage, pollute or otherwise contaminate the road or the areas adjacent to the road;
 2) contaminate the environment with fuel or lubricants or change the oil of a motor vehicle in a place that is not designated for such purpose.

 (4) The driver must not drive a vehicle with a leak that contaminates the environment.

 (5) The motor of a vehicle standing or parked in a calm traffic area or residential area must not be left switched on for more than two minutes.

Chapter 2 TRAFFIC RULES  

Subchapter 1 General Provisions  

§ 14.  Road traffic rules

 (1) The right-hand rule of the road applies to vehicular traffic.

 (2) All road users, managers of traffic and other persons must follow the requirements of the traffic legislation, exercise carefulness and cautiousness in traffic and ensure the smoothness of traffic in order to prevent danger and causing damage.

 (3) Where a temporary road sign (removable base) and a permanent road sign conflict, the temporary road sign takes precedence over the permanent road sign.

 (4) Where temporary (yellow) road marking and permanent road marking conflict, the temporary road marking takes precedence over the permanent road marking.

 (5) Where a traffic sign and road marking conflict, the traffic sign take precedence over the road marking.

 (6) The signal of a traffic light permitting advancement or a direction given by a traffic controller permitting advancement must not override the procedure established by a road sign, except a warning sign indicating an intersection with a non-priority road, a warning sign indicating an intersection of roads of the same category and priority signs, or by road marking.

 (7) Nobody may endanger or obstruct traffic by their acts or omissions. A person causing a danger must take all measures in their power to eliminate the danger or reduce its harmful effects. Where necessary, police must be informed of the danger caused.

 (8) Equipment or materials endangering or obstructing the movement of pedestrians, especially elderly or disabled persons, may not be placed on a pavement or shoulder without the consent of the owner of the road.

§ 15.  Speed limit

 (1) The speed limit is:
 1) 90 kilometres per hour on roads outside built-up areas;
 2) 50 kilometres per hour in built-up areas;
 3) 10–25 kilometres per hour on an ice road or 40–70 kilometres per hour where the thickness of ice is up to 50 centimetres. The speed limit is 70 kilometres per hour where the thickness of the ice is more than 50 centimetres;
 4) 50 kilometres per hour upon drawing;
 5) 25 kilometres per hour upon haulage of towed equipment;
 51) 90 kilometres per hour upon special carriage whereby the issuer of the special permit set out in subsection 3 of § 341 of this Act has not reduced the maximum speed limit;
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]
 6) 20 kilometres per hour in calm traffic areas. In the close proximity of a pedestrian or self-driving delivery robot, vehicles may drive at the speed of the pedestrian or self-driving delivery robot;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]
 7) 60 kilometres per hour for buses where there are passengers standing or sitting sideways to the direction of the traffic in the bus;
 8) 60 kilometres per hour for trucks where passengers are carried in the cargo space or on the open load bed of the truck in the Estonian Defence Forces or Estonian Defence League or 40 kilometres per hour where passengers are carried in the cargo space or on the open load bed of the truck on an island, except on a large island within the meaning of the Permanently Inhabited Small Islands Act, in an event specified in subsection 2 of § 34 of this Act;
[RT I, 20.12.2017, 1 – entry into force 30.12.2017]
 9) 45 kilometres per hour for mopeds;
 10) 40 kilometres per hour for mobile machinery;
 11) 25 kilometres per hour for personal light electric vehicles and light mopeds;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 12) [Repealed – RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 121) six kilometres per hour for self-driving delivery robots;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]
 13) 50 kilometres per hour for off-road vehicles where the off-road vehicle is used for driving on a road in the events specified in subsection 1 of § 154 of this Act.

 (2) In accordance with subsection 4 of this section and depending on the traffic and road conditions, safety and category of vehicle:
 1) the Transport Administration may increase the speed limit on rural roads to 120 kilometres per hour;
 2) municipalities may increase the speed limit on roads in built-up areas to 90 kilometres per hour.

 (3) The requirement for the speed limit specified in clause 7 of subsection 1 of this section is not extended to the derogations set out in subsection 11 of § 73 of this Act.

 (4) The conditions of and procedure for increasing the speed limit are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (5) The owner of a road may reduce the speed limit specified in clauses 1 and 2 of subsection 1 of this section depending on the traffic and road conditions, safety and category of vehicles.

§ 16.  Duties of road users

 (1) The road user must be polite and mindful of other road users and avoid any behaviour that may obstruct traffic or endanger or be harmful to people, property or the environment.

 (2) The road user must follow the directions given by a traffic controller and comply with other traffic instructions given by a traffic controller or an official exercising state supervision or a traffic control device, and follow the procedure for use of signage for vehicles.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (3) The road user must follow the instructions given by a traffic controller even where such instructions are in contradiction with this Act or a traffic control device, unless it endangers the life, health or property of people or the environment.

 (4) The road user must not obstruct a funeral or other processions, a group of children accompanied by adults or a motorcade of vehicles escorted by a traffic controller.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 17.  General obligations of giving way

 (1) The road user must follow the requirements of traffic control devices and the directions of a traffic controller when giving way.

 (2) The road user must give way to a vehicle with a flashing blue light or a blue signal light and with or without a special audible warning and to a vehicle escorted by such vehicle, as well as to a vehicle with a flashing yellow light working on the road or a vehicle escorting such vehicle. Where necessary, the road user must halt to give way.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (3) The driver emerging from a car park, a calm traffic area, an area adjacent to a road or their access road onto a carriageway must give way to road users travelling on that road, unless the duty to give way is regulated otherwise by traffic control devices.

 (4) Every driver emerging from an earth-track onto a gravel road or a paved road must give way to road users travelling on the road, unless the duty to give way is regulated otherwise by traffic control devices.

 (5) Drivers of trackless vehicles must give way:
 1) upon leaving a carriageway, to pedestrians, personal light electric vehicle riders, self-driving delivery robots, cyclists and riders of mopeds and light mopeds, unless the duty to give way is regulated otherwise by traffic control devices;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 2) to pedestrians, cyclists, personal light electric vehicle riders, self-driving delivery robots, cyclists or riders of mopeds and mini mopeds who cross the carriageway onto which the rider is turning, unless the duty to give way is regulated otherwise by traffic control devices;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 21) to pedestrians crossing a pedestrian crossing;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 3) upon turning left or making a U-turn, to the road users driving in the oncoming traffic or to drivers overtaking such road users, unless regulated otherwise by traffic control devices;
 4) to pedestrians entering or exiting a public transport vehicle that has halted at a stop in the middle of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic;
 5) the driver of a vehicle approaching from the right or being located on the right side where the trajectories of both vehicles intersect and the sequence of movement is not specified otherwise in this Act;
 6) upon reversing, to all other road users;
 7) upon emerging to the carriageway along an acceleration lane, to the drivers travelling on the carriageway;
 8) to the driver of a tram where the trajectories of a trackless vehicle and a tram intersect, unless it is regulated otherwise by traffic control devices.

§ 18.  Indication of intention to give way

 (1) A driver required to give way in accordance with traffic rules or traffic control devices must clearly indicate by slowing the speed or halting that the driver intends to follow the duty to give way.

 (2) Every driver approaching an intersection must drive in such a way as not to disturb traffic at the intersection in the event of halting.

§ 19.  Duties of road user in traversing level crossing

 (1) A road user must exercise extra care upon traversing a level crossing. When a road user hears or sees an approaching railway vehicle, they must give way to it. A road user must comply with traffic signs, sound and light signals, position of the barrier and directions given by a traffic controller.

 (2) A road user may not traverse a level crossing:
 1) where the traffic lights show a prohibiting signal, regardless of the presence or position of the barrier;
 2) where the barrier is in the process of being placed across the road, is across the road or in the process of being raised, regardless of the signals indicated by traffic lights;
 3) where a prohibiting direction is given by a traffic controller;
 4) by lingering.

§ 20.  Standing and parking of vehicle

 (1) The driver may not stand or park their vehicle in such a way that it obstructs other vehicles proceeding into or out of yards, garages, calm traffic areas and areas adjacent to a road, and obstruct the movement of pedestrians on pedestrian crossings and at intersections in the direction appropriate to the direction of pavements.

 (2) On the roads in a built-up area, a vehicle may stand or park on a carriageway near to its right edge or on its right-hand shoulder in such a way that at least a strip of 0.7 metres would be available for the movement of pedestrians. In a built-up area, a vehicle may stand or park in a similar way on the left-hand side of a one-way road or on such a two-way road that has no tramway track in the middle and one lane in both directions separated by a broken line or, where no broken line exists, the carriageway is less than nine metres wide without taking into account the width of possible car parks constructed as an extension to the carriageway.

 (3) On a carriageway in a built-up area, vehicles may stand or park in one line, however two-wheel cycles, two-wheel light mopeds, two-wheel mopeds and two-wheel motorcycles without a side-car and one-wheel or two-wheel personal light electric vehicles may stand or park two abreast, taking into account that the longitudinal axis of the vehicle must be parallel to the edge of the carriageway and, where no obstruction exists, the vehicle must be no further than 0.2 metres from the edge of the carriageway.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (4) In a built-up area, a moped, a motorcycle or a motor vehicle of less than six metres long belonging to category B without trailer or a motor vehicle of subcategory D1 without trailer may stand or park also:
 1) on the carriageway at a certain angle to its edge at a place where it is allowed by a traffic control device or there is a lay-by;
 2) in a car park next to the pavement, footpath, cycle track or cycle and pedestrian track in accordance with the procedure established by a traffic control device;
 3) partly or completely on a pavement or cycle and pedestrian track where so allowed by a traffic control device, leaving at least a 1.5 metre wide strip available for the movement of road users on the verge of the pavement or track further away from the carriageway;
 4) on a safety island and dividing strip where so allowed by a traffic control device.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (41) In the events specified in subsection 4 of this section, two-wheeled mopeds and two-wheeled motorcycles without a side-car may stand and park side by side in two lines in accordance with the procedure established by a traffic control device.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (42) In a built-up area and on roads outside built-up areas, a cycle, a personal light electric vehicle and a light moped may also stand or park:
 1) on the conditions provided in clauses 1, 2 and 4 of subsection 4 of this section, whereas a two-wheel cycle or light moped and a one-wheel or two-wheel personal light electric vehicle may stand or park side by side in two lines in accordance with the procedure established by a traffic control device;
 2) on the verge of the pavement, footpath or cycle and pedestrian track, leaving at least a 1.5 metre wide strip available on the pavement, path or track for the movement of pedestrians, cycles, personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds and self-driving delivery robots.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (43) A cycle, personal light electric vehicle or light moped is parked on the verge of the pavement, footpath or cycle and pedestrian track in accordance with clause 2 of subsection 42 of this section such that it is away from the edge of the carriageway and the longitudinal axis of the vehicle is parallel to the edge of the pavement, footpath or cycle and pedestrian track further away from the edge of the carriageway. Where no obstruction exists, the vehicle must be no further than 0.2 metres from such edge. This subsection does not apply where the vehicle is parked in a cycle rack or in a place designated by a traffic control device, or locked to infrastructure on the side of the carriageway.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (5) A motor vehicle not specified subsection 4 of this section may not in any way park in any of the places specified in clauses 1 to 3 of subsection 4.

 (6) A vehicle may stand on a pavement also for loading or unloading cargo, but not closer than 15 metres to a stopping point of public transport vehicles and leaving at least a 1.5 metre wide strip for the movement of pedestrians.

 (7) On roads outside built-up areas, except in car parks and resting places, a vehicle may stand or park on the right-hand shoulder or, in its absence, on the road as much to the right as possible. Vehicles may stand and park only in one line and the longitudinal axis of the vehicle must be parallel to the edge of the road. This subsection does not apply to standing and parking in the manner provided in subsection 42 of this section.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (8) At night-time, a vehicle may stand or park outside a built-up area only in a car park or rest area.

 (9) Before leaving the vehicle, the driver must take precautions to prevent the vehicle from moving spontaneously and prevent its unauthorised use.

§ 21.  Prohibition to stand or park

 (1) A vehicle may not stand or park at the edge of a carriageway towards the dividing strip, except at places and in the way indicated by a traffic control device.

 (2) A vehicle must not stand:
 1) at any place where a traffic control device does not allow it;
 2) at a level crossing;
 3) on a tramway track or closer than one metre to a tramway track;
 4) on or under a bridge, trestle or overpass, save in such spaces as may be specially marked for parking;
 5) at any point where a standing vehicle would prevent the traffic of other vehicles or obstruct pedestrians;
 6) on pedestrian crossings, on intersections of a cycle track or a cycle and pedestrian track with a carriageway or closer than five metres to such places, and on the left-hand side of a two-way road closer than five metres after such places and on a cycle lane;
 7) at any place where the distance between the continuous line marking the direction of traffic or a lane and the standing vehicle is less than three metres;
 8) on a lay-by for public transport vehicles of category D or on a road marking for a public transport vehicle stop, or in their absence, on the side of the stop at less than 15 metres to the road sign indicating a bus stop, trolleybus stop or taxi stop, provided that such standing obstructs the traffic of public transport vehicles of category D or taxis;
 9) at less than 15 metres to a road sign indicating a tram stop;
 10) at any place where the vehicle would hide traffic light signals or road signs from the view of other road users;
 11) on carriageways in places of limited visibility;
 12) on a green area without the consent of its owner or possessor;
 13) on the dividing strip and at any place where it is disrupted, save in cases allowed by traffic control devices;
 14) at a distance less than five metres to an intersecting carriageway but not where a pavement or a cycle and pedestrian track intersect;
 15) at an intersection, save in places allowed for parking. As an exception, vehicles may stand and park at a three-forked intersection on a road directly traversing the intersection, where they do so on the opposite side to the road not continuing from the intersection, provided that a traffic control device prohibits crossing between the sides of the direction of traffic;
 16) for loading and unloading cargo on deceleration and acceleration lanes and at any place where one lane exists next to the lane allowing only a left turn or a U-turn.

 (3) Public transport vehicles of category D may stand at stops for public transport vehicles of category D specified in clause 8 of subsection 2 of this section and taxis meeting the requirements of subsections 2 and 3 of § 64 of the Public Transport Act may stand and park at taxi stops.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 8 – entry into force 01.11.2017]

 (4) Parking is prohibited:
 1) at any place where vehicles may not stand;
 2) at any place where it is prohibited by a traffic control device;
 3) on a carriageway at a distance of less than 50 metres to a level crossing;
 4) outside parking places marked as such on the road;
 5) outside built-up areas on carriageways of roads marked as priority roads by appropriate signs;
 6) on deceleration and acceleration lanes;
 7) at any place where one lane exists next to the lane allowing only a left turn or a U-turn;
 8) at any place where the vehicle would obstruct another vehicle approaching a parking place or exiting a parking place.

Subchapter 2 Traffic Rules for Pedestrian  

§ 22.  Location of pedestrian on road

 (1) A pedestrian must walk on a walkway or road part designated for pedestrians. A pedestrian using a skateboard, roller skates, roller skis, kick scooter, kicksled or other similar mobility device who is about to overtake another pedestrian who is not using any mobility device must do so at a speed that does not considerably differ from the speed of the pedestrian who is not using any mobility device and allows for safely overtaking the pedestrian. A pedestrian must not unreasonably obstruct another pedestrian or a cyclist, personal light electric vehicle rider or self-driving delivery robot riding on a pedestrian crossing, pavement or cycle or pedestrian track.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (2) Where the traffic density allows for it, pedestrians are also permitted to walk on a cycle track and on the cycle part of a cycle and pedestrian track, provided that they do not obstruct riders moving on the same track or track part.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (3) On any roads where the speed limit for vehicles exceeds 20 kilometres per hour, a pedestrian must walk on a pavement or, where none exists, on the shoulder of the road. In the absence of such places or unsuitability thereof for pedestrian traffic, a pedestrian may walk on the carriageway by keeping as close to its edge as possible.

 (4) A pedestrian walking on a rural two-way carriageway with no dividing strip and no pavement must walk only on the left shoulder, or in the absence of the shoulder or unsuitability thereof for pedestrian traffic, on the carriageway as close to its left edge as possible without obstructing vehicles. Pedestrian walking on the carriageway must, at night-time or when visibility is poor, walk in a single line.

 (5) A pedestrian walking a cycle or one-wheel or two-wheel vehicle without power must walk close to the edge of the carriageway in the direction of traffic outside the carriageway, where possible.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (6) An organised group of people, except a group of children specified in subsection 7 of this section, may walk only close to the right edge of the carriageway or on the footpath or pavement no more than four persons abreast, without obstructing other pedestrians or personal light electric vehicle riders. An organised group of people may also walk on a cycle and pedestrian track no more than two persons abreast, without obstructing other pedestrians, cyclists, personal light electric vehicle riders or light moped riders. The person in charge of the group must ensure safety by appropriate means such as flags, reflectors, lanterns or other similar means.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (7) A group of children may walk only on a footpath, pavement or cycle and pedestrian track no more than two children abreast while accompanied by adults. Where there is no pavement, footpath or cycle and pedestrian track, a group of children may walk close to the right edge of the carriageway no more than two children abreast, thereby on roads within built-up areas without lighting and on rural roads only in the daylight and in the event of two-way traffic on road where there is no dividing strip, outside the carriageway close to the left edge of the road. The person accompanying a group of children must ensure safety and wear a safety waistcoat.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (8) A pedestrian walking on the road in poor visibility or at night-time must wear a reflector or a light source.

 (9) A disabled person using a wheelchair may travel on a carriageway close to its right edge appropriate to the direction of traffic. When travelling at night-time or in poor visibility, the wheelchair must have a reflector or a red lamp on the rear left side.

§ 23.  Duties of pedestrian upon ensuring safety of children

  An adult accompanying a child of pre-school age must observe the child and prevent any sudden movement of the child onto the carriageway.

§ 24.  Places for crossing carriageway

 (1) A pedestrian may cross a carriageway by using a pedestrian overpass or tunnel, a pedestrian crossing or crossing (without stepping out of its borders) or at an intersection.

 (2) Where the entry to a pedestrian overpass or tunnel, a pedestrian crossing or crossing or an intersection is closer than 100 metres, a pedestrian may cross the carriageway only by using them. A pedestrian may cross a carriageway at a distance of more than 100 metres of the above places only where the visibility of the carriageway is good in both directions and crossing the carriageway poses no traffic hazard.

§ 25.  Requirements for crossing carriageway

 (1) Upon crossing a carriageway, a pedestrian must not linger or stop on the carriageway unnecessarily. A pedestrian using a skateboard, roller skates, roller skis, a scooter, a kicksled or other similar items must cross the carriageway at the normal speed of a pedestrian.

 (2) A pedestrian must cross a carriageway by the shortest possible route, and where a safety island exists, by using it.

 (3) Where the intersection or crossing is regulated, a pedestrian must obey the signals of traffic lights, or in the presence of a traffic controller, their directions.

 (4) At a regulated intersection where no surface marking is provided for the pedestrian crossing, a pedestrian must cross the carriageway in the direction appropriate to the direction of pavements, and where traffic lights are provided on safety islands, by using the safety islands. Where the green signal allows pedestrians to cross the intersection simultaneously on all roads entering the intersection, they may cross the intersection in any direction. Where the crossing is not equipped with traffic lights for pedestrians, pedestrians must obey the traffic lights for vehicular traffic.

 (5) Where the red signal of the traffic lights for pedestrians illuminates while a pedestrian is on the carriageway, or in the absence of such traffic lights the amber signal of the traffic lights for vehicular traffic illuminates or a traffic controller gives a general signal prohibiting advancement, a pedestrian must, depending on their location, continue to move to the nearest safety island or, where no safety island is provided, complete crossing the carriageway.

 (6) A pedestrian must not obstruct vehicles approaching or directly crossing an unregulated intersection.

 (7) On unregulated pedestrian crossings, a pedestrian must take into account the distance and speed of approaching vehicles before stepping onto the carriageway, give the drivers an opportunity to smoothly reduce the speed or bring the vehicle to a halt, and make sure that the driver has noticed the pedestrian and that it would be safe to cross the carriageway.

 (8) Where a pedestrian crossing a carriageway at an unregulated place has stopped to give way to a vehicle, they may proceed only when making sure that crossing is safe.

§ 26.  Prohibitions for pedestrian traffic

  A pedestrian may not:
 1) cross the carriageway at a place where a barrier has been placed to ban pedestrian traffic, and in a built-up area on a road having a dividing strip outside a passenger overpass or tunnel, pedestrian crossing or crossing;
 2) step on the carriageway from behind a standing vehicle or other obstacle without ascertaining that no vehicle is approaching;
 3) walk on a motorway;
 4) walk on a carriageway with a dividing strip next to the dividing strip or along the dividing strip where no pavement on the dividing strip is provided.

§ 27.  Requirements for pedestrian with handcart

 (1) A pedestrian a with bulky object or a handcart may use the carriageway where the pedestrian would inconvenience other pedestrians by walking on the pavement or shoulder and walking on the carriageway does not place them and other road users in danger.

 (2) A handcart, the width of which is more than one metre, used by a pedestrian at night-time or in poor visibility, must be equipped on the left side with a white lamp in the front and with a red lamp on the rear. Instead of these lamps, one lamp may be used on a handcart on the left side, featuring white in the front and red on the rear.

Subchapter 3 Traffic Rules for Passenger  

§ 28.  Duty of passenger towards driver

  A passenger must not act in a manner that distracts the driver from driving the vehicle while the vehicle is moving.

§ 29.  Entering and exiting vehicle

 (1) Entering or exiting a vehicle is allowed only when the vehicle is standing.

 (2) The door of the vehicle may not be opened before the vehicle has stopped. Opening the door of a vehicle must not endanger or obstruct other road users. The door on the side of the carriageway or cycle lane must not remain open for longer than is necessary for the passengers to enter or exit the vehicle.

 (3) One may enter or exit a trackless vehicle on the side of the carriageway or on the rear only where it is safe and does not endanger other road users.

 (4) Public transport vehicles may be waited for on the waiting platform, and where no platform is provided, only on the pavement or shoulder.

 (5) In a stop for public transport vehicles without a waiting platform, one may step on the carriageway for entering the public transport vehicle only after it has stopped. One must immediately leave the carriageway after exiting a public transport vehicle.

§ 30.  Use of safety equipment

 (1) In a vehicle equipped with seat belts, a passenger must properly wear a seat belt.

 (2) A passenger is not required to wear a seat belt:
 1) when driving on an ice road;
 2) where the passenger performs official duties that require making stops in up to every 100 metres, or
 3) where in accordance with subsection 91 of § 101 of this Act the passenger produces a doctor’s written certificate of contraindications for wearing a seat belt.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) In a vehicle where head restraints are compulsory, the head restraints must be adjusted in such a way that they support the nape of the passenger.

 (4) A passenger driving on a motorcycle or moped must wear a strapped motorcycle helmet.

 (5) The requirement specified in subsection 4 of this section does not apply to enclosed three-wheel and four-wheel motorcycles and mopeds that have seat belts and seats installed by the manufacturer.

 (6) A cyclist and a light moped rider aged below 16 must wear a strapped cycle helmet when riding or driving on a road.

Subchapter 4 Traffic Rules for Cyclists and Riders of Personal Light Electric Vehicles, Light Mopeds and Mopeds  
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 - entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 31.  General duties of cyclists and riders of personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds and mopeds

  [RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (1) A cyclist, personal light electric vehicle rider, light moped rider and moped rider is not permitted to:
 1) let the vehicle steered by them, except for a three-wheel or four-wheel moped, be towed by an animal or another vehicle;
 2) carry objects that impede steering or pose a threat to other road users;
 3) tow a trailer not designed to be towed by a cycle, personal light electric vehicle or light moped;
 4) carry a passenger who is not sitting on a seat designated for a passenger or does not wear a suitable strapped helmet or where the vehicle is not designed to carry passengers.

 (2) The cyclist, rider of a personal light electric vehicle with a handlebar and a light moped rider must hold the handlebar with a least one hand while riding. The moped rider must hold the handlebar with two hands while driving, except when giving a warning sign by hand, during which the handlebar may be held with one hand.

 (3) When riding a cycle, personal light electric vehicle or a light moped on a road, a rider of less than 16 years of age must wear a strapped cycle helmet.

 (4) Where, given the constructional characteristics, the lights required in subsection 3 of § 87 of this Act cannot be installed on a personal light electric vehicle, the rider of the personal light electric vehicle must use a light source when riding in darkness or in poor visibility conditions on a footpath, pavement, cycle track or cycle and pedestrian track. It is prohibited to ride on a carriageway in darkness or in poor visibility conditions without lights required in subsection 3 of § 87 of this Act.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 32.  Location of cycle, personal light electric vehicle, light moped and moped on road

  [RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (1) A cycle and light moped may be ridden:
 1) on a cycle lane;
 2) on a cycle track;
 3) on a cycle and pedestrian track;
 4) close to the right edge of the carriageway, except during a left turn or U-turn specified in subsection 1 of § 48 of this Act;
 5) on the shoulder.

 (2) Where riding a cycle on the carriageway, shoulder or cycle lane is considerably hampered due to its condition or the traffic situation and there is also no road specified in clause 2 or 3 of subsection 1 of this section, the cycle may be ridden on the footpath and the pavement.

 (3) In addition to subsection 2 of this section, the following road users are permitted to ride on the footpath and the pavement:
 1) a cyclist with a mobility disability;
 2) a light moped rider with a mobility disability;
 3) a cyclist below 13 years of age alone or when accompanied by up to two cyclists;
 4) a cyclist carrying a child being below the age of three years in a designated seat or trailer;
 5) a police officer, assistant police officer or a member of emergency medical staff performing their duties with a cycle or a light moped.

 (4) A personal light electric vehicle can be ridden on a:
 1) cycle lane;
 2) cycle track;
 3) cycle and pedestrian track;
 4) footpath;
 5) pavement.

 (5) Where the road or road part specified in subsection 4 of this section is missing or riding thereon is considerably hampered due to its condition or the traffic situation, the personal light electric vehicle may be ridden close to the right edge of the carriageway or on the shoulder.

 (6) A two-wheel moped may be ridden on a:
 1) carriageway;
 2) cycle lane;
 3) cycle track.

 (3) A three-wheel and four-wheel moped may be ridden on a carriageway.

 (8) A cyclist, rider of a personal light electric vehicle and rider of a light moped who is about to overtake a pedestrian must do so at a speed that does not considerably differ from the speed of the pedestrian and allows for safely overtaking the pedestrian. An on-duty police officer, assistant police officer and member of emergency medical staff must overtake a pedestrian safely.

 (9) A cyclist and the rider of a personal light electric vehicle, light moped or moped may pass a standing or slowly moving vehicle on the right if there is enough space and the driver of the vehicle has not indicated a right turn.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 321.  Requirements for crossing the road

 (1) A cyclist, rider of a personal light electric vehicle, rider of a light moped and rider of a moped approaching an intersection with a carriageway on a footpath, pavement, cycle and pedestrian track or cycle track must slow down and cross the carriageway at the ordinary speed of a pedestrian.

 (2) When approaching and crossing an intersection of limited visibility roads while riding on a footpath, pavement, cycle and pedestrian track and cycle track, a cyclist, rider of a personal light electric vehicle, rider of a light moped and rider of a moped must slow down in order to be able to stop within the range of the forward visibility of the vehicle and in front of a possible obstacle on the road.

 (3) A carriageway may be crossed at a pedestrian crossing or at a crossing while riding a cycle, personal light electric vehicle or light moped, but the cyclist or rider of the personal light electric vehicle or light moped does not have the right of way towards the driver of a vehicle, unless the cyclist or the rider of the personal light electric vehicle or light moped crosses the carriageway via the crossing or the pedestrian crossing onto which the vehicle driver is turning. On a crossing or a pedestrian crossing, a cycle, personal light electric vehicle or light moped must be ridden at the ordinary speed of a pedestrian.

 (4) A moped rider is not permitted to cross the carriageway via a crossing or a pedestrian crossing while riding.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 322.  Duty to give way

 (1) At an unregulated intersection of a cycle track and a carriageway, except at an intersection of a car park, calm traffic area, resting place or an access road to an area adjacent to the road, a cyclist, rider of a personal light electric vehicle, rider of a light moped and rider of a moped must give way to road users on the road, unless the duty to give way is regulated otherwise by traffic control devices.

 (2) At an unregulated intersection of a cycle and pedestrian track and a carriageway, except at an intersection of a car park, calm traffic area, resting place or an access road to an area adjacent to the road, a cyclist, rider of a personal light electric vehicle, rider of a light moped and rider of a moped must give way to road users on the road, unless the duty to give way is regulated otherwise by traffic control devices.

 (3) On a cycle and pedestrian track and on a cycle track, the driver or rider must give way to a pedestrian boarding or unboarding public transportation at a tram stop or bus stop.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

Subchapter 5 Traffic Rules for Driver  

§ 33.  General duties of driver

 (1) The driver must be mindful of less protected road users (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) standing or travelling on the road or verge of the road and must avoid endangering them or causing them harm.

 (2) The driver must:
 1) ascertain before driving that their health condition allows driving a vehicle;
 2) ascertain before driving that the vehicle is roadworthy and observe the same while driving;
 3) ascertain before driving that all lamps and registration plates and the windows and rear-view mirrors of the vehicle within the driver’s field of vision are clean;
 4) ascertain before driving that the rear-view mirrors and seat are in the right position;
 5) ascertain before driving that they carry the documents required to drive the vehicle;
 6) ascertain before driving that the driver and passengers properly use all the security equipment and not carry passengers who have not complied with this requirement;
 7) ascertain before driving that the head restraints of the driver and passengers are adjusted in such a way that they support the nape and not carry passengers who have not complied with this requirement, provided that head restraints are compulsory in the vehicle;
 8) ascertain before pulling out, making a manoeuvre or bringing the vehicle to a halt that it is safe and does not obstruct or endanger other road users or road workers;
 81) ascertain that the accessories installed in or on the vehicle do not endanger people, harm the environment, cause proprietary damage or obstruct traffic, and take measures to eliminate the danger arising from the accessories;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 9) where the conclusion of a liability insurance contract is required for the vehicle, ascertain before driving that the liability insurance contract (hereinafter motor insurance contract) concluded for the vehicle is in effect and a policy has been issued under such contract or that automatic motor insurance is in effect;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 2 – entry into force 15.07.2024]
 10) while driving a motorcycle or moped with a handle bar, hold the handle bar with both hands, except when giving a warning signal, wear a strapped motorcycle helmet and not carry passengers who do not comply with the latter requirement;
 11) ride a motorcycle, off-road vehicle, tractor, moped, light moped, personal light electric vehicle or cycle on the road in such a way that all of the wheels have contact with the road surface at all times.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (3) In vehicles equipped with seat belts it is compulsory for the driver to wear one while driving.

 (4) When driving a motorcycle or moped, the driver must wear a strapped motorcycle helmet.

 (5) The requirement specified in subsection 4 of this section does not apply to enclosed three-wheel and four-wheel motorcycles and mopeds that have seat belts and seats installed by the manufacturer.

 (6) The driver is not required to wear a seat belt:
 1) when driving on an ice road;
 2) where the driver performs official duties that require making stops in up to every 100 metres, or
 3) where in accordance with subsection 91 of § 101 of this Act the driver produces a doctor’s written certificate of contraindications for wearing a seat belt.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (7) In the event of an emergency stopping in poor visibility or at night-time, the driver of a motor vehicle of category B, C, D or T must wear a safety waistcoat when exiting the car or tractor and stepping onto the carriageway.

 (8) The driver of a motor vehicle and tram must know first aid measures.

 (9) The driver must enable a police officer to use their motor vehicle, except a special purpose motor vehicle, for driving to the scene of an accident or an area of a natural disaster or taking a person in need of emergency medical aid to a medical institution.

 (10) Subsection 9 of this section does not apply to a diplomatic representative of a foreign country, consular official, representative of a special mission or international organisation or to a worker of a diplomatic representation of a foreign country, consular office, special mission or representation of an international organisation while they perform their official duties.

 (11) The driver is prohibited to:
 1) engage in activities that may impede the ability to drive or comprehension of the traffic environment while driving, including using a telephone without a hands-free device and holding a telephone in hand while the vehicle is moving;
 2) drive a vehicle in the state of intoxication, in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or in a state of health hazardous to traffic safety or to permit persons in any such state to drive their vehicle;
 3) permit a person to drive a motor vehicle or tram where such person is not in possession of a document certifying their right to drive such a vehicle;
 4) have as a passenger a person who does not wear a seat belt as specified in subsection 1 of § 30 of this Act or does not use the safety equipment specified in subsection 4 of § 30 and subsection 6 of § 36, unless it is an emergency situation.

 (12) The driver of a public transport vehicle must not open the doors of the vehicle until the vehicle has come to a complete halt and must not advance before all passengers have exited and the doors are completely closed.

§ 34.  Carriage of passengers and goods

 (1) Passengers and goods may be carried only in a way that does not interfere with driving or obstruct the driver’s view, does not hide the lamps, registration plates or other sign plates of the vehicle or the signals given by the driver.

 (2) Passengers may be carried only in the seats and in the way specified by the manufacturer of the vehicle. Trailers belonging to a combination of vehicles of subcategory D1E may not be used for carrying passengers. A person is allowed to travel in the cargo space or on the open load bed of a truck adjusted for carrying passengers only on an island, except on a large island within the meaning of the Permanently Inhabited Small Islands Act, only where there is a suitable and safe sitting and clinging place below the upper edge of the hatches, and the maximum speed must not exceed 40 kilometres per hour.
[RT I, 20.12.2017, 1 – entry into force 30.12.2017]

 (3) In the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League passengers may be carried in trucks adjusted for carrying persons and the maximum speed may not exceed 60 kilometres per hour.

 (4) In the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League passengers may be carried in a trucks with a maximum mass of over 3,500 kg by a driver who is at least 18 years of age and with the right to drive cars of categories C and C1, provided that they have undergone respective training and have at least six months of car driving experience.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (5) The procedure for carriage of passengers and cargo in the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (6) The cargo must be placed, fastened and covered in accordance with its characteristics and packaging in such a manner that it does not jeopardise the people or the environment, does not cause pecuniary harm or obstruct traffic.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (7) When passing under a trestle, overpass, power or communication lines or other such installations, drivers must always first ascertain its safety.

 (8) No dimension of a laden or unladen vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors may exceed the requirements specified in subsection 3 of § 80 of this Act.

 (9) Where a dimension of a laden or unladen vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors exceeds the size established on the basis of subsection 3 of § 80 of this Act, the vehicle may be used in accordance with the procedure established in § 341 of this Act.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (10) A heavy vehicle or a large vehicle must be identified in accordance with subsection 11 of § 73 of this Act.

 (11) The laden mass of a trailer of a combination of vehicles or a combination of tractors must not exceed the maximum mass of the trailer determined upon registration of the traction unit.

 (12) The laden mass of a vehicle must not exceed the permissible maximum mass and the load on any axle must not exceed the registered axle load, unless a special permit has been issued in accordance with the procedure provided for in § 341 of this Act.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (13) Where the laden mass or axle load of a laden or unladen vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors exceeds the requirements specified in subsection 3 of § 80 of this Act, such vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors may be used in accordance with the procedure specified in § 341 of this Act.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (131) Upon placement of cargo, it is taken into account that the mass of the vehicle needs to be distributed as evenly as possible and the cargo needs to form a whole, the centre of gravity needs to be as low as possible, any shifting needs to be precluded and sharp edges need to face backwards.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (132) The equipment used for fastening the cargo must comply with the requirements applicable to fastening equipment, correspond to the purpose of use, and be intact, in a working order and sufficiently strong to hold the cargo in place and together.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (14) Dangerous goods are carried in accordance with the procedure established on the basis of the Road Transport Act.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (15) Towed equipment must be hauled in accordance with the procedure specified in § 63 of this Act.

 (16) More detailed conditions of and procedure for the placement, fastening and covering of cargo and methods of inspection used by the person exercising traffic supervision are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 341.  Special carriage

 (1) ‘Special carriage’ means the engagement of a heavy vehicle or a large vehicle in road traffic.

 (2) On a public road, special carriage is permitted by a special permit and for a special fee and solely on the route and conditions specified in the special permit, regardless of the country of registration of the vehicle. On a private road, special carriage is performed with the consent and on the conditions of the road owner.

 (3) The road owner grants the special permit. The driver must carry the special permit with them or the special permit must be electronically available and it must be submitted to the person exercising traffic supervision at their request. Before issuing a special permit, the issuer of the special permit must verify that the requirements set out in clauses 1 to 4 of subsection 1 of § 342 of this Act have been fulfilled.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (4) The special fee charged for special carriage is up to 650 euros per one carriage operation and one road user, depending on the exceeding of the maximum masses, axle loads and dimensions established on the basis of subsection 3 of § 80 of this Act and the distance of travel. The fee for reviewing a special permit is up to ten euros per permit issued by each road owner.

 (5) The issuer of a special permit may demand a reference calculation of the stability of the road or a section thereof and an expert assessment of such a calculation. The maker of a reference calculation must be a person who holds the respective competence. Additional costs relating to a reference calculation and expert assessment, allowing of special carriage and ensuring traffic safety are borne by the applicant for the special permit.

 (6) A special permit is issued for a term of up to one year.

 (7) The conditions of special carriage, the procedure for special carriage, issue of special permits as well as compensation of costs caused to the road owner, the fee for reviewing a special permit and the rates of the special fee are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (8) Special carriage may be executed only where there is no way of preventing the exceeding of the requirements established on the basis of subsection 3 of § 80 of this Act or where the cargo cannot be divided. In addition to the events specified in subsection 7 of this section, divisible cargo may be carried by way of special carriage where all the following criteria are met:
 1) the requirements established on the basis of subsection 7 of this section have been fulfilled;
 2) the special carriage is executed using a combination of vehicles the traction unit of which belongs to exhaust gas class EURO V or a less polluting EURO-exhaust gas class;
 3) all the axles of the vehicles forming the combination of vehicles, except for the axles with wheels that can be turned, are equipped with double wheels;
 4) the actual mass of the combination of vehicles does not exceed 48,000 kilograms in the case of a combination of vehicles comprising of a three-axle traction unit and at least a four-axle trailer or 52,000 kilograms in the case of a combination of vehicles comprising of at least a four-axle traction unit and at least a three-axle trailer.
[RT I, 24.04.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2018]

§ 342.  Additional requirements ensuring safety of special carriage

 (1) Upon special carriage:
 1) other road users must be disturbed and jeopardised as little as possible;
 2) where possible, carriage during rush hours and at other times when it is dangerous due to road and weather conditions as well as traffic intensity or causes considerable traffic obstacles to other road users must be avoided;
 3) where possible, travelling through built-up areas as well as streets, traffic nodes and intersections in built-up areas where traffic intensity is high must be avoided;
 4) civil engineering works, traffic control devices, power and communications lines, electric vehicle contact lines or other similar objects located by or above the road must be taken into account;
 5) the prescribed travel rout must be followed.

 (2) The driver is required to:
 1) before the commencement of the journey, make certain that the heavy or large cargo is duly marked and, while on the road, monitor the operability of the cargo and of the vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors;
 2) upon engaging in road traffic, keep as much to the right as possible and, where necessary, stop at a suitable place in order to allow the vehicles that have queued up behind to overtake or in order to give way to the oncoming vehicles.

 (3) Where necessary, upon special carriage an agreement on the temporary lifting or removal of the parts of the civil engineering works that are situated by or above the road must be concluded with the owners or possessors thereof.

 (4) Where any circumstances that demand a change of the travel route become evident, the holder of the special permit must apply for a new special permit specified in subsection 2 of § 341 of this Act.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 343.  Revocation of special permit and refusal to grant special permit

  [RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (1) The issuer of a special permit refuses to issue the special permit where:
 1) the fulfilment of the requirements provided for in subsection 1 of § 342 of this Act cannot be ensured;
 2) the conditions established on the basis of subsection 7 of § 341 of this Act are not fulfilled;
 3) the special carriage may considerably harm the road or the conditions of safe road use cannot be fulfilled;
 4) false information or forged documents, which influence the granting of the special permit, were submitted upon application for the special permit;
 5) the fee payable for the special permit has not been paid pursuant to the established procedure.

 (2) A special permit is revoked where:
 1) it becomes evident that false information or forged documents, which influenced the granting of the special permit, were submitted upon application for the special permit;
 2) the special permit holder has not fulfilled the conditions of special carriage established on the basis of subsection 7 of § 341 of this Act or the conditions established by the road owner.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 35.  Duties of the driver in ensuring the safety of pedestrians, cyclists, riders of personal light electric vehicles, moped riders, light moped riders and self-driving delivery robots

  [RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (1) The driver’s actions must not endanger pedestrians, riders of personal light electric vehicles, self-driving delivery robots or cyclists. The driver must be especially attentive of children, elderly persons and persons with symptoms of an illness, persons with mobility disability and blind persons.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (11) Where the driver has to traverse a regulated pedestrian crossing at the end of a side turn, the driver may, provided that there is no stop line or stop line sign in the driver’s driving direction, traverse the crossing, giving way to pedestrians, cyclists, self-balancing vehicle drivers and self-driving delivery robots crossing the carriageway during a permitting traffic light signal.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

 (2) In addition to the provisions of subsection 5 of § 17 of this Act, the driver must give way to a pedestrian:
 1) when reversing;
 2) where a pedestrian is about to complete crossing the carriageway even though the permitting signal of the traffic light has illuminated for the driver or a traffic controller has indicated that advancement is permitted.

 (3) The driver must always give way to blind pedestrians walking with a white cane or a guide dog.

 (4) When approaching an unregulated pedestrian crossing, the drivers must drive at sufficiently low speed so as not to endanger a pedestrian who has stepped or is about to step on the pedestrian crossing. Where necessary, the driver must stop so that a pedestrian can cross the carriageway.

 (5) Where a vehicle has stopped or is about to stop before an unregulated passenger crossing on an adjacent lane appropriate to the direction of traffic, the driver may not overtake this vehicle before the crossing or at the crossing but must stop before the crossing. The driver may proceed to the crossing after ascertaining that it does not endanger a pedestrian who has stepped or is about to step on the crossing.

 (6) Where there is a free lane between a vehicle that has stopped before a pedestrian crossing and a vehicle approaching the crossing, the driver does not have to stop before the crossing but must take into account the provisions of subsection 4 of this section.

 (7) Where the visibility of a crossing is limited on the side of oncoming traffic due to a standing vehicle or some other obstacle, the driver must take special care so as not to endanger a pedestrian on the crossing.

 (8) The driver may drive onto a crossing only where they are certain that they do not need to stop there.

 (9) The driver may not make a U-turn on a crossing.

 (10) Where vehicular traffic is regulated at a pedestrian crossing by traffic light signals or by a traffic controller, the driver prohibited to proceed must stop short of the stop line or the stop line sign or, in their absence, the crossing itself.

 (11) Where the driver has to traverse a regulated pedestrian crossing at the end of a side turn, the driver may, provided that there is no stop line or stop line sign in the driver’s driving direction, traverse the pedestrian crossing, giving way to pedestrians, cyclists, riders of personal light electric vehicles, light moped riders and self-driving delivery robots crossing the carriageway during a permitting traffic light signal.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (12) Where the driver has to traverse a regulated intersection of a footpath, cycle track or cycle and pedestrian track at the end of a side turn, the driver may, provided that there is no stop line or stop line sign in the driver’s driving direction, traverse the intersection, giving way to pedestrians, cyclists, riders of personal light electric vehicles, light moped riders, moped riders and self-driving delivery robots crossing the carriageway during a permitting traffic light signal.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 36.  Additional requirements to ensure safety of children

 (1) The driver must take into account that the development stage of children does not yet allow them to fully assess the traffic situation.

 (2) When noticing a child or a bus displaying a children’s group sign standing on the road or at the edge of a road, the driver must take special care and drive at a speed that enables them to avoid danger.

 (3) In a bus used for carrying children by way of occasional services on a rural road, children of less than 18 years of age may be carried only in seats equipped with seat belts and the carriage of standing children is prohibited.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (4) Buses used for carrying children must display a respective sign in the front and at the rear and must have emergency lamps switched during a stop. The bus driver and the person accompanying the group of children must ensure safety when children enter or exit the bus or traverse the carriageway.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (5) The driver must give way to children crossing a carriageway when signalled so by the person accompanying the group of children.

 (51) In a passenger car and in a truck, a child of less than three years of age must not be carried on a seat not equipped with a safety belt. In the front seat of a passenger car, a child may be driven only where the child is properly secured by a seat belt or safety equipment. A child of at least three years of age and a height of over 150 centimetres may be carried in the front seat of a truck that does not have a seat belt.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (6) Where a child is not tall enough to wear a seat belt in accordance with the requirements established by the vehicle or seat belt manufacturer, a safety device secured in accordance with the requirements of the manufacturer of the safety device and corresponding to the height and weight of the child must be used when carrying the child by a motor vehicle. A rear-facing safety device must not be used when carrying a child in the front seat equipped with a switched-on front airbag.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (7) A child must not be held in the lap in the front seat of a car (except bus) while the vehicle is moving. In a bus, except in its front seat or in the front row of seats, an adult passenger may hold one child under three years of age in their lap, provided that the passenger holding a child in the lap wears a seat belt in accordance with the requirements established by the vehicle or seat belt manufacturer. By way of exception, an adult passenger whose seat belt is not fastened may hold one child under seven years of age in their lap in a bus, except in the front seat or in the front row of seats.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (8) Where it is not possible to install a safety device in the middle rear seat of a passenger car due to the existence of safety equipment for two children, a child of at least three years must be restrained in the middle seat with at least the lap belt designed for adults.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (9) Using a child safety device is not compulsory when carrying a child less than three years of age in the rear seat of a taxi. A child under three years of age may be carried in a taxi in the lap of an adult passenger where the passenger holding the child is properly wearing a seat belt and has only one child in their lap. When carrying children older than three years in the rear seat of a taxi, at least one child must be restrained by a seat belt pillow and, depending on the height of the child, by an adult seat belt or only its lap belt or by another appropriate safety device. Other children carried in the rear seat of a taxi must wear at least the lap belt of the adult seat belt.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (10) A child under the age of 12 years must not be carried in the rear seat of a moped or motorcycle.

§ 37.  Obligations of driver when using lane reserved for public transport vehicles and giving way to public transport vehicles

 (1) On a lane reserved for public transport vehicles, one may drive a public transport vehicle engaged in regular services under the Public Transport Act, a passenger-carrying taxi that meets the requirements of subsection 2 of § 64 of the Public Transport Act and a bus carrying a passenger.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 8 – entry into force 01.11.2017]

 (2) In addition to subsection 1 of this section, an emergency response vehicle may be driven on a lane reserved for public transport vehicles upon performance of duties, with a motor vehicle that has a fully electric traction drive and with another vehicle where permitted by a relevant traffic control device.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (3) The driver of a vehicle not specified in subsections 1 and 2 of this section is prohibited to use a lane reserved for public transport vehicles, except in the following events and in accordance with the following procedure:
 1) the driver may move onto a lane reserved for public transport vehicles adjacent to the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic and not separated from the rest of the carriageway by a continuous line, before a turn or stopping in order to enable passengers to enter or exit, provided that it does not impede the provision of regular services by public transport vehicles. It is allowed to drive onto such a lane reserved for public transport vehicles when completing a turn, after which the vehicle must abandon it immediately;
 2) the lane reserved for public transport vehicles on a carriageway may be traversed only across in places where it is not prohibited by a traffic control device;
 3) for rounding, provided that it does not disturb a public transport vehicle engaged in regular services and there are no other lanes in the direction of traffic, but one must abandon the lane thereafter immediately.

 (4) On a road in a built-up area where the speed limit is 50 kilometres per hour the driver must give way to a public transport vehicle of category D pulling out from a stop.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 38.  Obligations of driver and passenger when traffic supervisor stops vehicle

  [RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (1) The driver of a motor vehicle must stop the vehicle where directed to do so in accordance with law by a police officer, an assistant police officer or another person authorised by an Act or other legislation issued on the basis thereof. Where the traffic supervisor has not indicated where to stop, the driver must stop the vehicle on the right shoulder of the carriageway or, where no shoulder exists, close to the right edge of the carriageway.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (2) The driver of a motor vehicle and tram must carry and present at the request of a traffic supervisor the documents specified in § 88 and subsection 2 of § 145 of this Act.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (3) The driver must give the documents to be checked to the traffic supervisor without leaving the driver’s seat, handing them over through an open side window of the car. The driver and the passenger must remain in their seats and may leave the vehicle only when so permitted or requested by the traffic supervisor.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (4) Where a vehicle has a compulsory tachograph and a speed limitation device, the driver must make it possible to exercise state supervision over the presence and operability of such devices, mounting plates, seals and compliance with the driving and rest time based on the record sheets or data of the tachograph. Where there is a digital tachograph, the driver must enable the traffic supervisor to use the inspection card.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (5) The driver must enable checking whether the vehicle complies with the roadworthiness requirements and requirements for equipment.

 (6) The driver is entitled to request that the traffic supervisor present their identification or another document certifying their competence as well as to note down the information contained therein.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 39.  Signals given by driver

 (1) The driver must indicate a signal for a turn in due time depending on the traffic situation but not later than three seconds before advancing, making a manoeuvre or bringing the vehicle to a halt. Signalling for a turn must continue during the manoeuvre and terminate immediately after the manoeuvre; a signal by hand may be terminated immediately before advancing, making a manoeuvre or bringing the vehicle to a halt. The driver must ascertain after signalling a turn that they will be given way and it is safe to proceed.

 (2) Where a vehicle has by design no director-indicator lamps or stop lamps or the director-indicator lamps or stop lamps are not functioning or the emergency lamps are on, the driver must give a signal with their arm as follows:
 1) for the right turn – shoulder-height straight right arm extended to the side or shoulder-height left arm bent upwards at elbow at the right angle;
 2) for the left turn – shoulder-height straight left arm extended to the side or shoulder-height right arm bent upwards at elbow at the right angle;
 3) for stopping – moving up and down a straight arm extended to the side.

 (3) The driver may use an audible warning only in the event of danger or outside a built-up area also when it is necessary to attract the attention of road users.

 (4) The driver may blink the lamps only to attract the attention of road users.

 (5) Giving a warning does not grant the driver the right of way.

 (6) A standing vehicle must have emergency lights on:
 1) outside a built-up area on a carriageway or shoulder at night-time or in the event of poor visibility or when at least one front or rear position lamp does not function;
 2) in the event of a traffic accident;
 3) in the event of an emergency stopping.

 (7) A driving vehicle must have emergency lamps on at night-time or in the event of poor visibility or when at least one dipped-beam headlight or at least one rear position lamp does not function.

 (8) The driver of a motor vehicle, except the rider of a moped or two-wheel motorcycle without a sidecar must use a warning triangle:
 1) in the absence of emergency lamps in the events specified in subsection 6 of this section;
 2) in the absence of emergency lamps or their non-functioning in the event specified in subsection 7 of this section, fixed in a visible place on the rear of the vehicle;
 3) regardless of the presence of emergency lamps, where the vehicle has been brought to an emergency stopping or has undergone a traffic accident and is located on the carriageway in a place of poor or limited visibility, or where the cargo has fallen or flown onto the carriageway in such a place.

 (9) The warning triangle must be placed on the road at least 25 meters from the vehicle in a built-up area and at least 50 metres from the vehicle outside a built-up area. The distance from the vehicle must be such as to make it visible in dispersed daylight at the distance of at least 50 metres in a built-up area and at the distance of at least 100 metres outside a built-up area. In the event of an emergency stopping or a traffic accident it is allowed to place the warning triangle at a distance closer than those specified above, provided that it is placed towards the greater hazard at a distance enabling other drivers to notice the hazard in due time. The driver may have yellow blinking lamps on in addition to the warning triangle.

§ 40.  General requirements for using lamps

 (1) On a moving motor vehicle, dipped-beam headlamps or main-beam headlamps and front, rear, and side position lamps as well as the rear registration plate lamp must be lit. On a moving tram, dipped-beam headlamps and the front, rear and side position lamps must be lit. On a moving trailer, the front, rear and side position lamps and the rear registration plate lamp must be lit.

 (2) Daytime running lamps instead of dipped-beam headlamps may be used in the daytime. Daytime running lamps may be lit without front, rear and side position lamps and rear registration plate lamp.

 (3) In the event of combinations of vehicles (except combinations of vehicles whose traction unit is a car of category B) and combinations of tractors that have no upper front position lamps, there must be an illuminated combination of vehicles sign above the cabin of the traction unit or the front part of the bodywork.

 (4) Motor vehicles and their trailers standing or parked on a non-illuminated road in poor visibility or at night time must have front, rear and side position lamps and rear registration plate lamp lit. On a road outside a built-up area emergency lamps must be lit as well.

 (5) A vehicle standing or parked on unlit roads outside a built-up area in poor visibility or at night-time must not have its dipped-beam headlamps, main-beam headlamps or fog lamps lit. A vehicle stopped on a road in a built-up area must not have its main-beam headlamps and fog lamps lit, unless fog lamps are used instead of dipped-beam headlamps. A vehicle parked on a road in a built-up area must not have its dipped-beam headlamps, main-beam headlamps or fog lamps lit. A vehicle stopped on the left side of a road in a built-up area must not have its dipped-beam headlamps lit.

 (6) In a built-up area, instead of the front, rear and side position lamps specified in subsection 4 of this section, parking lamps on both sides or on the side of the traffic may be used where:
 1) the motor vehicle is no longer than six metres and no wider than two metres;
 2) the motor vehicle has no trailer.

 (7) The requirements of subsections 4 and 6 of this section do not extend to stopped and parked vehicles that are:
 1) on a road lighted in such a way that the vehicle can be noticed at sufficient distance;
 2) outside a carriageway and paved shoulder;
 3) cycles, light mopeds, mopeds or two-wheel motorcycles without a sidecar and without a battery in a built-up area at the edge of a carriageway;
 4) in a calm traffic area.

§ 41.  Use of main-beam headlamps

 (1) Main-beam headlamps may be used when driving at night-time or in the event of poor visibility.

 (2) When a vehicle is following closely behind another vehicle, main-beam headlamps may be blinked for a short time to give a warning of the intention to overtake.

 (3) Main-beam headlamps may not be used where:
 1) the lighting of the road is sufficient to enable the driver to see clearly for at least 300 metres;
 2) the distance to the vehicle approaching from the opposite direction is such that the lamps may dazzle its driver;
 3) they start illuminating the vehicle driving in front;
 4) they may dazzle other drivers, including the drivers on a waterway or railway running alongside the road. When waiting for the opportunity to traverse a level crossing, drivers may not dazzle the drivers of railway vehicles.

§ 42.  Use of fog lamps

 (1) Front fog lamps together with headlamps may be lit when driving in poor visibility due to fog, rain or snowfall.

 (2) Front fog lamps may be used as a substitute to dipped-beam headlamps in the event specified in subsection 1 of § 40 of this Act.

 (3) Rear fog lamps may only be used when driving on roads outside a built-up area in poor visibility due to fog, rain or snowfall or when snow, dust or mud lifted by the wind caused by driving considerably deteriorates the visibility of the rear lamps.

§ 43.  Use of spot lights

  Spot lights installed on a vehicle, which are designed to illuminate the workplace, may be lit only in upon performing a work assignment. They must not dazzle other drivers.

§ 44.  Yellow flashing lamp

 (1) A yellow flashing lamp must be installed and lit:
 1) on vehicles performing road maintenance tasks and vehicles performing urgent tasks on the road (hereinafter maintenance vehicle);
 2) on vehicles used for special carriage in accordance with a legal instrument established on the basis of subsection 7 of § 341 of this Act;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 3) on self-driving delivery robots in the event specified in subsection 6 of § 1513 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

 (2) Where there is a risk that other road users may fail to notice a vehicle in good time or a vehicle presents a hazard or obstructs other road users, the flashing lamp may be installed and lit on the vehicle moving and performing works on the road for the following operations and situations:
 1) operations to give assistance on the road by a motor vehicle designated for such purpose;
 2) driving an agricultural or forest tractor or a vehicle with a speed limit or with trailers that, cargo included, are wider than 2.55 metres;
 3) driving a motor vehicle whose design speed does not exceed 40 kilometres per hour.

§ 45.  Location of vehicle while driving

 (1) On a carriageway with road surface marking and separate lanes, the driver must drive within the borders of their lane.

 (2) On a two-way carriageway with the total width of three lanes with road surface marking it is prohibited to drive onto the leftmost (oncoming) lane. The middle lane may be used only for overtaking or rounding and it must be used for changing the lane before making a left turn or a U-turn.

 (3) On a two-way carriageway with the total width of four or more lanes it is not allowed to drive on the oncoming lane.

 (4) A safety island or another similar structure separating the directions of traffic must be passed on the right.

 (5) A vehicle with the maximum speed of 40 kilometres per hour or that, for some other reason not depending on the traffic flow, cannot drive faster, must drive on the rightmost lane. This requirement does not apply:
 1) when the vehicle is overtaking a vehicle driving in front;
 2) when the vehicle is about to make a left turn or a U-turn;
 3) to a maintenance vehicle performing maintenance work.

 (6) On a carriageway in a built-up area it is allowed to drive on any lane appropriate to the direction of traffic, provided that the requirements of § 37 of this Act are met.

 (7) On a road outside a built-up area one must drive as close to the right edge of the carriageway as possible without endangering other road users, unless indicated otherwise by a traffic control device.

 (8) Where a carriageway outside a built-up area has several marked lanes on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic, the lanes on the left may be used only where the lanes on the right are occupied. In such an event it is prohibited to drive on the oncoming lane.

 (9) A trackless vehicle may, without obstructing tram traffic, drive or stop on a tramway track appropriate to the direction of traffic and at grade with the carriageway only where the number of lanes for trackless vehicles is not signposted. Where the vehicle obstructs tram traffic, the driver must free the tramway track. A driver approaching from the opposite direction must make it possible for the driver of a vehicle turning left to free the tramway track.

 (10) A trackless vehicle must not drive on the oncoming tramway track.

 (11) An emergency response vehicle may drive on a pavement, footpath, cycle lane, cycle track, cycle and pedestrian track, safety island and dividing strip as well as park in places where parking and stopping is prohibited, or park on a pavement, footpath, cycle lane, cycle track, cycle and pedestrian track, safety island and dividing strip, provided that official duties are being performed and it is not possible to perform them on the carriageway. The driver of an emergency vehicle must, upon driving and stopping the vehicle or upon parking the vehicle ensure the safety of traffic and the stopped or parked vehicle must not disturb other road users.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (12) A motor vehicle may drive on the shoulder only in the events specified in subsections 2 and 7 of § 20, subsection 3 of § 48, clause 3 of subsection 2 of § 52, subsection 4 of § 53 and subsection 2 of § 54 of this Act.

 (13) Without obtaining permission from the owner or possessor of land, a vehicle must not drive onto green areas or earth-tracks developed into such by traffic on green areas or off-road in places not designated for the traffic of motor vehicles.

 (14) A vehicle turning onto a road that is signposted as a road for variable direction traffic must take the rightmost lane. The driver may move to the lanes located towards the left only after they have ascertained that it is allowed to drive on such lanes in the direction appropriate to the direction of traffic.

§ 46.  Separation and lateral distance

 (1) Depending on the speed of the vehicle and the road and weather conditions, the driver of a vehicle moving behind another vehicle must keep at a sufficient distance from the other vehicle to avoid collision where the vehicle in front should suddenly slow down or stop.

 (2) Under normal conditions, the time required to cover the distance between vehicles moving after one another must be at least two seconds on roads in built-up areas and at least three seconds on roads outside built-up areas. This requirement does not apply when a vehicle exits its lane for overtaking and has indicated this manoeuvre by winking a direction-indication lamp.

 (3) The driver must keep a safe lateral distance when driving.

 (4) On a road outside a built-up area that has one lane appropriate to the direction of traffic, the driver not driving at the maximum speed allowed on such section of road must keep a separation distance that is sufficient to enable the overtaking vehicles to move back to the lane where they were previously. This requirement does not apply where the driver is preparing to overtake, the traffic is dense or overtaking is not allowed on this road section.

§ 47.  Changing traffic lanes and traffic lines

 (1) When the drivers of vehicles driving side by side mutually change lanes and lines, the driver on the left must give way to the driver on the right.

 (2) On a road that has more than two lanes with road surface marking on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic, it is not allowed for drivers to overtake the vehicle in front when the traffic is dense and all lanes are equally full.

§ 48.  Turns

 (1) Before turning left or making a U-turn, the driver must move in good time near the edge of the left side of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic and, before turning right, to the right side of the carriageway appropriate to the direction of traffic or to the lane designated for such turn by a traffic control device.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (2) When making a turn on an intersection, the driver must drive in such a way as to not enter the oncoming traffic lane when exiting the intersection of carriageways.

 (3) Where, due to the turning radius of the vehicle or the condition of the road, the driver is not able to make a turn on an intersection or on a road between intersections as provided for in subsections 1 and 2 of this section and subsection 3 of § 45 of this Act, it is allowed to derogate from these requirements, including driving onto the shoulder, provided that by doing so the driver does not endanger or obstruct other road users or damage the track bed of the road.

 (4) Where the road has a deceleration lane, the driver intending to make a turn must move onto that lane in good time and slow down once they are on such lane.

 (5) Where the road has an acceleration lane, the driver entering the road must first drive on that lane and give way to the vehicles driving on the road when joining the traffic flow.

 (6) Outside a built-up area it is allowed to make a left turn or a U-turn on a road with a dividing strip only in a place signposted as such.

§ 49.  Reversing and U-turn

 (1) Any driver wishing to make a U-turn or to reverse must do so without endangering or impeding other road-users. Where necessary, the help of another person must be used.

 (2) On a one-way road, reversing in the direction not appropriate to the direction of traffic is allowed only for a manoeuvre and without reversing to an intersection.

 (3) A U-turn is not allowed:
 1) on a pedestrian crossing;
 2) on a level crossing;
 3) in a place of limited visibility.

§ 50.  Choosing driving speed

 (1) The driver must observe the speed limit specified in § 15 of this Act.

 (2) The speed limit of 90 kilometres per hour must not be exceeded during driving practice or by drivers carrying a provisional driving licence or having the limited right to drive.

 (3) The driver must adapt the speed of their vehicle to the situation but must not exceed the speed limit. The driver must:
 1) when choosing the speed, take into account their driving experience, road conditions, state of the road and the vehicle, peculiarities of any goods carried, weather conditions, density of the traffic and other traffic conditions so that they are able to stop the vehicle within the range of visibility in front of the vehicle and without hitting any obstacle that can reasonably be expected to be on the road;
 2) reduce the speed and, where necessary, stop where the conditions so require, especially where visibility is poor;
 3) when switching over from the main-beam headlamps to dipped-beam headlamps, adapt the speed of the vehicle to the new range of visibility;
 4) reduce the speed so as to avoid lifting up water, mud, gravel or any other such material that may bring damage to other road users and to avoid or reduce lifting up dust to road users and residential areas adjacent to the road.

 (4) The driver must drive at a sufficiently low speed and, where necessary, stop where they pass:
 1) a child on the road or near the road;
 2) a children’s bus on the road that has emergency lamps lit;
 3) a blind pedestrian with a white cane or a guide dog;
 4) a pedestrian when it is apparent that their movement is impeded or disturbed due to disability or illness;
 5) a tram appropriate to the direction of traffic, that is standing or is about to stop at a tram stop;
 6) an emergency or a road service vehicle with a flashing lamp.

 (5) The driver must not exceed:
 1) the design speed of the vehicle. The speed of a combination of vehicles or a combination of tractors may not exceed the design speed of any vehicle in its composition;
 2) the speed limit specified on the maximum speed sign;
 3) the speed allowed by a traffic control device.

 (6) The symbol of a slow vehicle must be mounted close to the left edge or in the middle of the rear side of the following vehicles:
 1) car, tractor, mobile machinery, combination of vehicles and combination of tractors that is not permitted to ride faster than 40 kilometres per hour;
 2) four-wheel moped.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (7) The driver must not:
 1) obstruct other vehicles by driving at an unjustifiably low speed;
 2) apply the brakes abruptly, unless necessary for ensuring safety.

§ 51.  Overtaking

 (1) Drivers overtaking a vehicle moving in front must do so on the left. Where a vehicle moving in front clearly intends to turn left or make a U-turn, overtaking must be effected on the right.

 (2) A driver overtaking a tram must do so on the right. Where a tramway track lies near to the right edge of the side appropriate to the direction of traffic, overtaking the tram must be effected on the left.

 (3) Before overtaking, the driver must make sure that:
 1) no driver who is behind them has begun to overtake;
 2) the driver in front of them in the same lane has not given a warning of their intention to turn left;
 3) that overtaking will not endanger or interfere with other road users;
 4) the lane that they will enter is free over a sufficient distance;
 5) the relative speed of the two vehicles allows for overtaking within a sufficiently short time;
 6) it will be possible, without inconvenience to the driver overtaken, to resume the position in the previous lane.

 (4) Where, during overtaking, an obstacle or a traffic hazard that the driver could not foresee or was not able to properly assess before starting to overtake, the driver must abort the overtaking.

§ 52.  Prohibition to overtake

 (1) The drivers must not overtake by using the lane for oncoming traffic:
 1) where the requirements specified in subsection 3 of § 51 of this Act are not met;
 2) on a road section with limited visibility;
 3) at an intersection and in their immediate vicinity on a road emerging into the intersection, except at intersections where drivers approaching from other directions have the duty to give way;
 4) on a level crossing and in its immediate vicinity before the level crossing;
 5) on an unregulated pedestrian crossing;
 6) a cyclist, light moped driver or rider of personal light electric vehicle, if a lateral distance of at least 1.5 metres cannot be kept during overtaking.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (2) The driver must not overtake in lanes appropriate to the direction of traffic:
 1) on a road section of limited visibility where the lanes on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic are not marked on the road surface or the road surface marking is not visible;
 2) on an unregulated pedestrian crossing;
 3) on a deceleration or acceleration lane and by using the shoulder or a lay-by for a public transport vehicle stop, unless a vehicle making a left turn or a U-turn is overtaken on the right;
 4) a cyclist, light moped driver or rider of personal light electric vehicle, if a lateral distance of at least 1.5 metres cannot be kept during overtaking.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 53.  Mutual obligations of drivers when overtaking

 (1) The driver of a vehicle overtaking another vehicle must keep a safe separation and lateral distance to the vehicle being overtaken.

 (2) The driver whose vehicle is overtaken on the left must, taking into account the traffic situation, keep as much as possible to the right and not obstruct the overtaking vehicle by increasing the speed or in some other way.

 (3) Where the driver who has aborted an overtaking wishes to return to the lane appropriate to the direction of traffic, the drivers following them must enable it.

 (4) Where, owing to the narrowness, profile or condition of the carriageway, taken in conjunction with the density of oncoming traffic, a vehicle that is slow or bulky or is required to observe the speed limit cannot be safely overtaken, the driver of such vehicle must slow down and, where necessary, pull in to the side as soon as possible in order to allow vehicles following them to safely overtake.

§ 54.  Passing

 (1) Passing on oncoming traffic must be effected on the right. Drivers turning left in opposite directions at an intersection may pass each other on the left, exercising extra care.

 (2) When passing an oncoming vehicle on a narrow carriageway, one must keep as much to the right as possible and pull onto the shoulder, where necessary.

 (3) Where passing is difficult due to an obstacle, the driver having the obstacle in front of them must give way.

 (4) On a downhill road signposted as such, the driver moving downhill must give way in the event of an obstacle.

 (5) Passing vehicles on the side appropriate to the direction of traffic is prohibited in the events specified in clauses 1, 2 and 4 of subsection 2 of § 52 of this Act.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 55.  Derogation from overtaking, passing and rounding

 (1) Overtaking, passing or rounding a slowly moving or standing maintenance vehicle with a flashing or revolving yellow lamp working on the road or a standing emergency vehicle with a flashing or revolving blue lamp is allowed without endangering other road users or persons working on the road on the right or on the left, depending on the situation, and the road surface marking prohibiting overtaking may be crossed in this situation.

 (2) Taking into account the provisions of subsections 1, 3 and 4 of § 51 and § 52 of this Act, a cyclist, light moped driver or rider of personal light electric vehicle may be passed, overtaken or rounded, without endangering them, crossing the road surface marking prohibiting overtaking.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (3) Taking into account the provisions of subsections 1, 3 and 4 of § 51, clauses 1–5 of subsection 1 and clauses 1–3 of subsection 2 of § 52 of this Act, a cyclist, light moped driver or rider of personal light electric vehicle may be passed, overtaken or rounded, without endangering them, with the lateral distance of less than 1.5 metres, when driving at a speed of less than 30 kilometres per hour or if the cyclist, light moped driver or rider of personal light electric vehicle is using the cycle track.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 56.  General requirements for crossing intersection

 (1) The driver approaching an intersection must exercise such extra care as may be appropriate to local traffic conditions. The driver must drive at such a speed as to be able to stop to allow vehicles having the right of way to pass.

 (2) The driver must not enter an intersection of carriageways where the density of traffic is such that they will probably be required to stop at the intersection, thereby obstructing other road users.

§ 57.  Driving at unregulated intersection

 (1) The driver driving on a non-priority road must give way to a driver approaching an intersection or driving at the intersection along the priority road or a right-of-way road, regardless of their driving direction.

 (2) Where the direction of the priority road or the right of way road changes, the driver driving on the priority road or the right-of-way road must give way to the driver of a vehicle approaching from the right or being on the same road on the right-hand side. Drivers driving on a non-priority road must do the same in respect of each other.

 (3) Where the driver does not know whether they are driving on a priority road, right-of-way road or non-priority road, the driver must behave as where they were driving on a non-priority road.

 (4) When emerging from a single-lane road to a multi-lane road, the driver must give way to drivers driving on the multi-lane road.

§ 58.  Driving on regulated intersection

 (1) The driver who has entered an intersection when the traffic light signal allowing them to proceed was illuminated must clear the intersection in the direction in which they wish to proceed, regardless of the signals of other traffic lights on the intersection. However, where there is a stop line or a stop line sign at any of the traffic lights on the intersection, they must follow the signals of such traffic lights.

 (2) When the permitting signal of the traffic lights illuminates, the driver must give way to a driver who is about to complete traversing of the intersection and to a pedestrian still on the carriageway.

 (3) The driver must stop ahead of the stop line or the stop line sign where the signal of the traffic light or the direction given by a traffic controller prohibits advancement. In the absence of the line or sign it is allowed, without obstructing pedestrians, to drive up to the edge of the intersecting carriageway.

 (4) Where the driver is moving in the direction shown by the permitting green additional arrowhead of the traffic light at the time when the red or amber main signals are illuminated, they must give way to drivers approaching from any other direction.

 (5) Where the right-turn lane at an intersection is separated from the rest of the carriageway by a safety island and there is no traffic light on the right hand side before the intersection, the right turn must be made regardless of the signals of the traffic lights on the intersection, giving way to a driver approaching from any other direction.

§ 59.  Traversing level crossing

 (1) The driver must exercise extra care when approaching a level crossing. The driver must drive at such a speed that they are able to bring the vehicle smoothly to a halt, where necessary, at the place specified in subsection 2 of this section.

 (2) In order to give way to an approaching railway vehicle and in the events specified in § 60 of this Act, the driver must stop in front of the barrier, or in the absence thereof, at least five metres from the first rail, or in the event of an appropriate road sign, in front of it.

 (3) Where a level crossing is not equipped with a barrier or light signals, no driver may enter it without making sure that no railway vehicle is approaching.

 (4) The following vehicles may traverse a level crossing only upon approval of the owner or possessor of the railway:
 1) a vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors, laden or unladen, the width of which is more than five meters, height more than 4.5 meters or length more than 24 meters;
 2) a motor vehicle, the design speed of which is less than eight kilometres per hour;
 3) a crawler-type vehicle.

 (5) The approval granted by the owner or possessor of railway specified in subsection 4 of this section may be in the written or electronic form. In the event of an electronic approval, the driver of the vehicle must present the approval on a data medium or make it possible for the official exercising state supervision to access the electronic approval in another way.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 60.  Restrictions on traversing level crossing

  The driver must not:
 1) traverse a level crossing where they may be forced to stop on it;
 2) traverse the railway outside a level crossing;
 3) transport over a level crossing agricultural, road, construction or other such equipment without fixing it in the transport position, or a coupling mechanism that may damage the level crossing.

Subchapter 6 Additional Requirements for Driver of Motor Vehicle  

§ 61.  Emergency stopping

 (1) In the event of an emergency stopping in a place where stopping or parking is prohibited or where the vehicle brought to an emergency stopping, or its cargo fallen or flown or dropped off onto the carriageway cannot be removed from the carriageway without help, the driver must indicate the vehicle by switching on emergency lights or placing a warning triangle on the road as provided in subsection 9 of § 39 of this Act, without delay notify the police or the owner or the possessor of the road and take measures to quickly eliminate the danger or reduce its harmful effects.

 (2) In the event of an emergency stopping on level crossings, the driver must see to it that people leave the vehicles, and do everything possible to free the level crossing. Where it is impossible to free the level crossing from the traffic obstacle, the driver must stay by their vehicle and when seeing a railway vehicle coming, quickly approach it, giving a stop signal by making circles with arms. At night-time, a lit source of light, a reflector or a similar object must be held in hand.

 (3) On a motorway and on a road where the speed limit is over 90 kilometres per hour, a motor vehicle brought to an emergency stopping must have emergency lamps on and be removed from the carriageway. Where it is impossible to remove the vehicle from the carriageway, a warning triangle must be placed on the road at least 100 metres rearward from the vehicle.

§ 62.  Drawing of motor vehicle

 (1) A motor vehicle that does not have a trailer may draw a motor vehicle. A two-wheel vehicle must not be drawn or used for drawing.

 (2) Only a driver with the right to drive vehicles of the same category as the vehicle being drawn may be at the wheel of a drawn vehicle.

 (3) The speed of the drawn vehicle may not exceed the speed limit specified in clause 4 of subsection 1 of § 15 of this Act.

 (4) A flexible hitch must leave a distance of five to eight metres between the vehicles and the middle part of thereof must be marked so that it is clearly visible. The length of a direct hitch may not exceed five metres. It is not allowed to use a chain for drawing.

 (5) A motor vehicle with malfunctioning brakes must be drawn either with a direct hitch or in such a way that it is partly resting on the vehicle drawing it.

 (6) A motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors that is being drawn must always have emergency lamps switched on. In the absence of emergency lamps or where they do not function, a warning triangle must be fixed in a visible place on the drawn motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors.

 (7) Only where a direct hitch that guarantees the steerability of a drawn motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors is used a driver does not need to be present in the drawn motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors.

 (8) There may be passengers in the driver’s compartment of a drawn motor vehicle and in a drawn passenger car only where there is a driver at the wheel of the drawn vehicle.

 (9) There must not be any people on the vehicle bed of the drawing motor vehicle or in the vehicle partly resting on it.

 (10) Drawing is prohibited:
 1) on a motorway. Where the need for drawing appears on a motorway, by way of exception, drawing may be performed until the nearest turn-off;
 2) with a flexible hitch – on glare ice or where the drawn motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors has a malfunctioning steering wheel or malfunctioning brakes;
 3) with a rod-shaped direct hitch – where the motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors has a malfunctioning steering wheel;
 4) with any type of direct hitch – where the laden mass of a motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or machine exceeds that of the drawing vehicle and the drawn motor vehicle has malfunctioning brakes;
 5) where more than one motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors is being drawn at a time;
 6) where the coupling device of a drawn combination of vehicles or combination of tractors is malfunctioning.

§ 63.  Haulage of towed equipment

 (1) Speed limit upon haulage of towed equipment must not exceed the speed limit permitted in clause 5 of subsection 1 of § 15 of this Act.

 (2) Upon haulage of towed equipment, the towed equipment or interchangeable towed equipment must be equipped with stop lamps, rear direction-indication lamps, rear position lamps, trailer’s rear red reflectors with the shape of an equilateral triangle, the low-speed vehicle signs and maximum speed signs.

 (3) The coupling device must meet the requirements specified in subsection 11 of § 73 of this Act.

 (4) There must be no people on the load platform or on any other part of the towed equipment or interchangeable towed equipment.

 (5) No more than one item of towed equipment or interchangeable towed equipment may be hauled at a time.

 (6) The mass of the towed equipment or that of interchangeable towed equipment must not exceed the requirements specified in subsection 11 of § 73 of this Act.

 (7) Towed equipment or interchangeable towed equipment must comply with the roadworthiness requirements established by the manufacturer.

§ 64.  Traffic in calm traffic area

 (1) In a calm traffic area, a pedestrian can move around and a child can play in the entire calm traffic area, but they must not unnecessarily obstruct drivers.

 (2) In a calm traffic area, the speed of a motor vehicle must not exceed the speed limit specified in clause 6 of subsection 1 of § 15 of this Act.

 (3) The driver must not endanger or obstruct a pedestrian in calm traffic area; where necessary, the vehicle must be stopped.

 (4) A motor vehicle may enter a calm traffic area only for standing or parking.

 (5) Only a category A and B as well as subcategory D1 motor vehicle may be parked in a calm traffic area. Parking is allowed only in indicated parking spaces or, in their absence, on the road, at a place where parking does not obstruct pedestrians and not make the traffic of other vehicles impossible.

§ 65.  Traffic on ice road

 (1) Driving on an ice road is allowed only in the daylight when visibility is no less than 300 metres.

 (2) On an ice road, the driver must observe the instructions for using the ice road displayed at the start of the ice road and the regulations given by the surveillance service staff.

 (3) The driver must enter an ice road only at a place specially indicated for this purpose.

 (4) On an ice road, the doors of a vehicle must be easily opened.

 (5) The driver and passengers must not wear a seat belt.

 (6) There must be a minimal interval of two minutes between vehicles entering an ice road.

 (7) The distance between vehicles on an ice road must be no less than 250 metres. Overtaking a vehicle driving in front, passing a vehicle and a two-way traffic on the same carriageway is prohibited.

 (8) Stopping on an ice road is allowed only in the event of an emergency. A vehicle brought to an emergency stopping must be removed from ice as soon as possible. Where this is impossible, the ice road surveillance service must be notified thereof.

 (9) The maximum permissible mass of a vehicle taking an ice road must be determined by the surveillance staff, depending on the ice and weather conditions.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (10) The maximum speed limit must be determined by the surveillance staff, depending on the ice and weather conditions.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (11) It is prohibited to turn off an ice road.

 (12) Where the ice condition does not allow for further driving, the driver must immediately turn back and warn other drivers on the ice road as well as the surveillance staff of bad road conditions. Where possible, a return lane must be used for turning back.

 (13) In the event there appears a danger of ice road cracking, passengers have to leave the vehicle when required by the driver. The driver may continue driving alone; the driver’s door must be left open.

 (14) Ice road surveillance service must be without delay informed of all the dangerous changes, unmarked dangers or stopped vehicles on the ice road.

 (15) The mass of the cargo transported on an ice road must be indicated in the documentation of the cargo. Surveillance service staff members may check the laden mass of a vehicle by weighing.

 (151) The requirements for the making and maintenance of a public ice road are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (152) The maker of an ice road organises the maintenance of the ice road and must establish conditions for safe use of the ice road made by it.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 66.  Traffic on motorway

  On a motorway, it is prohibited to:
 1) walk as a pedestrian, walk with a pet or animal or ride a cycle, moped or vehicle with a design speed under 40 kilometres per hour;
 2) stop or park outside of a designated area;
 3) drive a category C motor vehicle or a combinations of vehicles longer than seven metres on a lane other than the two right-hand lanes of the motorway that has three or more lanes;
 4) make a U-turn, drive over the dividing strip and at any place where it is disrupted;
 5) reverse.

§ 67.  Traffic in tunnels

 (1) Even where a tunnel is lit, the vehicle must have the main-beam headlamps or dipped-beam headlamps and the front, rear and side position lamps and the rear registration plate lamps switched on.

 (2) Passenger cars must keep a distance that is sufficient to enable to cover the distance in no less than two seconds under normal conditions. Category C and CE cars should keep a distance that is twice as long.

 (3) Where traffic is stopped in a tunnel, the distance between the stopped vehicles must be at least five metres.

 (4) A driver may stop or park a vehicle in a tunnel only in the event of danger or an emergency stopping. In such an event, where possible, the driver must use a special designated area.

 (5) In a tunnel, it is prohibited to:
 1) reverse;
 2) make a U-turn;
 3) stop or park outside designated areas;
 4) keep the motor of the vehicle running in the event of a lasting traffic obstacle.

§ 68.  Special rights of driver with mobility disability and driver of vehicle servicing people with mobility disability or blind people

 (1) A driver with a mobility disability and the driver of a vehicle servicing persons with a mobility disability or blind people may attach a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people to the front or rear window of their vehicle.

 (2) Where there is a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people, the driver having a mobility disability and the driver of the vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people may park the vehicle at their disposal on public paid parking places without charge.

 (3) Where a driver with a mobility disability and the driver of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people has a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people, the driver may:
 1) stand and park in a built-up area where road signs prohibiting standing or parking apply, on the condition that the standing vehicle is located entirely on the pavement and that a strip of pavement of at least 1.5 metres wide is left for pedestrians to use. This permission does not apply on road sections marked with a line prohibiting stopping;
 2) park in an area where road signs prohibiting apply, park in a car parks with limited parking time for longer than prescribed, and park on a road in a calm traffic area outside a car park in places where this does not obstruct pedestrians or render other vehicular traffic impossible.

 (4) The driver of a vehicle servicing a person with a mobility disability or a blind person, whose vehicle displays a parking card, may stop in a built-up area where road signs prohibiting stopping apply, in order to pick up or set down the person with a mobility disability or the blind person.

Subchapter 7 Prohibition to Drive Vehicle  

§ 69.  Prohibition to drive vehicle due to state of intoxication

 (1) A driver must not be in a state exceeding the maximum limit of alcohol specified in subsections 3 and 31 of this section or in a state of intoxication. The state of intoxication or exceeding the maximum limit of alcohol is established in accordance with the procedure provided in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (2) The driver of a motor vehicle, tram or off-road vehicle is considered to be intoxicated by alcohol in the following events:
 1) the alcohol content in one gram of the driver’s blood is no less than 1.50 milligrams or the alcohol content in the breath exhaled by the driver is 0.75 milligrams or more in one litre of breath;
 2) the alcohol content in one gram of the driver’s blood is no less than 0.50 milligrams or the alcohol content in the breath exhaled by the driver is 0.25 milligrams or more in one litre of breath and there are externally perceptible disturbed or changed bodily or mental functions and reactions due to which the driver is evidently not able to drive a vehicle with due firmness required in traffic.

 (3) The alcohol content in one gram of blood of the driver of a motor vehicle, tram or off-road vehicle must not be 0.20 milligrams or more or the alcohol content in the breath exhaled by the person must not be 0.10 milligrams or more in one litre of breath.

 (31) The alcohol content in one gram of blood of the cyclist, rider of personal light electric vehicle or light moped driver must not be 0.50 milligrams or more or the alcohol content in the breath exhaled by the person must not be 0.25 milligrams or more in one litre of breath.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (4) Where a person who has suffered a traffic accident is transported to a medical service provider to get emergency medical aid, the medical service provider authorised to take blood tests, must, at the request of the police, take the person’s blood test for the purpose of establishing a state of intoxication.

 (5) The taking, storing and transfer for analysis of blood samples for the purpose of establishing the state of intoxication and the carrying out of analyses and remuneration of these steps takes place on the basis of and in accordance with the procedure established by the Law Enforcement Act.

 (6) The result of a blood test is recorded in accordance with the procedure established on the basis of the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 70.  Prohibition to drive caused by state of health

 (1) The driver must not be in such a medical condition or fatigue disorder that would prevent the driver from getting a precise perception of traffic conditions and the firm fulfilment of the requirements set by or on the basis of this Act (hereinafter state of health hazardous to traffic safety).

 (2) The states of health in the event of which it is prohibited to a drive motor vehicle, off-road vehicle and tram:
 1) decreasing visual acuity – together with correction lower than 0.5 when using both eyes together or lower than 0.6 with the only better eye;
 2) horizontal field of vision is narrower than 120°;
 3) severe mobility disability (loss or distortion of limbs, joint stiffness or paralysis), except in events provided for in this Act or in legislation enacted in accordance therewith;
 4) severe mental disorder, severe personality disorder or severe behavioural disorder;
 5) effects of a substance decreasing or paralysing the person’s ability to drive.

 (3) In addition to subsection 2 of this section, it is prohibited to drive a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram where the special conditions set out in subsection 7 of § 101 of this Act are not fulfilled.

 (4) A state of health hazardous to traffic safety is determined by a medical doctor.

 (5) In the event of doubt concerning the state of health hazardous to traffic safety, the traffic supervision authority specified in subsection 1 of § 193 of this Act takes the person to the nearest in-patient provider of health services holding the activity licence for health services.

 (6) A medical doctor has the right to choose their methods to examine a person referred to the medical services provider to determine the state of health hazardous to traffic safety and decide who can be present or in the same room when a state of health hazardous to traffic safety is being determined.

 (7) Costs relating to the medical determination of a state of health hazardous to traffic safety are covered by the traffic supervision authority specified in subsection 1 of § 193 of this Act.

 (8) Where a state of health hazardous to traffic safety is determined, the person must cover the costs relating to the determination of the state.

 (9) The health services provider specified in subsection 5 of this section must carry out a health check in order to determine a state of health hazardous to traffic safety where the police requests that.

 (10) The form of the examination report on the state of health hazardous to traffic safety is established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

Subchapter 8 Additional Requirements for Driving Animal-drawn Vehicle and Riding Animals  

§ 71.  Additional requirements for driving animal-drawn vehicle and riding animals

 (1) Draught, pack and saddle animals and cattle, individually or in herds, must have a driver who is able to guide the animals at all times, except at the entrance to a road in specifically signposted areas or car parks where the animal is securely tied.

 (2) An animal-drawn vehicle, saddle animal and cattle may be driven by a person of at least ten years of age. A person of 10–14 years of age may drive an animal-drawn vehicle, saddle animal or cattle under the supervision of their legal guardian or an adult person authorised by the legal guardian.

 (3) In a built-up area it is permitted to drive an animal-drawn vehicle in the far right lane of the carriageway, on the road outside a built-up area it is permitted on the shoulder, appropriate to the direction of traffic, or, in the absence of a shoulder or where it is unsuitable for travelling, it is permitted near the right-hand edge of the carriageway.

 (4) When moving along the carriageway at night-time or in poor visibility, riders must display, on the side opposite to that appropriate to the direction of traffic, a white or selective-yellow light to the front and a red light to the rear or an amber light in both directions. A single device may display these lights. In a built-up area it is permitted to ride saddle animals as close to the right-hand edge of the carriageway or the lane reserved for public transport vehicles as possible. On roads outside built-up areas it is permitted to ride saddle animals on the shoulder, appropriate to the direction of traffic, or, in the absence of a shoulder or where it is unsuitable for travelling, it is permitted near the right-hand edge of the carriageway.

 (5) Cattle may be driven only in daylight and as close to the right-hand edge of the road as possible, except for driving cattle that have got loose. When driving cattle that have got loose at night-time or in limited visibility, the driver must display, on the side opposite to that appropriate to the direction of traffic, a white or selective-yellow light to the front and a red light to the rear or an amber light in both directions. A single device may display these lights. There must be enough drivers to ensure safety and that the animals are kept together. Where necessary, the animals must be split into groups.

 (6) Cattle must not be:
 1) driven on a paved road without the authorisation of the owner or the possessor of the road;
 2) left unsupervised on a road;
 3) driven across a railway or carriageway in places not intended for such purpose or at night-time or in poor visibility.

Chapter 3 VEHICLE  

§ 72.  Duties of owner and authorised user of vehicle

 (1) The owner and authorised user of a vehicle must ensure the proper use, good technical condition and proper storage of vehicles belonging to them or being in their possession.

 (2) Where the owner of a motor vehicle grants another person use of the motor vehicle, they must keep the following information during the usage period and for a period of six months as of the end of the usage period by the other person and produce, when required by court or a traffic authority official:
 1) the name and surname of the person who used the motor vehicle;
 2) the address of the person who used the motor vehicle;
 3) the date of birth or personal identification code of the person who used the motor vehicle;
 4) the number of the driving licence of the person who used the motor vehicle.

 (3) The authorised user also has the duties specified in subsection 2 of this section regarding the vehicle used by them.

 (4) The owner and authorised user of a vehicle must ensure that the reading of the kilometrage indicator is not changed with the aim of leaving a false impression of the kilometrage of the motor vehicle.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (5) Where a motor vehicle or its trailer does not comply with the type approval requirements, its type approval has been granted on the basis of incorrect data or it has a design or manufacturing defect, the owner or authorised user of the motor vehicle or its trailer must allow the maker to take corrective measures in order to bring the motor vehicle or its trailer into compliance with the requirements or ensure its safety.
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 8 – entry into force 01.01.2022]

§ 73.  Roadworthiness requirements for motor vehicle and its trailer, requirements for equipment and inspection of their compliance with regulations

 (1) A motor vehicle and its trailer operated in traffic as well as their equipment must comply with the roadworthiness requirements provided by a statute. A motor vehicle and its trailer must be equipped as required.

 (2) A motor vehicle and its trailer operated in traffic must have passed a roadworthiness test by the prescribed time. A roadworthiness test does not need to be passed by a motor vehicle and its trailer that are used exclusively on an island, except by a motor vehicle and its trailer that are used on a permanently inhabited large island for the purposes of the Permanently Inhabited Small Islands Act. The results of a roadworthiness test are proven based on the data of the motor register. The results of a roadworthiness test may also be proven by a registration certificate or a certified printout of the data of the motor register.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (3) The roadworthiness testing of a motor vehicle and its trailer is conducted and administrative supervision over the implementation and quality thereof is exercised by the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (4) A decision on the roadworthiness of a motor vehicle and its trailer is made by the Transport Administration or a company specified in subsection 1 of § 191 of this Act with whom the Transport Administration has concluded an administrative agreement.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (41) The results of a roadworthiness test of a motor vehicle and its trailer registered in the motor register, which has been carried out in another Member State of the European Union, is valid in Estonia where the test has been carried out by a roadworthiness inspector specified in subsection 11 of § 191 of this Act and the results of the test have been entered in the motor register.
[RT I, 15.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 25.03.2019]

 (5) The costs of a roadworthiness test of a motor vehicle and its trailer are covered by the owner, possessor or authorised user of the vehicle at the rates established on the basis of subsection 121 of this section. Upon establishment of the rates based on subsection 121 of this section, it must be taken into account that the company engaged in roadworthiness testing is able to cover the direct expenses related to the provided service, the capital expenditure and a proportionate amount of the overheads, and make a reasonable operating profit.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (6) During a roadworthiness test, the compliance or non-compliance of a motor vehicle or its trailer with the roadworthiness requirements is identified and in the event of compliance a date is set for the next test after the expiry of which the vehicle is no longer deemed roadworthy.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (7) In addition to subsection 6 of this section, a motor vehicle or its trailer is no longer deemed roadworthy where:
 1) the insurer deems the vehicle or its trailer destroyed;
 2) the person exercising traffic supervision takes a measure specified in clause 9 of subsection 1 of § 1962 of this Act, or
 3) according to official information received from the competent authority of a Member State of the European Union, a contracting state of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation, a motor vehicle or its trailer has a fault or defect that requires a roadworthiness test of the vehicle, unless the vehicle does not have a serious or dangerous fault or defect for the purposes of this Act or it has been proven that the fault or defect has been eliminated.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (71) A motor vehicle or its trailer does not meet the roadworthiness requirements where it has a serious or dangerous fault or defect. A serious fault or defect is a fault or defect the occurrence of which calls for a roadworthiness test. A dangerous fault or defect is a fault or defect that directly and imminently jeopardises human life or health, property or the environment.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (72) Where a serious fault or defect is detected during a roadworthiness test of a motor vehicle or its trailer, the motor vehicle or its trailer which does not meet the roadworthiness requirements in force may be used in traffic within the time limit specified in the regulation established on the basis of subsection 12 of this section or subsection 7 of § 85 of this Act, which depends on the time of presenting the vehicle for a roadworthiness test, but is not shorter than 30 days or longer than 60 days, and upon the expiry of which the motor vehicle or its trailer must be presented for a roadworthiness test again. Upon engaging in traffic, the driver must drive carefully, taking account of the nature of the fault or defect.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (73) Where during a roadworthiness test a dangerous fault or defect is detected, the use of the vehicle in traffic is prohibited until the fault or defect has been eliminated. After eliminating the dangerous fault or defect, the motor vehicle or its trailer must be presented for a roadworthiness test. Such motor vehicle or its trailer may be used in traffic only in accordance with the procedure provided for in subsection 74 of this section.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (74) In addition to subsection 72 of this section, a motor vehicle or its trailer that does not comply with the roadworthiness requirements in force may, by way of exception, be used only where it does not have a dangerous fault or defect that would preclude the use of the vehicle in traffic. In these circumstances the motor vehicle or its trailer may be driven carefully, taking into consideration the nature of the fault, to the nearest repair centre, roadworthiness test centre, special system roadworthiness test centre specified in § 741 of this Act, regional office of the Transport Administration or parking facility, taking the shortest route possible.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (75) During the period specified in subsection 72 of this section, the motor vehicle or its trailer cannot be used for carriage of passengers for the purposes of the Public Transport Act or for carriage of cargo for the purposes of the Road Transport Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (76) The option provided for in subsection 72 of this section does not apply in the case of an extraordinary roadworthiness test under clause 9 of subsection 1 of § 1962 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (77) The period specified in subsection 72 of this section does not extend where a motor vehicle or its trailer is presented for a roadworthiness test again and the serious fault or defect has not been eliminated or there is another serious fault or defect.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (8) A motor vehicle and its trailer must not have any equipment that detects or interferes with the speed measuring equipment used by the traffic supervision.

 (9) A motor vehicle that is deemed a workplace in terms of the Occupational Health and Safety Act must be equipped with first aid equipment.

 (10) Only a motor vehicle and its trailer that rest on the road surface with pneumatic tires or caterpillar tracks, tires or caterpillar tracks made of elastic material or caterpillar tracks equipped with elastic pads may be driven on a paved road.

 (11) The roadworthiness requirements for motor vehicles and their trailers are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (12) The conditions of and procedure for roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles and trailers thereof, including the conditions of and procedure for inspection of equipment, types of roadworthiness testing, conditions of and procedure for classification of faults and defects, time limits of roadworthiness testing, time limits for presentation for repeat roadworthiness testing, list of vehicles released from roadworthiness testing, and the list of documents to be submitted and the procedure followed upon submission of documents during a roadworthiness test are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (121) The rates of the fee charged for a roadworthiness test are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (13) [Repealed – RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

§ 731.  Using motor vehicle and its trailer after referral to extraordinary roadworthiness testing

 (1) A motor vehicle or its trailer which has, due to a serious fault or defect, been referred to an extraordinary roadworthiness test on the basis of clause 9 of subsection 1 of § 1962 of this Act may be used in traffic for up to 30 days after the detection of the serious fault or defect. Upon engaging in traffic, the driver must drive carefully, taking account of the nature of the fault or defect.

 (2) A motor vehicle or its trailer from the driving of which the driver has been removed on the basis of clause 5 of subsection 2 of § 91 of this Act may be used only after eliminating the dangerous fault or defect. After eliminating the dangerous fault or defect, the motor vehicle or its trailer must be presented for a roadworthiness test. Such motor vehicle or its trailer may be used in traffic only in accordance with the procedure provided for in subsection 74 of § 73 of this Act.

 (3) After the period specified in subsection 1 of this section, the motor vehicle or its trailer may be used in traffic in accordance with the procedure provided for in subsection 74 of § 73 of this Act.

 (4) During the period specified in subsection 1 of this section, the motor vehicle or its trailer cannot be used for carriage of passengers for the purposes of the Public Transport Act or for carriage of cargo for the purposes of the Road Transport Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

§ 74.  Requirements for inspectors of roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers

 (1) An inspector of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers must have:
 1) higher education, secondary specialised education or vocational secondary education or respective education in the field of cars or tractors;
[RT I, 02.07.2013, 1 – entry into force 01.09.2013]
 2) at least three years of relevant practical knowledge, training and experience;
 3) the right to drive a motor vehicle of the type that they inspect.

 (11) A person testing the roadworthiness of a motor vehicle and a trailer thereof must not be a person subject to a prohibition on business imposed by a final judgment or a person who has been deprived of the right to work as a tester of roadworthiness. A tester also must not be a person from whom the right to engage in roadworthiness testing or another similar field of activity has been taken away by a final judgment due to a misuse of their professional or official rights or a violation of their official duties. Also, the person must not be punished for an intentionally committed criminal offence, given the time limits of deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) In addition to the requirements provided for in subsection 1 of this section, an inspector of the roadworthiness of trolleybuses must have undergone appropriate training in electrical safety requirements.

 (3) The Transport Administration may authorise an inspector of the roadworthiness of category C motor vehicles and their trailers to inspect also category D motor vehicles and their trailers.

 (4) An inspectors of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers must have undergone training and field training organised by the Transport Administration and passed a relevant examination.

 (5) An inspector of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers must be evaluated. Evaluation is organised and certificates are issued by the Transport Administration.

 (6) An evaluation certificate is valid for three years.

 (7) After evaluation, an inspector of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers must undergo in-service training organised by the Transport Administration.

 (8) The evaluation certificate of an inspector may be suspended by the Transport Administration until the date of expiry thereof and the Transport Administration may refuse to issue a new evaluation certificate within three years as of the suspension of the validity of the evaluation certificate where the holder of the certificate has violated legislation regulating roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles and their trailers.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (9) Where the Transport Administration has taken the measures specified in subsection 8 of this section for longer than one year, the holder of the certificate must undergo training, field training and take an examination specified in subsection 4 of this section to have the validity of the evaluation certificate restored.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (91) Where the Transport Administration has taken the measures specified in subsection 8 of this section for less than one year, the Transport Administration may demand that that the holder of the certificate take the examination specified in subsection 4 of this section in order to restore the validity of the certificate.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (92) Where more than five years has passed from the expiry of the validity of the evaluation certificate, a tester of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers must undergo training, field training and take an examination specified in subsection 4 of this section.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (10) The requirements of and the procedures for evaluation of inspectors of roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers, including the requirements of and procedure for the authorisation specified in subsection 3 of this section, are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (11) A state fee is payable for an examination and evaluation of an inspector of the roadworthiness of motor vehicles and their trailers.

 (12) A person who has acquired foreign professional qualifications may act as an inspector of the roadworthiness of a motor vehicle and its trailer where their professional qualifications have been recognised in accordance with the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act. The competent authority provided for in subsection 2 of § 7 of the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act is the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 30.12.2015, 1 – entry into force 18.01.2016]

§ 741.  Testing of roadworthiness of special system of motor vehicle and its trailer

 (1) In addition to the roadworthiness testing provided for in § 73 of this Act, a motor vehicle with a special system and its trailer must be periodically presented for a special system roadworthiness test. For the purposes of this Act, ‘special system’ means a system used on a motor vehicle or its trailer, which may pose a threat to humans or the environment and the compliance of which with the requirements cannot be checked or is not practical to check by way of the conventional roadworthiness testing because it calls for:
 1) removal of parts from the vehicle, or
 2) knowledge or skills on the part of the testing staff, which are not required from a roadworthiness tester, or
 3) rooms or equipment the existence of which is not required from a company engaged in conventional roadworthiness testing.

 (2) The roadworthiness of a special system must be tested regularly, depending on the special system, the category of the motor vehicle and its trailer or the purpose of use of the motor vehicle and its trailer, at least once every ten years but not less frequently than once every twelve months.

 (3) In a roadworthiness test of a special system, a company specified in § 742 of this Act establishes the compliance of the special system or a part thereof with the roadworthiness requirements of the motor vehicle and its trailer. The results of the roadworthiness test of the special system are proven based on the data of the motor register.

 (4) A roadworthiness test of a special system expires where:
 1) the insurer deems the motor vehicle or its trailer destroyed;
 2) a dangerous fault or defect that poses a direct and immediate threat to human life, health, property or the environment is detected in a roadworthiness test of the special system.

 (5) The person who conducts the roadworthiness test of a special system submits the results of the test to the motor register.

 (6) Where a motor vehicle or its trailer, which has passed a special system roadworthiness test the results of which have not expired but the special system poses a threat to human life, health, property or the environment or where the established requirements were deviated from in testing the roadworthiness of the special system, as a result of which the compliance of the special system with the roadworthiness requirements is not proven, the motor vehicle or its trailer must be presented for an extraordinary roadworthiness test of the special system before the expiry of the results of the previous test. The compliance of the special system of the motor vehicle and its trailer or a part thereof with the roadworthiness requirements is tested extraordinarily and a new deadline for a special system roadworthiness test is set.

 (7) By a regulation, the minister in charge of the policy sector establishes:
 1) the special systems of a motor vehicle or its trailer;
 2) deadlines for roadworthiness testing of special systems;
 3) detailed requirements for roadworthiness testing of special systems;
 4) circumstances in which a motor vehicle or its trailer must be presented for an extraordinary roadworthiness test of its special system;
 5) the procedure for the submission of results of a roadworthiness test of a special system to the motor register.

 (8) A motor vehicle or its trailer which has not passed a roadworthiness test of a special system may be used in traffic only way of an exception, provided that it does not have a dangerous fault or defect that would pose a direct and immediate threat to human life, health, property or the environment. In these circumstances the vehicle or its trailer may be driven carefully, taking into consideration the nature of the threat, to the nearest repair centre, special system roadworthiness test centre, regional office of the Transport Administration or parking facility, taking the shortest route possible.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

§ 742.  Duty to report and requirements for company engaged in roadworthiness testing of special systems

 (1) To test the roadworthiness of a special system, the company must submit a notice of economic activities to the register of economic activities in accordance with the General Part of the Economic Activities Code Act.

 (2) A company engaged in testing the roadworthiness of special systems must be trustworthy.

 (3) A company engaged in the roadworthiness testing of special systems must not have been declared bankrupt or liquidation proceedings must not have been initiated against it or it must not be subject to any other circumstances that could result in its permanent insolvency or winding up.

 (4) A company engaged in the roadworthiness testing of special systems must not have any non-staggered overdue state or local taxes, fees, fines or compulsory insurance premiums.

 (5) A company engaged in the roadworthiness testing of special system and its staff must be competent, avoid a conflict of interests and ensure the safety, quality, uniformity and trustworthiness of the roadworthiness testing of special systems.

 (6) A company engaged in the roadworthiness testing of special systems must have rooms and equipment that allow for testing the roadworthiness of special systems in a safe and quality manner.

 (7) Requirements for the staff, rooms, equipment and testing quality of companies engaged in the roadworthiness testing of special systems are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (8) The room where roadworthiness testing of special systems is carried out must be equipped with technical means that allow for monitoring and recording the roadworthiness testing of the special system. The monitoring may be carried out and the recordings may be used for the purposes of state supervision and for solving intra-authority appeals and complaints. Recordings are preserved for at least six months but not for more than one year.

 (9) Procedure for the installation and use of technical means specified in subsection 8 of this section and processing of data and requirements for the technical means are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

§ 75.  Administrative supervision of roadworthiness testing

  [RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (1) Administrative supervision of roadworthiness testing is an activity the purpose of which is to establish where a centre for roadworthiness testing and the processes and the quality of roadworthiness testing of motor vehicles and their trailers comply with the requirements provided by a statute and to check compliance with the obligations arising from a public law contract specified in subsection 1 of § 191 of this Act.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (2) The administrative supervision specified in subsection 1 of this section is performed by traffic controllers of the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (3) The person exercising administrative supervision must present their identification when performing their official duties. The person exercising administrative supervision must ensure the confidentiality of the information learned, unless legislation provides for the disclosure thereof.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (4) The person exercising administrative supervision is authorised to:
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]
 1) inspect the performance and quality of roadworthiness inspection of a motor vehicle and its trailer unobstructed and without advance notice;
 2) enter a centre for roadworthiness testing in order to carry out a test, request appropriate documents, data and other materials and clarifications from the person authorised to perform roadworthiness testing and a person specified in § 73 of this Act;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 3) inspect the compliance of the centre for roadworthiness testing with the requirements provided by a statute;
 4) be present while roadworthiness testing is carried out and examine the processes;
 5) inspect a motor vehicle and its trailer regarding the compliance of the roadworthiness testing with the regulations provided by a statute.
 6) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (5) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (6) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (7) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (8) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 751.  State supervision over compliance with requirements for roadworthiness of special system

 (1) State supervision over compliance with requirements for the roadworthiness of a special system is carried out by the Transport Administration.

 (2) The Transport Administration has the right to issue a compliance notice in order to prevent a violation of a requirement established for the roadworthiness testing of a special system, to bring an activity in compliance with a requirement established for the roadworthiness testing of a special system or to have an duty related to the roadworthiness testing of a special system performed and to terminate the obstruction of state supervision, thereby granting a reasonable time limit for complying with the notice.

 (3) Where the person testing the roadworthiness of a special system or the roadworthiness testing of a special system does not comply with the established requirements, the Transport Administration has the right to issue to the owner or responsible user of the motor vehicle or its trailer a compliance notice subjecting the special system to an extraordinary roadworthiness test.

 (4) The Transport Administration may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 32, 49, 50 and 51 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.

 (5) Where a compliance notice specified in subsections 2 and 3 of this section is not complied with, the Transport Administration may impose a non-compliance levy in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act. The maximum non-compliance levy payable by a natural person is 640 euros and the maximum non-compliance levy payable by a legal person is 6,400 euros.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

§ 76.  Registration of motor vehicle and its trailer

 (1) A motor vehicle and its trailer must be registered in accordance with the established procedure and bear state registration plates. The registration plate of the traction unit may be placed on the towed supplementary equipment in accordance with subsection 11 of § 73 of this Act. A motor vehicle or its trailer, which is used in road traffic, must be registered within five working days after putting the vehicle into service in Estonia for the first time.

 (2) Registration is an act whereby the authority specified in subsection 7 of this section enters the details of a motor vehicle or its trailer that is put into service in Estonia and complies with the requirements and the persons related to it into the motor register. The registration of a motor vehicle or its trailer is proven by a registration certificate or the data of the motor register.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) A motor vehicle or its trailer used by a person permanently residing in Estonia, natural person who has obtained a residence permit in Estonia and a legal person who is registered in Estonia is subject to registration. Also subject to registration are a motor vehicle and trailer that have been in Estonia for more than one year and are put into service by a natural person permanently residing in a foreign state, a legal person and a self-employed person registered in a foreign state.

 (31) A motor vehicle of the armed forces of a foreign state located in the territory of the Republic of Estonia, which has been registered in the foreign state and to which a registration plate or mark has been issued there, does not need to be registered.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2016]

 (4) Where the owner of a motor vehicle or its trailer is a natural person who does not have an Estonian residence permit or a legal person who is not registered in Estonia in accordance with legislation, a natural person who has Estonian citizenship or a residence permit or right in Estonia and permanent residence in Estonia or a legal person registered in Estonia who is authorised by the owner of the motor vehicle or trailer is entered into the motor register as the authorised user.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (5) Where a motor vehicle or its trailer belongs to multiple owners jointly, all the owners are entered into the motor register and one owner is designated by the owners of the motor vehicle or its trailer as the authorised user.

 (6) A motor vehicle and its trailer that have been brought to Estonia for temporary use must be registered for the term specified in the customs declaration.

 (7) A motor vehicle and its trailer are registered or a decision to refuse registration is made and the related registry entries are made by the Transport Administration. Upon registration, a registration plate and a registration certificate are issued regarding a motor vehicle and its trailer.

 (8) Trolleybuses and their trailers are registered and the registers thereof maintained by their owners.

 (9) Prior to the registration of a motor vehicle and its trailer, an inspection of the roadworthiness thereof must be carried out where compliance of the motor vehicle and its trailer with the roadworthiness requirements is decided. The decision is made in writing only where the motor vehicle or its trailer does not comply with the requirements in force.

 (10) A motor vehicle and its trailer that have an Estonian registration plate and also a registration plate from another state may not be used, unless the foreign motor vehicle and its trailer have been registered in Estonia for a specified term.

 (11) When leaving the state, a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles registered in Estonia must display, in a visible place at the rear, the distinguishing sign of Estonia where it has not been incorporated into the registration plate. When entering the state, a motor vehicle or combination of vehicles that has been registered in a foreign state must display the distinguishing sign of the state in which they are registered where it has not been incorporated into the registration plate.

 (12) A trailer of a motor vehicle engaged in international traffic for which a registration certificate or a registration plate has not been issued by a competent authority, but which has a certificate issued by a competent authority of the state that specifies the permissible mass of the trailer and a certificate for passing the annual roadworthiness test, must be fitted with the registration number of the traction unit in the place of the registration plate.

 (13) The conditions of and procedure for registration of motor vehicles and their trailers, including the list of data and documents required for registration, procedure for roadworthiness testing prior to registration, the form of the certificate and the requirements for manufacturing state registration plates and vehicle marking signs are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (14) A state fee is payable for issuing a registration plate, summoning a Transport Administration official and making entries into the motor register regarding a motor vehicle and its trailer.

§ 77.  Refusal to register motor vehicle and its trailer, amendments to register data and deletion from register

 (1) The Transport Administration makes a decision to refuse to register a motor vehicle or its trailer or to make other register entries when:
 1) documents or data required for registration have not been submitted;
 2) the motor vehicle or its trailer does not comply with the requirements in force; or
 3) is made up of spare parts;
 4) the motor vehicle or its trailer has been deleted from the register due to being destroyed or based on a valid certificate of destruction.

 (11) The Transport Administration may refuse to register a motor vehicle or a trailer thereof where it complies with the requirements in force, but still involves a significant danger to human life or health, the environment or property, and with regard to which a market surveillance authority or a type-approval authority of a Member State of the European Union has taken market surveillance measures or measures of supervision over compliance with type-approval.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (12) In the event specified in subsection 1 of this section, the registration of a car and its trailer may be refused for up to six months and the registration of a moped, motorcycle, tractor and its trailer may be refused until the manufacturer has fulfilled all the relevant conditions.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) Amending register data means changing, adding or omitting data about a motor vehicle and its trailer and persons relating thereto.

 (3) In order to amend register data, the owners, their representatives or other entitled persons of a motor vehicle and its trailer must submit a valid application to the Transport Administration within five working days of the occurrence of the amendment.

 (4) In order to amend register data, a motor vehicle or its trailer must be presented to the Transport Administration for inspection when changes occur in the data of the motor vehicle or its trailer or when the vehicle does not have a valid identification number.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (5) Deletion from the register means making a vehicle deletion entry in the motor register. The suspension of the register entry of a vehicle in accordance with subsection 81 of this section or the temporary deletion of a vehicle from the register in accordance with subsection 7 of this section is not considered deletion from the register.
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

 (6) A motor vehicle or its trailer is deleted from the register:
 1) when a motor vehicle or its trailer is taken out of Estonia in connection with the owner of the vehicle or its trailer settling in another state or the transfer of the vehicle to another state;
 2) based on a valid certificate of destruction in the event of three-wheel motorcycles or light quardicycles, passenger cars or trucks with a maximum mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms. A certificate of destruction does not need to be submitted for deleting from the register a motor vehicle specified in subsection 1 of this section, which has been demolished or destroyed before 1 May 2004;
 3) when the term for the temporarily registered motor vehicle or its trailer expires;
 4) in the case of a vehicle or vintage vehicle not specified in subsection 2 of this section, based on a request of the owner or the owner’s representative;
 5) based on official information from a relevant authority of a Member State of the European Union regarding the registration of the motor vehicle or its trailer in the respective Member State;
 6) based on a request of the Ministry of the Interior upon delivery of a vehicle specified in clause 2 of this subsection to a museum or to an internal security training establishment as a training aid;
 7) based on a certificate of the Environmental Board, the Police and Border Guard Board or the Rescue Board, where the vehicle specified in clause 2 of this subsection has been destroyed and it cannot be duly demolished, or
[RT I, 10.07.2020, 2 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 8) in another event provided by a statute.
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

 (7) The owners of a motor vehicle or its trailer or a representative of the owner may apply for a temporary deletion of the motor vehicle or its trailer from the register. A motor vehicle and its trailer are deleted temporarily from the register for a period of 1–24 months. A motor vehicle and its trailer that have been temporarily deleted from the register based on an application of the owner of the motor vehicle or its trailer or a representative of the owner is deemed as registered upon expiry of the term for temporary deletion.

 (8) In addition to the reasons provided for in subsection 6 of this section, the Transport Administration temporarily deletes a motor vehicle or its trailer from the register when:
 1) the owner who has been entered in the register gives notice of the transfer of the motor vehicle or its trailer, but the acquirer has not submitted an application for amendment of the register data; or
 2) the motor vehicle or its trailer has been declared wanted.

 (81) The suspension of the register entry of a motor vehicle or its trailer is a step by which the Transport Administration deletes the data of the vehicle from the motor register until the restoration of the register entry.
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

 (82) The Transport Administration suspends the register entry of a power-drive vehicle or its trailer where two years have passed:
 1) from the validity of the compliance of the vehicle with the roadworthiness requirements in accordance with subsection 6 of § 73 of this Act, and
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 2) from the validity of the policy of the last insurance contract concluded with regard to the vehicle.
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

 (83) The register entry of the motor vehicle or its trailer restores as soon as the vehicle complies with the roadworthiness requirements in force and passes a roadworthiness test.
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

 (84) A motor vehicle or its trailer that has been temporarily deleted from the motor register or whose register entry has been suspended is deemed to be an unregistered vehicle and the use of such a vehicle in traffic is prohibited. By way of exception, a motor vehicle or its trailer whose register entry has been suspended may be used in the events specified in subsection 74 of § 73 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (9) In the event of transfer, change of user or deletion from the register of a motor vehicle or its trailer encumbered with a restriction on transfer, a written consent of the person who imposed the restriction must be submitted.

§ 78.  Type-approval, single vehicle approval and validity of approval

  [RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (1) The provisions of Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approval and market surveillance of agricultural and forestry vehicles (OJ L 60, 02.03.2013, pp 1–51) apply to the type-approval of a tractor, its trailer and interchangeable towed equipment, taking into account the requirements established in this Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (11) The provisions of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the approval and market surveillance of two- or three-wheel vehicles and quadricycles (OJ L 60, 02.03.2013, pp 52–128) apply to the type-approval of a light moped, moped and motorcycle, taking into account the requirements established in this Act.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (12) Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on tachographs in road transport, repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 on recording equipment in road transport and amending Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport (OJ L 60, 28.02.2014, pp 1–33) applies to the type-approval of a tachograph, a component thereof or a tachograph card, taking into account the requirements established in this Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (13) Type-approval is a procedure by which a competent authority declares that: the type of a power-driven vehicle or its trailer or the type of a component, system, equipment or separate technical unit of a power-driven vehicle or its trailer (hereinafter jointly product) complies with the requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of this section; the type of interchangeable towed machinery or the type of its component, system, equipment or separate technical unit complies with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council; the type of a mini moped or the type of its component, system, equipment or separate technical unit complies with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council; and a tachograph, its component or tachograph card complies with the requirements of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (14) Upon granting a type-approval in an event specified in a legal instrument of the European Union, the Transport Administration may impose on the manufacturer of a motor vehicle or its trailer or product a secondary condition to periodically prove that the motor vehicle, its trailer or product complies with the type-approval. Detailed conditions of periodical proving of the compliance of the motor vehicle or its trailer or product with the type-approval are set out in the decision granting the type-approval.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) Single vehicle approval is a procedure by which a competent authority declares that a specific motor vehicle or its trailer complies with the requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of this section.

 (3) In Estonia, the competent authority for type-approval and single vehicle approval as well as for related steps is the Transport Administration.

 (4) For the purpose of technical expert assessment and testing required for taking steps related to the type-approval and a single vehicle approval, the Transport Administration may use an expert or a designated technical service. Steps related to the type-approval and single vehicle approval are taken at the expense of the manufacturer of the vehicle or product, its official representative or importer.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (41) Without discriminating anyone, the manufacturer of a motor vehicle or its trailer or product must ensure simple and easy access to the information established on the basis of subsection 5 of this section.

 (42) The manufacturer of a motor vehicle or its trailer or product must take appropriate measures established on the basis of subsection 5 of this section for ensuring the compliance of the output with the data approved by the type-approval.

 (43) The manufacturer of interchangeable towed machinery must ensure easy and quick access to the information specified in Chapter XV of Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council and the manufacturer of a mini moped must ensure easy and quick access to the information specified in Chapter XV of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council without discriminating anyone.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (44) A type-approval or a single vehicle approval is issued for an unspecified time where the type-approval authority of a Member State of the European Union has not set a term of validity to the type-approval or the single vehicle approval.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (45) The type-approval of a motor vehicle or its trailer terminates when:
 1) new requirements applicable to the motor vehicle or its trailer that received the type-approval become mandatory for the motor vehicle or its trailer and the type-approval cannot be updated in accordance with the new requirements;
 2) the manufacturing of the motor vehicle or its trailer, which received the type-approval, is terminated;
 3) the term of validity of the type-approval expires;
 4) the type-approval terminates due to a special restriction.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (46) Where the type-approval of one variant or of one version of a variant of a motor vehicle or its trailer becomes invalid, only the type-approval of the variant or version of the vehicle becomes invalid.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017

 (5) The requirements for a type-approval and a single vehicle approval are established for the purpose of the free movement of goods, energy efficiency, traffic safety, environmental protection, health protection, identification, road maintenance and prevention of unauthorised use. The conditions of and procedure for reviewing a type-approval and single vehicle approval, requirements for a vehicle and its component, system, equipment and separate technical unit, ensuring access to the repairs, maintenance and technical information of a vehicle, requirements of and procedure for ensuring compliance with the type-approval of output, type-approval supervision requirements, and the procedure for designation of the technical service are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (6) A state fee must be paid for type-approval, single vehicle approval and related steps.
[RT I, 14.02.2014, 1 – entry into force 24.02.2014]

§ 781.  Refusal to grant type-approval and single vehicle approval or to take related steps

 (1) The Transport Administration may refuse to grant type-approval or single vehicle approval or refuse to take related steps where:
 1) documents or data required for obtaining type-approval or single vehicle approval have not been submitted;
 2) the motor vehicle or its trailer or product does not comply with the requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of § 78 of this Act;
 3) the interchangeable towed equipment does not meet the requirements specified in Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
 4) the light moped does not meet the requirements specified in Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]
 5) false data or falsified test results have been submitted in the course of granting the type-approval or single vehicle approval;
 6) the defeat strategy, defeat device or pollution control failure device that complies with the requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of § 78 of this Act or with Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council has been used in the course of granting the type-approval;
 7) the motor vehicle or its trailer or the type of the product complies with the requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of § 78 of this Act, but nevertheless poses a significant risk to human life, health, the environment or property.

 (2) In addition to the provisions of subsection 1 of this section, the Transport Administration may, until a precept specified in subsection 5 of § 783 of this Act has been complied with, refuse to grant type-approval to a motor vehicle or product of an equivalent type or refuse to take the related steps.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 782.  Revocation of type-approval and single vehicle approval

 (1) The Transport Administration may revoke a type-approval where the manufacturer:
 1) requests that the type-approval be revoked;
 2) submitted false information or falsified test results in the course of granting the type-approval, upon application of the manufacturer’s corrective measure or restrictive measure, in the course of surveillance of compliance with the type-approval or in the course of market surveillance;
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 8 – entry into force 01.07.2020]
 3) has falsified test results upon inspection of the continued compliance of an in-use vehicle or its motor with the type-approval in accordance with requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of § 78 of this Act or in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
 4) fails to submit such data or technical specifications due to which the type-approval would not have been granted or due to which the type-approval would have been revoked;
 5) has impermissibly altered the motor vehicle’s emissions control system of nitrogen compounds (NOx) subject to the requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of § 78 of this Act;
 6) has used the defeat strategy, defeat device or pollution control failure device that complies with the requirements established on the basis of subsection 5 of § 78 of this Act or with Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council in the course of granting the type-approval of the motor vehicle;
 7) has not complied with the precept specified in subsection 5 of § 783 of this Act by the prescribed date;
 8) has failed to fulfil the secondary condition imposed on the basis of subsection 14 of § 78 of this Act.

 (2) The Transport Administration may revoke a single vehicle approval where false information or falsified test results have been submitted in the course of granting the approval.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 783.  State supervision over compliance with type-approval

 (1) Supervision over compliance with type-approval is an activity aimed at verifying the compliance of a motor vehicle or product with the data approved by the type-approval granted to the vehicle or product by the Transport Administration, as well as the manufacturer’s ability to ensure the compliance of the vehicle or product with data approved by the type-approval.

 (2) The Transport Administration exercises supervision over the compliance with the type-approval.

 (3) The compliance of a vehicle or product with the requirements of the type-approval is proven by the manufacturer, its official representative of importer.

 (4) The supervisory official has the right to demand that the manufacturer submit relevant documents, data, test protocols and explanations, the right to examine the organisation of the manufacturing of the motor vehicle or product, observe the manufacturing process and have randomly chosen products referred for further inspection.

 (5) Where a motor vehicle or product does not comply with data approved by the type-approval or where the manufacturer is unable to ensure the compliance of the vehicle or product with information approved by type-approval or where the manufacturer fails to ensure access to relevant information, the supervisor has the right to make a precept to the manufacturer to have the deficiency eliminated.

 (6) Where the precept specified in subsection 5 of this section is not complied with, the maximum non-compliance levy imposed in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act is 6400 euros.

 (7) The Transport Administration may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 31, 32, 49, 50, 51 and 52 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.

 (8) A state fee is paid for exercising state supervision over compliance with type-approval at the rate provided for in the State Fees Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 784.  Technical service, designation and competence thereof, and revocation of designation

 (1) The technical service is the Transport Administration or a legal person appointed by the Transport Administration to organise the technical expert assessment and testing required for taking steps associated with type-approval (hereinafter designated technical service).

 (2) The designated technical service must:
 1) be independent of the process of designing, manufacturing, delivering and maintaining the vehicle or product assessed by it;
 2) have staff that possesses the skills, technical expertise and qualifications required for carrying out the designated technical expert assessment or tests;
 3) have the technical and information tools required for carrying out the technical expert assessment or tests;
 4) ensure that the staff maintain confidentiality of the information learned in the course of their work.

 (3) The designated technical service must not have any non-staggered overdue state or local taxes, fees, fines or compulsory insurance premiums. The designated technical service must not have been declared bankrupt or liquidation proceedings initiated against it or be subject to any other circumstances that could result in its permanent insolvency or termination of operations.

 (4) In addition to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of this section, the designated technical service engaged in the technical expert assessment or tests required for taking steps related to the type-approval of a tractor, its trailer and interchangeable towed equipment as well as products designated for them must comply with the requirements established in Chapter XVI of Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

 (5) In addition to the provisions of subsections 2 and 3 of this section, the designated technical service engaged in the technical expert assessment or tests required for taking steps related to the type-approval of a mini moped, moped and motorcycle as well as products designated for them must comply with the requirements established in Chapter XVI of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (6) The activity category of the technical service is determined on the basis of its field of competence in accordance with Article 41(3) of Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (OJ L 263, 09.10.2007, pp 1–160), Article 59(1) of Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council or Article 63(1) of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

 (7) The designation of the designated technical service is preceded by a conformity assessment in the course of which the compliance of the legal person with the statutory requirements is assessed and as a result of which the Transport Administration draws up a conformity assessment report in accordance with Article 42 of Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council, Article 62 of Regulation (EU) No 167/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council or Article 66 of Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

 (8) The conformity assessment specified in subsection 7 of this section is carried out by the Transport Administration. Upon conformity assessment, the Transport Administration can take into account the assessment given by an accreditation authority that complies with the requirements of Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 of the European Parliament and of the Council setting out the requirements for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 339/93 (OJ L 218, 13.08.2008, pp 30–47) regarding the conformity of the legal person.

 (9) The technical expert assessment and test by the designated technical service is taken into account in the process of granting the type-approval, provided that the technical service has been designated for carrying these out.

 (10) The designation of the designated technical service is revoked at the request of the technical service. The designation of the designated technical service can be revoked also where the designated technical service has not complied with a precept specified in subsection 5 of § 785 of this Act in a timely manner.

 (11) The designated technical service informs the Transport Administration of each detected deviation from the requirements of the type-approval of the vehicle, its component, system, equipment or separate technical unit by the manufacturer as well as of each non-conformity that may result in refusal to grant the type-approval or restriction, suspension or revocation of the type-approval, and of the circumstances that affect the scope and conditions of designation of the designated technical service.

 (12) A state fee is paid for the designation and extension of the competence of the technical service at the rate set out in the State Fees Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 785.  State supervision over designated technical service

 (1) Supervision over the designated technical service is an activity aimed at verifying the compliance of the designated technical services and the organisation of technical expert assessments and tests required for taking steps related to type-approval with the established requirements. In the course of supervision of the designated technical service, the conformity assessment report preceding the designation of the designated technical service is examined as well.

 (2) Supervision over the designated technical service is exercised by the Transport Administration.

 (3) The Transport Administration examines the conformity assessment report at least once every three years.

 (4) The supervisory official has the right to demand that the designated technical service submit relevant documents, data, test protocols and explanations, the right to examine the organisation of the technical expert assessment and tests, attend these, and have randomly chosen products referred for further inspection.

 (5) Where the designated technical service or its technical expert assessment or test does not meet the established requirements, the supervision authority has the right to make a precept to the designated technical service for elimination of the defect. Until the precept has been complied with, the Transport Administration does not take into account the results of the technical expert assessment or the test required for taking steps related to type-approval.

 (6) Where the precept specified in subsection 5 of this section is not complied with, the maximum non-compliance levy imposed in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Actis 6400 euros.

 (7) The Transport Administration may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 31, 32, 49, 50, 51 and 52 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 79.  Reconstruction of registered motor vehicle or their trailer

 (1) The reconstruction of a registered motor vehicle or its trailer is authorised by the Transport Administration.

 (2) A reconstructed motor vehicle and its trailer must comply with the roadworthiness requirements in force.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (3) After the reconstruction of a motor vehicle or its trailer, a technical expert analysis of the reconstructed vehicle or its trailer is carried out by the Transport Administration. The Transport Administration may involve experts in the expert analysis. The expert analysis and the related steps are taken at the expense of the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s official representative or the importer of the vehicle or product.

 (4) The conditions of reconstruction of registered motor vehicles and procedure for authorisation of reconstruction are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

§ 80.  Maximum permissible dimensions, mass and axle load of vehicle, combination of vehicles and combination of tractors

 (1) The laden mass of a vehicle must not exceed the permissible maximum mass and the load of any of the axles must not exceed the figure determined upon registration.

 (2) Where any of the dimensions or the mass or axle load of a laden or unladen vehicle exceeds the established figure, the vehicle may be operated in accordance with the procedure established in § 341 of this Act.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (3) The maximum permissible dimensions of laden or unladen vehicles, combinations of vehicles and combinations of tractors and the permissible maximum mass and axle loads of vehicles, combinations of vehicles and combinations of tractors are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 81.  Insurance of liability arising from using vehicle

 (1) A vehicle must be covered by a motor insurance contract, or an automatic motor insurance must be in effect when using the vehicle, in accordance with the Motor Insurance Act.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 2 – entry into force 15.07.2024]

 (2) [Repealed – RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

§ 82.  Racing vehicle

  [RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (1) A racing vehicle is a motor vehicle that is intended to be used only for participation in autosport or motorsport races or training and that, for the purposes of subsection 3 of § 4 of the Sports Act, complies with the requirements of the sport association established for the development and coordination of autosport or motorsport at the international or national level.

 (2) A racing vehicle can only participate in traffic in connection with autosport and motorsport events and training sessions registered in compliance with the requirements of the sport association established for the development and coordination of autosport or motorsport at the international or national level, and in accordance with the race or training guidelines and in concordance with the race organiser.

 (3) A racing vehicle may be only driven in traffic by a person specified in the guidelines of autosport or motorsport races and training sessions registered by the sport association established for the development and coordination of autosport or motorsport at the international or national level.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 83.  Vintage vehicle

 (1) A vintage vehicle is a vehicle that reflects the development of research or engineering, is of cultural and historical value and of interest to collectors or museums and that was manufactured at least 35 years ago.

 (2) In order to be classified as a vintage vehicle, a vehicle must be approved as a vintage vehicle.

 (3) Approval as a vintage vehicle means verifying that the vehicle to be classified as a vintage vehicle complies with the technical and originality requirements.

 (4) Approval as a vintage vehicle is carried out by two specialists appointed by at least five vintage vehicle clubs and approved by the Transport Administration who issues a certificate of approval as a vintage vehicle. Approval as a vintage vehicle, the issue of an approval certificate and all related steps are taken at the expense of the owner of the vehicle or the applicant.

 (5) The procedure for approval, registration and roadworthiness testing of vintage vehicles and the roadworthiness requirements for vintage vehicles and requirements for the equipment thereof are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 84.  Emergency response vehicle

 (1) An emergency response vehicle is:
 1) a vehicle and off-road vehicle used to perform urgent functions or official duties or duties whereby it is necessary to warn other road users of the presence of such vehicles (hereinafter emergency vehicle);
 2) a vehicle used to perform road management duties and unavoidable official duties on roads (hereinafter maintenance vehicle);
 3) a vehicle and off-road vehicle used by an official of a surveillance agency or of agency administered by it upon taking a surveillance step or by an official of a security authority officials upon engaging in covert information gathering specified in the Security Authorities Act (hereinafter surveillance vehicle).

 (2) Where the blue flashing lamp or a blue signal light of an emergency vehicle is switched on, whether with or without a siren, the driver of the vehicle may derogate from the requirements specified in Chapter 2 of this Act upon performing the functions of the public authority, except from the requirements provided for in §§ 69 and 70.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 6 – entry into force 22.03.2015]

 (21) Where the blue flashing lamp or a blue signal light of an emergency vehicle is switched on, whether with or without a siren, the rider in the vehicle being a police officer, assistant police officer, rescue servant or a voluntary rescuer may derogate from the requirements provided for riders in Chapter 2 of this Act upon performing the functions of the public authority.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (3) The driver of a surveillance vehicle may deviate from the requirements specified in Chapter 2 of this Act without using the siren upon performing their duties, except from the requirements specified in §§ 69 and 70.

 (4) Where the yellow flashing lamp of a maintenance vehicle is switched on, the driver of the vehicle, upon performing their duties, may deviate from the requirements specified in subsection 1 of § 14, § 20, § 45 and subsection 6 of § 48 of this Act and from the requirements of traffic signs, except for priority signs and signs for speed limit, and the requirements of road markings.

 (5) The driver of an emergency response vehicle must ensure that traffic safety is maintained when the rights specified in this section are exercised.

 (6) The list of emergency response vehicles, the procedure for their identification and the applicable traffic rules are established by the Government of the Republic.

§ 841.  Requirements for driver of emergency vehicle

 (1) An emergency vehicle driver must complete emergency vehicle driver training of the category of the motor vehicle.

 (2) The training provider issues an emergency vehicle driver training certificate. The emergency vehicle driver training certificate must comply with the requirements established on the basis of subsection 8 of this section.

 (3) The emergency vehicle driver training provider must enter the details of the training certificate in the motor register.

 (4) An emergency vehicle driver who does not exercise the right provided for in subsection 2 of § 84 of this Act does not have to complete the training specified in subsection 1 of this section.

 (5) The driver of motor vehicles of category D does not have to complete emergency vehicle driver training where they have completed emergency vehicle driver training corresponding to motor vehicles of category B or C.

 (6) A person who has held a valid driving licence of the respective category, including a provisional driving licence, for at least two years and a medical certificate that meets the health requirements applicable to drivers of emergency vehicles is admitted to emergency vehicle driver training.

 (61) A person holding a valid driving licence of the respective motor vehicle category and a valid medical certificate that meets the health requirements applicable to drivers of emergency vehicles is admitted to category C emergency vehicle driver training.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (7) An emergency vehicle driver must complete emergency vehicle driver refresher training at least once every five years.

 (8) The procedure for emergency vehicle driver training, competence requirements, training curriculum, training certificate form and details entered in the motor register are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018, subsection 4 is applied as of 1 March 2020]

§ 842.  Requirements for emergency vehicle driver training provider

 (1) To organise emergency vehicle driver training, the training provider must submit a notice of economic activities to the register of economic activities in accordance with the General Part of the Economic Activities Code Act.

 (2) In addition to subsection 1 of § 15 of the General Part of the Economic Activities Code Act, the following details and documents are given in the notice of economic activities:
 1) the emergency vehicle driver training curriculum;
 2) details on the professional qualifications and work experience of the lecturer;
 3) written consent to provide the training, which is signed by the lecturer specified in clause 2 of this subsection.

 (3) The requirements provided for in subsections 1 and 2 of this section do not apply where the emergency vehicle training provider is the Estonian Internal Security Service, the Defence Forces, the Police and Border Guard Board, the Rescue Board, the Estonian Foreign Intelligence Service or the Estonian Academy of Security Sciences.

 (4) The training provider must have the following:
 1) a classroom and furnishings suitable for carrying out the training or a possibility to use them;
 2) a driver training plot or a possibility to use one;
 3) a training vehicle or a possibility to use one;
 4) persons who comply with the requirements provided for in subsection 5 of this section.

 (5) The person who teaches the emergency vehicle driving course must:
 1) be familiar with the bases of the course taught;
 2) have higher education or secondary specialised education;
 3) have work experience corresponding to the substance of the course.

 (6) A specialist who does not comply with the requirements provided for in subsection 5 of this section may be involved in training emergency vehicle drivers based on the objective of a course included in the emergency vehicle driver training curriculum.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 843.  State supervision over organisation of emergency vehicle driver training

 (1) The Transport Administration exercises state supervision over the organisation of emergency vehicle driver training, which is subject to the notification obligation.

 (2) The official exercising state supervision has the right to demand that the training provider and the person who actually carries out the training submit relevant documents, data and explanations and to inspect the organisation of the training as well as to be present during carrying out the training.

 (3) Where the organisation of the emergency vehicle driver training does not comply with the requirements provided for in this Act or legislation passed on the basis thereof, the person exercising state supervision has the right to make a precept to the training provider to eliminate the deficiency. Until compliance with the precept, the person exercising state supervision may suspend the training activity of the training provider and prohibit the registration of new training groups.

 (4) Upon failure to comply with a precept specified in subsection 3 of this section, the person exercising state supervision may impose a non-compliance levy in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act. The maximum non-compliance levy payable by a natural person is 1300 euros and the maximum non-compliance levy payable by a legal person is 6400 euros.

 (5) The person exercising state supervision specified in subsection 1 of this section may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this section, apply the special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 32, 50 and 51 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 85.  Requirements for vehicle belonging to Estonian Defence Forces and Estonian Defence League

 (1) Vehicles belonging to the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, which have not been entered in the motor register, must be registered in accordance with the established procedure in the register of the vehicles of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, have passed a roadworthiness test in accordance with the requirements established in this section and have state registration plates.

 (2) Vehicles entered in the register of the vehicles of the Defence Forces and the Defence League, their roadworthiness, inspection of compliance with the requirements, registration, reconstruction, and the duties of the owner and authorised user are governed by §§ 72, 73, 76, 79 and 84 of this Chapter, unless otherwise provided for in this section.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (3) The roadworthiness testing of a vehicle entered in the register of the vehicles of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League is organised and administrative supervision over the proper implementation and quality thereof is exercised by the Estonian Defence Forces.

 (31) The Defence Forces make a decision on the roadworthiness of a vehicle entered in the register of the Defence Forces and the Defence League.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (32) The provisions of §§ 78–785 do not apply to the type approval of a vehicle entered in the register of the Defence Forces and the Defence League.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (4) The Estonian Defence Forces is the competent authority for type‑approval, supervision and assessment of reconstruction of vehicles belonging to the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League.

 (5) The Estonian Defence Forces performs an act of registration of a vehicle registered in the register of the vehicles of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League or a decision to refuse to perform such act and performs the related registry acts.

 (6) To change data in the register of the vehicles of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, the owner of the vehicle, its representative or another authorised person must submit to the Estonian Defence Forces a duly made request within five working days as of the change of the data.

 (7) The procedure for registration and roadworthiness testing of vehicles entered in the register of the vehicles of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, time limits for roadworthiness testing, time limit of presentation for a repeat roadworthiness test, conditions of and procedure for classification of faults and defects as well as requirements for roadworthiness and equipment are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (8) The procedure for and conditions and requirements of the type-approval of vehicles entered in the register of the vehicles of the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 86.  Requirements for animal-drawn vehicle

 (1) An animal-drawn vehicle must have a stopper or brake to prevent the vehicle from rolling or a parking device.

 (2) An animal-drawn vehicle exceeding one metre in width must be fitted with a marking sign for a slow-moving vehicle to the rear and two red reflectors fitted close to the outer edges of the vehicle.

 (3) An animal-drawn vehicle exceeding one metre in width must show a white light to the front and a red light to the rear when moving at night-time or in poor visibility. These lights may be replaced by a single lamp placed on the left side of the vehicle with white light to the front and red light to the rear.

 (4) Animal-drawn vehicles not exceeding one metre in width must have a red reflector placed at the rear near the left side, but when moving on the carriageway at night-time must carry the same marking as specified in subsection 3 of this section.

§ 87.  Requirements for cycles, personal light electric vehicles and light mopeds

  [RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (11) In addition to subsection 1 of this section, a light moped must also comply with the requirements provided for in Regulation (EU) No 168/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (12) The maximum design speed of a personal light electric vehicle must not exceed 25 kilometres per hour and the maximum power of the motor of a personal light electric vehicle (except for a self-balancing vehicle) must not exceed one kilowatt.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (2) A personal light electric vehicle must be equipped with the following:
 1) working brakes or a system that enables braking;
 2) a self-balancing vehicle must be equipped with a device that prevents accidental movement;
 3) a bell, except in the case of a personal light electric vehicle not equipped with a handlebar;
 4) a white light at the front and a red light at the rear and a yellow, red or white reflector or light on the sides, except in the case of a personal light electric vehicle not equipped with a handlebar.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (3) At night-time or in poor visibility, a cycle, a personal light electric vehicle and a light moped must have a lit white light at the front and a lit red at the rear while riding.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (4) The maximum permissible width of two-wheeled cycles and personal light electric vehicles is 0.8 metres and the maximum permissible width of cycles and personal light electric vehicles with three or more wheels is 1.25 metres. A cycle may tow a uni‑axial cycle trailer with a maximum mass of up to 50 kilograms.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (41) Vehicles that do not comply with the requirements provided for in subsection 4 of this section may be used in traffic upon consent and on the conditions of the road owner.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (5) A light moped and a personal light electric vehicle must meet the technical requirements of the manufacturer.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

Chapter 4 DRIVING MOTOR VEHICLE  

Subchapter 1 Acts Relating to Driving Motor Vehicle  

§ 88.  Documents required of driver of motor vehicle

 (1) When driving a motor vehicle, the driver must carry a driving licence or another document certifying their right to drive, the registration certificate of the motor vehicle and the registration certificate of its trailer or a copy of the registration certificate of the trailer that is certified by the authority that issued the certificate and other documents required by a statute. In the case of a motor vehicle registered in Estonia or a trailer thereof, the registration certificate can be replaced with a copy.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) Where the driver carries an identity document, it is not mandatory to carry a driving licence issued in Estonia while driving in the territory of Estonia.

 (3) Where the driver carries an identity document, it is not mandatory to carry the registration certificate of the motor vehicle and its trailer where the driver has been entered in the motor register as the owner, authorised user or a user; or where the owner, authorised user or a user is a passenger in the vehicle.

 (31) Where a roadworthiness test must be taken, the driver of a motor vehicle or trailer of a foreign country must present a document certifying that the vehicle or trailer has passed a roadworthiness test.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (32) The driver of a bus of a foreign country or a truck with a maximum mass of over 3,500 kilograms of a foreign country must present the last roadworthiness test card or a copy thereof or, in the case of an electronic test card, its certified printout and a roadworthiness test card issued in the course of traffic supervision, provided that such documents have been issued.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (4) Where the driver wishes to leave Estonia to enter a non-European Union state in a motor vehicle that is registered in Estonia or in a truck that is registered in Estonia and that has a maximum mass of 3,500 kilograms and their name is not entered on the registration certificate of the motor vehicle as the user of the vehicle, the driver must, in addition to the documents specified in subsection 1 of this section, carry an officially certified authorisation document issued by the owner of the vehicle, unless the owner or the person entered on the registration certificate as a user is a passenger in the vehicle.

 (5) The written authorisation document specified in subsection 4 of this section may be substituted by a commercial lease contract of the motor vehicle where the owner and the commercial lessor of the motor vehicle are legal persons who are entered in the Estonian commercial register and whose activities, as specified in their articles of association, include the commercial leasing of motor vehicles. The commercial lease contract must contain the information specified in subsection 1 of § 89 of this Act.

 (6) [Repealed – RT I, 22.03.2022, 2 – entry into force 01.04.2022]

 (61) Where the driver of an emergency vehicle is carrying their identity document, the carrying of the training certificate specified in § 841 of this Act is not mandatory where the details of the certificate have been entered in the motor register. Where the details of the emergency vehicle driver training certificate have not been entered in the motor register, the driver must carry the respective certificate.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (7) A person specified in subsections 2 and 3 of § 95 of this Act who is in a category B car next to the driver with the limited right to drive or who is in the immediate vicinity of a category T motor vehicle driven by a driver with the limited right to drive, must carry a driving licence certifying that they have the right to drive motor vehicles of the respective category.

 (8) A person who drives a motor vehicle in accordance with subsections 1 and 2 of § 109 of this Act must carry a learner’s form or learner’s certificate and an identity document during driving lessons.

 (9) Where a driving instructor specified in subsection 1 of § 109 of this Act and a personal driving supervisor specified in subsection 2 of § 109 of this Act does not hold a driving licence issued in Estonia, they must carry a driving licence issued in a foreign state specified in subsection 1 of § 99. The right to train or instruct the driver of a motor vehicle is certified based on motor register data.

 (10) The driver of a motor vehicle with a mandatory tachograph must present to a person exercising traffic supervision the tachograph card or the driver card or other document to the extent and on the conditions specified in Article 36 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 89.  Document authorising use of motor vehicle and its trailer

 (1) A document authorising the use of a motor vehicle and its trailer must contain the following information:
 1) the place and date of issue;
 2) the given name, surname and address of the owner of the motor vehicle or its trailer;
 3) the make and model of the motor vehicle or its trailer, and the vehicle identification number;
 4) the number of the registration certificate and the state registration plate;
 5) the name and address of the user of the vehicle and the number of their driving licence, date of birth or personal identification code.
 6) the period of validity of the authorisation document.

 (2) The owner’s signature on the authorisation document must be officially authenticated or notarised.

§ 90.  Prohibition to drive motor vehicle

 (1) A person must not drive a motor vehicle where:
 1) they do not have the right to drive motor vehicles of the respective category or subcategory;
 2) they do not meet the requirements established for the driver and the motor vehicle or those specified on the driving licence; or
 3) they have been removed from driving a vehicle in accordance with § 91 of this Act.

 (2) The owner, possessor or driver of a motor vehicle must not permit a person who does not have the right to drive motor vehicles of the respective category, who is in the state of intoxication, in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or whose state of health is hazardous to road safety to drive the motor vehicle and must not entrust the driving of the motor vehicle to such person.

§ 91.  Removal from driving vehicle

 (1) Removal from driving a vehicle is a decision of a traffic supervisor or another law enforcement authority, which means prohibiting the driving of a vehicle until the ground for removal of the person from driving a vehicle has lapsed.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

 (2) A driver is removed from driving a vehicle where:
 1) there is sufficient reason to believe that they used narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances or other substances with similar effect;
 2) there is sufficient reason to believe that the alcohol level in their bloodstream or breath exceeds the established limit or they are in a state of intoxication;
 3) they do not have the right to drive motor vehicles of the respective category;
 4) they do not have the right to drive the respective vehicle;
 5) it is prohibited to continue the journey with the vehicle due to a fault of the vehicle, the level of pollutants in its exhaust emissions, its noise level or another deficiency;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 6) their driving licence is sent for expert assessment due to evident signs of falsification;
 7) there is sufficient reason to believe that their state of health does not comply with the established requirements;
 8) the driver of a motor vehicle with a tachograph has not complied with the rest requirements provided for in § 130 of this Act;
 9) an infringement specified in point 7 of Annex IV to Regulation (EC) No. 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, pp. 51–71) is established upon measuring the mass of a motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (21) The driver may be removed from driving a vehicle where the road toll has not been paid for the truck or its trailer.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

 (3) A decision to remove a driver from driving a vehicle must set out the following:
 1) the time and place of the decision;
 2) the name and address of the agency of the official that made the decision;
 3) the position, given name and surname of the official who made the decision;
 4) the given name and surname and the personal identification code or date of birth of the driver;
 5) the address of the driver;
 6) the type, model and registration plate of the vehicle;
 7) the grounds for the removal from driving a vehicle specified in subsection 2 of this section, the time it commences and the conditions for its termination. In the event of seizure of registration plates, a note is made on the decision indicating the place for their return;
 8) the signature of the person who drew up the decision.

 (4) The decision takes effect as of making it.

 (5) The decision to remove a driver from driving a vehicle must be drawn up in two original copies of which one is given to the driver. The other one is signed and dated by the driver to confirm receipt. Where the driver refuses to sign it or is in such a state of intoxication or medical condition that they are unable to sign it, a respective entry is made in the decision to remove the driver from driving.

 (6) A decision to remove a driver from driving a vehicle may be appealed in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.

§ 92.  Impoundment of vehicle

 (1) A vehicle whose driver is removed from driving is towed to a guarded storage facility or a police authority where it is impossible to hand the vehicle over to the owner or the possessor on site.

 (2) A vehicle may also be towed to a guarded storage facility if the vehicle is parked:
 1) in such a manner that it poses a hazard to other road users or significantly disturbs the traffic;
 2) in such a manner that it damages the road or a green area;
 3) in a place where parking is prohibited and in such a way that it disturbs the repair and maintenance of the road, a green area, buildings or structures;
 4) on a parking place designated for disabled people without a parking card issued to a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people;
 5) on a pavement, traffic island or central reserve, except in parking spaces indicated by a traffic control device;
 6) in an entrance to an area bordering a calm traffic area and a road, also in the garage entrance preventing the use of a garage;
 7) in an area where the panel indicating an area designated as a towing zone applies;
 8) in the lane reserved for public transport vehicles.

 (21) A self-driving delivery robot may be taken to a guarded place of storage or a police authority where:
 1) the self-driving delivery robot has been parked in the manner specified in clause 1, 2, 3, 6, 7 or 8 of subsection 2 of this section;
 2) the self-driving delivery robot does not have an identification number, the user’s telephone number or the user’s name;
 3) the user cannot be contacted at the telephone number given to the self-driving delivery robot;
 4) the user data indicated on the self-driving delivery robot does not match with that of the actual user;
 5) the user or driver complying with the requirements provided for in subsection 1 of § 1512 of this Act cannot be identified.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

 (3) Clause 5 of subsection 2 of this section does not apply to cycles, personal light electric vehicles or light mopeds.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (4) The guarded storage facility specified in subsection 2 of this section is specified by the municipality.

 (5) In the events provided for in subsection 2 of this section, the police authority and the municipality have and, in the events specified in subsection 21, the police authority has the right to tow away the vehicle.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

 (51) In the events provided for in subsection 2 of this section, the owner of a private road has the right to demand that the police authority or the municipality and, in the events specified in subsection 21, the police authority have a vehicle towed away.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

 (6) A vehicle specified in subsection 2 of this section can only be towed away where the owner, possessor or their representative is not present or there are no passengers in the vehicle or when the parties are unable or refuse to remove the obstacle or hazard caused by the illegally parked vehicle.

 (7) A report is prepared concerning the towing of a vehicle and placement of the vehicle in a guarded storage facility and the report must set out the following:
 1) the type, make, state registration plate and special features of the vehicle placed in the guarded storage facility and a list of anything visibly missing from or any visible damage to the vehicle;
 2) the position, given name, surname and signature of the official who made the decision to tow and organised the towing;
 3) the name, address and telephone number of the person who placed the vehicle in the guarded storage facility and the given name and surname of the person who carried out the placement;
 4) the address of the storage facility in which the vehicle is placed;
 5) the date and time of drawing up the report;
 6) the position, given name and surname of the person who received the vehicle at the storage facility and a list of anything visibly missing from or any visible damage to the vehicle;
 7) the signature of the person who received the vehicle in the storage facility.

 (8) The report indicated in subsection 7 of this section is prepared in three original copies of which one is given to the official who made the decision to place the vehicle in a storage facility, one is retained by the company that organised the placement and one is retained in the storage facility of the vehicle.

 (9) A vehicle is returned to the owner or a representative thereof promptly after payment of the costs of the arrival of the tow truck, towing and storing the vehicle. Placing a vehicle on a tow truck is also deemed as towing.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (10) A company that tows or stores a vehicle is liable for any damage caused during towing or storage of the vehicle.

 (11) In the events set out in clause 5 of subsection 2 of § 91 of this Act, the use of a vehicle may be prohibited by means of seizure of the registration plates thereof.

 (12) The costs of transporting a vehicle to a guarded storage facility or police authority and the costs of storing and guarding the vehicle there must be compensated by the driver, owner or possessor of the vehicle in accordance with the procedure and at the rates established in subsection 14 of this section. Upon establishment of the rates on the basis of subsection 14 of this section, it must be taken into account that the person towing the vehicle away or the person organising the keeping and guarding of the vehicle in a guarded storage facility must be able to cover the direct expenses relating to the service, the capital expenditure and a proportional part of the overheads and make a reasonable operating profit. The police are informed without delay and the owner or possessor of the vehicle or their representative is informed in writing of the transportation of the vehicle to a storage facility or police authority.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (13) The driver, owner or possessor of a vehicle is released from compensating for the costs specified in subsection 12 of this section where their actions do not comprise the elements of an offence.

 (14) The costs of transporting a vehicle to the guarded storage facility or police authority and the costs of storing and guarding the vehicle there and the reimbursement arrangements are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

Subchapter 2 Right to Drive Motor Vehicle  

§ 93.  Categories of motor vehicles

 (1) In terms of the right to drive, motor vehicles and combinations of vehicles are divided into main categories and subcategories.

 (2) The main categories for motor vehicles, combinations of vehicles and combinations of tractors are as follows:
 1) AM – moped;
 2) A – motorcycle;
 3) B – car with maximum mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms and designed and manufactured to carry up to eight passengers in addition to the driver; the same car coupled with a light-weight trailer or with a trailer that is not a light-weight trailer and where the maximum mass of the combination of vehicles does not exceed 3,500 kilograms; the same car with a trailer of maximum mass exceeding 750 kilograms and where the maximum mass of the road-train exceeds 3,500 kilograms but does not exceed 4250 kilograms, provided that the right to drive such a car and trailer combination has been obtained after passing a relevant driving test;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 4) BE – combination of vehicles that consists of a category B car and a trailer or a semi-trailer with a maximum mass not exceeding 3,500 kilograms;
 5) C – car that does not belong to category D or subcategory D1, has a maximum mass of more than 3,500 kilograms and has been designed and constructed to carry up to eight passengers in addition to the driver; the same car coupled with a light trailer or the same emergency vehicle along with a trailer whose maximum mass is up to 3,500 kilograms;
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]
 6) CE – combination of vehicles consisting of a category C car and its trailer or semi-trailer with a maximum mass exceeding 750 kilograms;
 7) D – car that has been designed and constructed to carry more than eight passengers in addition to the driver; the same car coupled with a light trailer;
 8) DE – combination of vehicles consisting of a category D car and its trailer with a maximum mass exceeding 750 kilograms;
 9) T – tractor, mobile machinery and combination of tractors.

 (3) The subcategories for motor vehicles and combinations of vehicles are as follows:
 1) A1 – motorcycle with a motor capacity not exceeding 125 cubic centimetres and motor power not exceeding 11 kilowatts or a motorcycle with a power and weight ratio not exceeding 0.1 kilowatts per kilogram. A three-wheel motor vehicle with symmetrically arranged wheels and with a motor power not exceeding 15 kilowatts is also an A1 subcategory motor vehicle;
 2) A2 – motorcycle with motor power not exceeding 35 kilowatts or with power to weight ratio not exceeding 0.2 kilowatts per kilogram and that has not been modified from a vehicle with a motor capacity at least twice the amount;
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 19.01.2013]
 3) B1 – four-wheel vehicle that is not a moped and whose unladen mass exceeds 350 kilograms but not 400 kilograms or 550 kg for vehicles for transporting goods and net power no higher than 15 kilowatts. In the event of the unladen mass of vehicles with an electric actuator, the battery mass must not be taken into account;
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]
 4) C1 – car that does not belong to category D or subcategory D1 and with a maximum mass exceeding 3,500 kilograms but not exceeding 7500 kilograms, and that has been designed and manufactured to carry up to eight passengers in addition to the driver; the same car with a light trailer;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 5) C1E – combination of vehicles consisting of a subcategory C1 car and its trailer or semi-trailer with a maximum mass exceeding 750 kilograms, provided that the combined maximum mass of the traction unit and the trailer or semi-trailer does not exceed 12,000 kilograms; combination of vehicles consisting of a category B car and its trailer or semi-trailer with maximum mass exceeding 3,500 kilograms, provided that the combined permissible maximum mass of the traction unit and the trailer or semi-trailer does not exceed 12,000 kilograms;
 6) D1 – car that has been designed and constructed to carry up to 16 passengers in addition to the driver and with a length not exceeding eight metres; the same car with a light trailer;
 7) D1E – combination of vehicles consisting of a subcategory D1 car and its trailer with a maximum mass exceeding 750 kilograms.

§ 94.  Right to drive

 (1) A motor vehicle may be driven by a person who has the right to drive motor vehicles of the respective category and whose right to drive has not been suspended, withdrawn or revoked or who has not been removed from driving.

 (2) Motor vehicles of the AM category may also be driven by a person who has the right to drive any motor vehicle or the limited right to drive. A person born prior to 1 January 1993 is not required to have the right to drive or the limited right to drive motor vehicles of the AM category. A person who was 16–17 years of age at the time of entry into force of this is not required to have the right to drive motor vehicles of the AM category until 1 January 2013.

 (3) A person with the right to drive motor vehicles of category A may also drive motor vehicles of subcategories A1 and A2.

 (4) A person with the right to drive motor vehicles of category B may also drive motor vehicles of subcategory B1 and three-wheel vehicles of subcategory A1 with symmetrically arranged wheels. Where the capacity of the motor of a three-wheel vehicle of subcategory A1 with symmetrically arranged wheels exceeds 15 kilowatts, the person with the right to drive motor vehicles of category B must be at least 21 years of age.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (5) A person with the right to drive motor vehicles of category C may also drive motor vehicles of subcategory C1.

 (6) A person with the right to drive motor vehicles of category D may also drive motor vehicles of subcategory D1.

 (7) A person with the right to drive combinations of vehicles of categories CE and DE and subcategories C1E and D1E may also drive combinations of vehicles of category BE. A person with the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category CE may also drive combinations of vehicles of category DE where the driver holds the right to drive motor vehicles of category D.

 (8) A person with the right to drive combinations of vehicles of subcategory C1E may also drive combinations of vehicles of subcategory D1E where the driver holds the right to drive motor vehicles of subcategory D1.

 (9) A person with the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category DE may also drive combinations of vehicles of subcategory C1E where the driver holds the right to drive motor vehicles of subcategory C1.

 (10) Motor vehicles of category T and combinations of tractors with the maximum mass not exceeding 8000 kilograms may also be driven by a person who has the right to drive motor vehicles of categories B, C or D or subcategories C1 or D1.

 (11) Motor vehicles of category T and combinations of tractors with the maximum mass not exceeding 18,000 kilograms may also be driven by a person who has the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category BE, motor vehicles of categories C or D, motor vehicles of subcategories C1 or D1 or a person who received the right to drive motor vehicles of category B prior to the entry into force of this Act.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (12) Motor vehicles of category T and combinations of tractors may also be driven by a person who has the right to drive combinations of vehicles of categories CE or DE or subcategories C1E or D1E.

§ 95.  Limited right to drive

 (1) The limited right to drive is the right of a person who is younger than persons provided for in subsection 1 of § 103 of this Act to drive motor vehicles in the events and in accordance with the procedure provided for in this section.

 (2) The limited right to drive motor vehicles of category B may be granted to a person of 16 to 17 years of age. A person with a limited right to drive may drive a car on the condition that they are accompanied by their legal guardian or by a person authorised by the legal guardian in writing who has been holding the right to drive motor vehicles of category B for at least two years and is not in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream.

 (3) The limited right to drive motor vehicles of category T may be granted to a person of at least 15 years of age on the condition that the maximum mass of the vehicle with or without a trailer does not exceed 8000 kilograms. A person with the limited right to drive may drive motor vehicles of category T on the condition that they do not carry goods on roads and that the driving takes place under the direct supervision of their legal guardian or a person authorised by the legal guardian in writing. Such person must have held a driving licence certifying the right to drive motor vehicles of category T for at least two years and must not be in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream.

 (4) A car that is driven by a person with the limited right to drive must display a novice driver’s badge on the front and at the rear of the motor vehicle in a visible position.

 (5) In the event of the legal guardian specified in subsections 2 and 3 of this section or a person authorised in writing by the legal guardian, the required period of holding the relevant licence does not include the period in which they held a licence with the limited right to drive or a provisional licence.

§ 96.  Documents certifying right to drive

 (1) The driver of a motor vehicle must have a valid document certifying their right to drive. A document certifying the right to drive is a provisional driving licence, a driving licence, a driving licence with the limited right to drive specified in § 95 of this Act, an international driving licence issued by a foreign competent authority along with an internal driving licence or, in the events provided by a statute, a document substituting a driving licence. A person may hold only one valid document certifying their right to drive.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) The right to drive is established by the motor register or a document specified in subsection 1 of this section. The data of the motor register are relied on where, according to the data of the motor register, the right to drive of the driver of a motor vehicle has suspended, has been suspended or, as a penalty, has been withdrawn in accordance with law.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (3) A driving licence is not required for driving a pedestrian-controlled motor vehicle. Driving a motor vehicle that has a driver’s seat is not considered pedestrian-controlled driving.

 (4) A duly filled-in learner’s form along with authorisation to travel on roads certifies the right of a learner-driver to drive a motor vehicle during a driving lesson on the conditions specified in subsection 1 of § 109 of this Act and a learner’s form or learner’s certificate certifies the right of a learner-driver to drive a motor vehicle during driving practice on the conditions specified in subsection 2.

 (5) The right of an examinee to drive a motor vehicle during a driving test is established by the motor register or by a driving test report.

 (6) [Repealed – RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (7) At the time of formalisation of a provisional driving licence and a driving licence, but no later than ten working days from passing a respective examination or from the day following the submission of a request to exchange the driving licence, the person may, upon existence of a valid right to drive, to drive a motor vehicle without a document certifying the right to drive only in Estonia. The right to drive a motor vehicle is proven based on the data of the motor register.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (8) The forms, technical specifications and the list of data entered on driving licences, international driving licences, temporary driving licences, driving licences with the limited right to drive, provisional licences specified in subsection 1 of this section and of the documents certifying the right to drive specified in subsections 4 to 6 of this section are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (9) A state fee is payable for issuing or replacing a driving licence.

§ 97.  Terms of driving licences

 (1) [Omitted from this text.]
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011 – in force until 18.01.2013]

 (2) A provisional driving licence is valid for up to two years.

 (3) A driving licence with the limited right to drive a motor vehicle of category B is valid until the owner of the driving licence becomes 18 years old.

 (4) A driving licence with the limited right to drive a motor vehicle of category T whose maximum mass with or without a trailer does not exceed 8000 kilograms is valid until the owner of the driving licence reaches 16 years of age.

 (5) A temporary driving licence is valid for up to two months.

 (6) An international driving licence is valid for up to three years.

 (7) A driving licence for motor vehicles of categories AM, A, B and T and subcategories A1, A2 and B1 and combinations of vehicles of category BE is valid for ten years.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 19.01.2013]

 (8) A driving licence for motor vehicles of categories C and D and subcategories C1 and D1 and combinations of vehicles of categories CE, DE, C1E and D1E is valid for five years.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 19.01.2013]

 (9) Where, in addition to any category listed in subsection 7 of this section, holds the right to drive a motor vehicle of category C or D or subcategory C1 or D1 or a combination of vehicles of category CE or DE or subcategory C1E or D1E, the Transport Administration has the right to issue a driving licence for ten years on the condition that the category and subcategory specified in subsection 8 of this section are indicated on the driving licence with a term of validity of five years.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 98.  Issue, replacement and revocation of provisional driving licence and driving licence

 (1) Provisional driving licences and driving licences are issued, replaced and revoked by the Transport Administration.

 (11) The provisional driving licence and the driving licence is issued to a person or replaced for a person whose permanent residence is in Estonia. The requirement of the permanent residence in Estonia is not applied upon issuing a driving licence to a person holding a driving licence specified in subsection 3 of § 99 of this Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) Provisional driving licences and driving licences are issued within ten working days as of the day after which the respective test was passed or an application for replacement of the driving licence was submitted.

 (3) A provisional driving licence and a driving licences is not issued to a person whom no right to driver has been granted or whose right to drive has been suspended or withdrawn in accordance with § 125 of this Act or whose right to drive has been withdrawn by a competent authority of a Member State of the European Union, the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation and the respective final decision has been forwarded to the Transport Administration. The first driving licence is not issued to a person whom the right to drive is not granted in accordance with subsection 1 of § 106 of this Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (4) Where an applicant for a provisional driving licence does not collect their provisional driving licence within 12 months as of the date of commencement of validity of the provisional driving licence, a new provisional licence is issued only where the person successfully passes the theory test and driving test required for obtaining the right to drive.

 (5) Where the holder of a provisional driving licence does not obtain a full driving licence for the respective category of motor vehicle or combination of vehicles within 12 months as of the expiry of the provisional driving licence, they must re-apply for a provisional driving licence and successfully pass the theory test and driving test required for obtaining the provisional driving licence.

 (6) A provisional driving licence and driving licence is revoked:
 1) upon revocation of the right to drive;
 2) where the driving licence has been lost, damaged or stolen;
 3) where the person has given false information when applying for the provisional driving licence or the driving licence or has obtained the provisional driving licence or the driving licence by fraud;
 4) where a new driving licence has been issued to the person;
 5) where a foreign driving licence has been issued to the person;
 6) where the person has not surrendered the driving licence and there are grounds in accordance with subsection 2 of § 128 of this Act to revoke the driving licence; or
 7) where the person has not collected it within 12 months as of the date on which the grounds for the issue of the provisional driving licence arose.

§ 99.  Driving licence issued outside Estonia

  [RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (1) Driving licences issued in Member States of the European Union, member states of the European Economic Area and the Swiss Confederation as well as driving licences of other countries and of entities and territorial governments listed in the legislation specified in subsection 15 of this section are valid in Estonia provided that the driving licence complies with the requirements provided in subsections 2 and 3 of this section.

 (2) A driving licence is valid in Estonia provided that entries on the licence are made in the Latin alphabet or transliterated into the Latin alphabet. The driving licence must indicate the symbol and description of the category of the motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors that the person has the right to drive. A description is sufficient if it includes the vehicle’s pictogram or details of its maximum mass or maximum number of authorised passengers.

 (3) A driving licence that does not comply with the requirements specified in subsection 2 of this section is valid only along with an international driving licence or an officially authenticated translation provided that the driving licence indicates the symbol and description of the category of the motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors that the person has the right to drive. A description is sufficient if it includes the vehicle’s pictogram or details of its maximum mass or maximum number of authorised passengers. If the vehicle’s pictogram or details of its maximum mass or maximum number of authorised passengers are not entered on the driving licence, the driving licence is valid along with an officially authenticated translation of a certificate issued by the authority that has issued the driving licence or by a foreign mission of that state explaining the symbol and description of the category of the motor vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors that the person has the right to drive.

 (4) A driving licence for tractors, mobile machinery or combinations of tractors is valid in Estonia provided that the requirements established in the country of issue of the driving licence for grant of the right to drive tractors, mobile machinery or combinations of tractors are at least equivalent to those provided in this Act and legislation established on the basis of this Act.

 (5) In addition to licences complying with the conditions provided in subsections 1–4 of this section, the following driving licences are valid in Estonia on the following conditions:
 1) a driving licence of a person staying in Estonia on the basis of Chapter 4 of the National Defence Act along with a document certifying the right to stay in the territory of the Republic of Estonia for the purpose of international military cooperation;
 2) a driving licence of a diplomatic representative of a foreign country, consular official, representative of a special mission or international organisation accredited in Estonia or of an administrative employee, auxiliary staff member, domestic servant or family member of a diplomatic representation, consular office, special mission or representation of an international organisation, who is neither a citizen of the Republic of Estonia nor a person who holds the residence permit or the right to reside in Estonia, along with a service card issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 (6) A driving licence specified in subsections 1–5 of this section is only valid on the condition that the authority that has issued the driving licence or another competent authority has not suspended, withdrawn or revoked the person’s right to drive.

 (7) A driving licence specified in subsections 2 and 3 of this section is invalid where it has been issued to a person who permanently resided in Estonia at the time of initially obtaining the driving licence or at the time of obtaining the right to drive vehicles of an additional category. A person who has taken up permanent residence in Estonia can replace such driving licence with an Estonian driving licence after passing the traffic theory test and the driving test required for obtaining the right to drive.

 (8) A driving licence issued in a Member State of the European Union, a member state of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation is invalid where it is proven, based on the information resulting from details entered on the driving licence by a competent authority of such country or based on other indisputable information issued by such competent authority, that the person did not reside permanently in the country of issue of the driving licence at the time of issue of the driving licence. A person who has taken up permanent residence in Estonia can replace such driving licence with an Estonian driving licence after passing the traffic theory test and the driving test required for obtaining the right to drive.

 (9) The driving licence issued in a Member State of the European Union, a member state of the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation of a person who has taken up permanent residence in Estonia is valid until the end of the period of validity stated on the licence. Where the period of validity of the driving licence is longer than 15 years, it must be replaced with an Estonian driving licence not later than by 18 January 2033. As of 19 January 2033, a driving licence specified in this subsection whose term of validity exceeds 15 years must be replaced with an Estonian driving licence within 12 months after obtaining the right to reside in Estonia or after taking up residence in Estonia. When the holder of a driving licence specified in this subsection takes up permanent residence in Estonia, the provisions of this Act regulating the suspension, withdrawal or revocation of the right to drive apply to the licence holder and, where necessary, the Transport Administration can replace the driving licence with an Estonian driving licence. The driving licence to be replaced must be surrendered to the Transport Administration.

 (10) A driving licence issued in a contracting state of the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic, which is held by a person who has taken up permanent residence in Estonia, is valid for 12 months as of taking up permanent residence in Estonia. The driving licence is replaced with an Estonian driving licence without tests. A driving licence which does not comply with the requirements of the Convention is replaced with an Estonian driving licence after passing the traffic theory test and the driving test unless an international driving licence which complies with the requirements of the Convention is presented in addition to the driving licence. The driving licence to be replaced must be surrendered to the Transport Administration. The Transport Administration may preserve the surrendered foreign driving licence at the request of the person until the date of expiry of the driving licence and issue it to the person against their Estonian driving licence.

 (11) A driving licence issued in a contracting state of the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic, which is held by a person who has taken up permanent residence in Estonia, is valid for 12 months as of taking up permanent residence in Estonia. A driving licence for motor vehicles of category A or B is replaced with an Estonian driving licence without tests. A driving licence for motor vehicles of other categories is replaced with an Estonian driving licence after passing the traffic theory test and the driving test. A driving licence for motor vehicles of category A or B which does not comply with the requirements of the Convention is replaced with an Estonian driving licence after passing the traffic theory test and the driving test unless an international driving licence which complies with the requirements of the Convention is presented in addition to the driving licence. The driving licence to be replaced must be surrendered to the Transport Administration. The Transport Administration may preserve the surrendered foreign driving licence at the request of the person until the date of expiry of the driving licence and issue it to the person against their Estonian driving licence.

 (12) A driving licence other than those specified in subsections 5 and 9–11 of this section, which is held by a person who has taken up permanent residence in Estonia, is valid for 12 months as of taking up permanent residence in Estonia. The driving licence is replaced with an Estonian driving licence after passing the traffic theory test and the driving test. The driving licence to be replaced must be surrendered to the Transport Administration. The Transport Administration may preserve the surrendered driving licence at the request of the person until the date of expiry of the driving licence and issue it to the person against their Estonian driving licence.

 (13) A driving licence issued in a state that has an international agreement on mutual recognition of driving licences with Estonia is replaced in accordance with the terms and conditions specified in the international agreement.

 (14) A driving licence specified in subsections 1–4 of this section is only replaced on the condition that the authority that has issued the driving licence or another competent authority has not suspended, withdrawn or revoked the person’s right to drive. Where the driving licence has not been replaced within five years after the date of expiry stated on it, the driving licence is replaced with an Estonian driving licence after passing the traffic theory test and the driving test.

 (15) The list of entities and territorial governments specified in subsection 1 of this section is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector, having previously obtained the approval of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

 (16) The minister in charge of the policy sector establishes by a regulation the list of countries whose requirements for issuing driving licences for tractors, mobile machinery or combinations of tractors are sufficient in order to recognise the validity of such licences.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

Subchapter 3 Granting Right to Drive Motor Vehicle  

§ 100.  General requirements for granting right to drive motor vehicle

 (1) The right to drive a motor vehicle is granted to a person whose permanent residence is in Estonia or who can prove that they have studied in Estonia for at least six months, whose age and state of health comply with the requirements in force and who has obtained the qualifications of a motor vehicle driver. The permanent residence requirement is not applied upon granting the right to drive to persons specified in subsection 3 of § 99 of this Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) For the purposes of this Act, permanent residence means a place where a person usually lives at least 185 days in each calendar year because of personal or occupational ties or, where there are no occupational ties, in connection with personal ties that indicate a considerable relationship between the person and their place of residence. Where a person's occupational and personal ties are in different places and they consecutively live in different places located in the Member States of the European Union, the place related to their personal ties is deemed as their permanent residence where the person regularly returns to it. The permanent residence is proven by the data of the population register. The person is required to prove that they permanently reside in Estonia.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (3) In order to obtain the qualification of a motor vehicle driver, the applicant for the right to drive must complete the training prescribed on the basis of subsection 6 of this section and the first aid training prescribed in accordance with subsection 8 of this section and successfully pass a theory test and driving test in accordance with the procedure prescribed in subsection 7 of this section. A theory test is not required in the events specified in subsection 2 of § 107 and subsection 3 of § 107 of this Act for upgrading from driving a lower-category motorcycle to driving a higher-category motorcycle, when the right to drive is granted after a successful completion of the driving test.

 (4) The Transport Administration organises theory tests and driving tests, approves examination results and grants the right to drive motor vehicles.

 (5) The requirements for the knowledge, skills and behaviour of drivers of motor vehicles are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (6) The conditions of and procedure for training drivers of motor vehicles, including curricula, are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (7) The procedure for testing drivers of motor vehicles and granting the right to drive and requirements for driving test vehicles are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (8) Requirements for first aid training and first aid testing of drivers of motor vehicles, for the first-aid teaching aids and curriculum are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (9) A state fee must be paid for testing a motor vehicle driver.

§ 101.  Medical examination of driver of motor vehicle and applicant for right to drive

 (1) The state of health of a motor vehicle driver and applicant for the right to drive must comply with the medical requirements established in accordance with subsection 10 of this section. Compliance with the medical requirements is proven by a medical certificate issued by the person who carried out the medical examination.

 (2) An applicant for the right to drive must, no sooner than six months before the start of driver training, pass a medical examination and a motor vehicle driver must regularly pass a medical examination in the course of which the state of health of the person undergoing the medical examination and their suitability to drive a motor vehicle is determined.

 (3) A motor vehicle driver must, in the case of a driving licence specified in subsection 7 of § 97 of this Act, undergo a medical examination once every ten years or, in the case of a driving licence specified in subsection 8 of § 97 of this Act, once every five years upon replacing the driving licence or upon arrival of the next medical examination date. Where the date of the next medical examination arrives up to six months before the date of expiry of the driving licence, the medical examination must be undergone not later than on the date of expiry of the driving licence.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (4) A medical examination must be undergone once in every five years by:
 1) a driver of motor vehicles of categories A, B and BE and their subcategories who is over 65 years of age;
 2) a driver of tractors and mobile machinery of category T, a driver of taxis of category B, a driver of emergency vehicles of category A and B, and a driving instructor.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (5) By a decision made by the person conducting the medical examination and depending on the state of health of the motor vehicle driver, the driver may have to pass a medical examination more frequently than specified in subsections 3 and 4 of this section.

 (6) In events other than those specified in subsections 2 to 5 of this section, a motor vehicle driver must pass a medical examination:
 1) where they are in a state of health that is hazardous to road safety as established in accordance with § 70 of this Act and they have been removed from driving a vehicle in accordance with § 91 of this Act;
 2) at the request of a medical doctor where it is determined in the course of a medical examination that the driver’s state of health does not comply with the established medical requirements.

 (7) The person who conducts a medical examination may determine, where necessary, a special condition of the right to drive, on the basis of the state of health of the motor vehicle driver and the applicant for right to drive. A special condition of the right to drive means that due to the person’s state of health, the driving of motor vehicles is allowed where a special requirement or restriction is followed.

 (8) Upon arrival of the due date for the next medical examination of a motor vehicle driver, the driver’s right to drive motor vehicles is suspended where no new valid medical certificate has been issued to the driver via the health information system or the driver fails to submit a new valid medical certificate to the Transport Administration by the due date at the latest.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

 (9) Thirty days before the due date for the next medical examination, the Transport Administration sends to the mobile telephone number or electronic mail address given by the power-drive vehicle driver a message that the driver’s right to drive is suspended on the due date for the next medical examination, unless a new valid medical certificate has been issued to the driver via the health information system or the driver submits a new valid medical certificate to the Transport Administration by the due date at the latest in accordance with the procedure set out in subsection 2 of § 102 of this Act.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

 (91) The form of the doctor’s decision specified in clause 2 of subsection 2 of § 30 and clause 3 of subsection 6 of § 33 of this Act is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (10) The medical examination conditions and health requirements for drivers of motor vehicles and applicants for the right to drive motor vehicles, including medical contraindications whereby the driving of motor vehicles is prohibited are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

 (11) A motor vehicle driver must undergo an additional medical examination where, according to the valid medical certificate issued on the conditions of and in accordance with the procedure established on the basis of subsection 3 of § 42 of the Health Services Organisation Act, the driver has been diagnosed with an absolute medical contraindication whereby the driving of motor vehicles is not permitted.
[RT I, 13.03.2019, 2 – entry into force 15.03.2019]

§ 102.  Medical examination

 (1) The medical examination of drivers of and applicants for the right to drive motor vehicles of categories A, B, BE, C, CE, D and DE and their subcategories, tractors and mobile machinery of category T, taxis of category B, and emergency vehicles of categories A, B and C and is carried out by a family doctor, occupational health doctor or by a traffic medicine committee established by a health service provider (hereinafter traffic medicine committee). In the Defence Forces, medical examination may be carried out by a doctor operating on the basis of a specialised medical care authorisation.
[RT I, 22.06.2018, 5 – entry into force 02.07.2018]

 (2) [Repealed – RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

 (3) The traffic medicine committee comprises at least three doctors: an optometrist, a neurologist and an internist. The internist may be replaced by a family doctor or occupational health doctor in the committee.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

 (4) The health service provider that issued the certificate forwards the data of the medical certificate of a motor vehicle driver and those of an applicant for the right to drive to the Transport Administration electronically on the conditions of and in accordance with the procedure established on the basis of subsection 2 of § 592 of the Health Services Organisation Act or submits the medical certificate of the applicant for the medical certificate to the Transport Administration on paper.
[RT I, 13.03.2019, 2 – entry into force 15.03.2019]

 (5) The cost of medical examination referred to in subsection 2 of § 101 of this Act is paid for by the applicant for the right to drive or the motor vehicle driver. The cost of the medical examination may be paid for by an employer.

 (6) Administrative supervision over the medical examination of applicants for the right to drive and drivers of motor vehicles is exercised by the Health Board in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Health Services Organisation Act.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

§ 103.  Minimum age of driver

 (1) Depending on their age, a person may be granted the right to drive the following categories of motor vehicles, except in the events of the limited right to drive specified in § 95 of this Act:
 1) 14 years of age – motor vehicles of category AM;
 2) 16 years of age – motor vehicles of subcategory A1 and B1 and motor vehicles of category T where the maximum mass with or without a trailer does not exceed 18,000 kilograms;
 3) [Omitted from this text.]
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011 – in force until 18.01.2013]
 4) 20 years of age – motor vehicles of category A where the person has previously been granted the right to drive motor vehicles of subcategory A2 for at least two years;
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 19.01.2013]
 5) [Omitted from this text.]
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011 – in force until 18.01.2013]
 6) 24 years of age – motor vehicles of category A, except in the event specified in clause 4, and motor vehicles of category D;
 7) 18 years of age – motor vehicles of category B; motor vehicles of subcategory A2 or C1 and motor vehicles of category T whose maximum mass with or without a trailer exceeds 18,000 kilograms;
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 19.01.2013]
 8) 21 years of age – three-wheel motorcycles of category A with a symmetrical wheel layout and net power above 15 kW; motor vehicles of category C or subcategory D1.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 19.01.2013]

 (2) Driving lessons and driving practice specified in subsections 1 ad 2 of § 109 of this Act are permitted with the following minimum age limit and categories of motor vehicles:
 1) 14.5 years of age – motor vehicle of category T where the maximum mass with or without a trailer does not exceed 18,000 kilograms;
 2) 15.5 years of age – motor vehicles of category B and subcategories A1 and B1;
 3) 17 years of age – motor vehicles of subcategory C1;
 4) 17.5 years of age – motor vehicles of category T where the maximum mass with or without a trailer exceeds 18,000 kilograms.

 (3) In the event specified in subsection 3 of § 104 of this Act, the person may engage in driving practice related to obtaining the right to drive where the person is at least 17 years and six months old.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 104.  Exceptional circumstances for granting right to drive

 (1) On the proposal of the management of an organisation representing Estonia in the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile, the right to drive motor vehicles of category B may be granted to an internationally licensed motor racing driver of 17 years of age, whose participation in international competitions requires a driving licence and who holds a limited right to drive motor vehicles of category B.

 (2) A person who has the right to drive motor vehicles of category B specified in subsection 1 of this section may, until they attain 18 years of age, drive a car on the conditions specified in subsection 2 of § 95 of this Act.

 (3) By way of exception, a person who is at least 18 years of age and who holds the right to drive motor vehicles of at least category B and has completed a 280-hour course of occupational training provided by the Road Transport Act, or who already has the qualification of a driver in any category of the right to drive and has completed a 70-hour course of occupational training in order to obtain the qualification in an additional category may be granted:
 1) the right to drive motor vehicles of category C and combinations of vehicles of category CE;
 2) the right to drive motor vehicles of subcategory D1 and combinations of vehicles of subcategory D1E;
 3) the right to drive motor vehicles of category D and combinations of vehicles of category DE that provide local regular services for the purposes of the Public Transport Act for the purpose of operating routes of less than 50 kilometres.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (31) By way of exception, the right to drive motor vehicles of category D and combinations of vehicles of category DE may be granted to a person who is at least 21 years of age and who:
 1) holds the right to drive motor vehicles of at least category B and has completed a 280-hour course of occupational training provided by the Road Transport Act or
 2) has the qualification of a driver in any category of the right to drive in accordance with the Road Transport Act and has completed a 70-hour course of occupational training in order to obtain the qualification of a driver of vehicles of category D or DE.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (32) By way of exception, the right to drive motor vehicles of subcategory D1 and combinations of vehicles of subcategory D1E and the right to drive motor vehicles of category D and combinations of vehicles of category DE that provide local regular services for the purposes of the Public Transport Act for the purpose of operating routes of less than 50 kilometres may be granted to a person who is at least 21 years of age and who:
 1) holds the right to drive motor vehicles of at least category B and has completed a 140-hour course of occupational training provided by the Road Transport Act or
 2) has the qualification of a driver in any category of the right to drive in accordance with the Road Transport Act and has completed a 35-hour course of occupational training in order to obtain the qualification of a driver of vehicles of category D or DE.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (33) By way of exception, the right to drive motor vehicles of category D and combinations of vehicles of category DE may be granted to a person who is at least 23 years of age and who:
 1) holds the right to drive motor vehicles of at least category B and has completed a 140-hour course of occupational training provided by the Road Transport Act or
 2) has the qualification of a driver in any category of the right to drive in accordance with the Road Transport Act and has completed a 35-hour course of occupational training in order to obtain the qualification of a driver of vehicles of category D or DE.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (4) Only for the performance of their conscription duties, the right to drive motor vehicles of category C and combinations of vehicles of category CE may be granted to a conscript who is at least 18 years of age, holds the right to drive motor vehicles of category B, and the right to drive motor vehicles of category D may be granted to a conscript who is at least 18 years of age and holds the right to drive motor vehicles of category C.

§ 105.  Granting of right to drive moped

 (1) An applicant for the right to drive a moped who is up to 15 years of age must have a written consent of their legal guardian for being granted the right to drive.

 (2) The right to drive a moped is granted and the driving licence is issued to a person who has not been:
 1) convicted of the misdemeanours specified in §§ 201, 223, 224, 226, subsections 2 to 4 of § 227, §§ 234, 236 or 237 of this Act; or
 2) penalised for a traffic offence specified in Chapter 23 of the Penal Code; or
 3) repeatedly convicted of misdemeanours specified in Chapter 15 of this Act, except the offences specified in clause 1 of this subsection.

 (3) In order to be granted the right to drive a moped, persons who were 16–17 years of age at the time when this Act entered into force must pass only the theory test.

§ 106.  Granting of right to drive car and motorcycle

 (1) The right to drive a car and a motorcycle is granted and a provisional driving licence is issued to a person who:
 1) has not previously held the right to drive a car or a motorcycle; or
 2) has the right to drive a motorcycle or a tractor and also wishes to obtain the right to drive a car; and
 3) has not been convicted or the misdemeanours specified in §§ 201, 223, 224, 226, subsections 2 to 4 of § 227, §§ 234, 236 or 237 of this Act; or
 4) has not been convicted of a traffic offence specified in Chapter 23 of the Penal Code; or
 5) has not been repeatedly convicted of the misdemeanours specified in Chapter 15 of this Act, except the offences specified in clause 3 of this subsection.

 (11) The right to drive a car and a motorcycle is not granted and a provisional driving licence is not issued to a person whom the administrative court allows for denying the granting of the right or issuing of the licence on the basis of an application specified in subsection 5 of § 331 or subsection 5 of § 711 of the Military Service Act. The Transport Administration terminates the ban once the circumstances for the denial have lapsed and the Defence Resources Agency or the Defence Forces have informed the Transport Administration thereof and it does not follow otherwise from an order of the administrative court.
[RT I, 06.07.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

 (2) After the test results have been officially registered and until a provisional driving licence is obtained, but for not longer than ten days as of passing the test, the right holder’s right to drive motor vehicles is proven on the basis of the data of the motor register.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) A car that is driven by a person who holds a provisional driving licence or a driver referred to in subsection 2 of this section, must display a novice driver’s badge on the front and at the rear of the vehicle in a visible position.

 (4) Where a person who holds a provisional driving licence has acquired the necessary skills and completed the final stage of training and in the last 12 months has not been penalised for a violation of the traffic rules, they obtain a driving licence without having to take the tests.

 (5) Where a person who holds a provisional driving licence has a penalty in force for a violation of the traffic rules, they obtain a driving licence after they have successfully passed the theory test.

 (6) Where a person who holds a provisional driving licence has been penalised by withdrawing the right to drive a motor vehicle, their right to drive a motor vehicle and the provisional driving licence issued to them are revoked. Where a person has been granted the right to drive a motor vehicle in some category before the first issue of a provisional driving licence, the right to drive these motor vehicles of these categories is not revoked. The right to drive a motor vehicle and a new provisional driving licence may be applied for after completing follow-up training and a successful passing of the theory test and driving test.

 (7) A person who holds the right to drive and the right to drive motor vehicles of category B and also wishes to obtain the right to drive a motor vehicle of another category, the right to drive is transferred in accordance with the procedure established by § 107 of this Act, and a driving licence is issued to them.

 (8) The training of drivers, their testing and granting them the right to drive in the course of vocational training takes place in one phase and after the tests have been successfully passed, the person is granted a driving licence in accordance with the procedure established by subsection 7 of § 100 of this Act.

§ 107.  Granting right to drive upon simultaneous application for right to drive motor vehicle of category A, subcategories A1 and A2, category B, subcategory B1, category B and subcategory C1

 (1) Where the right to drive a motor vehicle of subcategory A1 or A2 is granted for the first time, the person is granted a provisional driving licence also where they have previously been granted a provisional driving licence for driving a motor vehicle of category B or category B with subcategory C1. A provisional driving licence is granted with the same term of validity as marked on the previous provisional driving licence.

 (2) The right to drive a motor vehicle of category A is granted to a person who holds a driving licence for driving a car of any category or who has held the right to drive a motor vehicle of subcategory A2 for at least two years.

 (3) The right to drive a motor vehicle of subcategory A2 may also be granted to a person who holds a provisional driving licence or a driving licence for driving a motor vehicle of any category or who holds the right to drive a motor vehicle of subcategory A1.

 (4) Where the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B or subcategory B1 or, simultaneously, category B and subcategory C1 is granted for the first time, the person is granted a provisional driving licence, except in the event specified in subsection 5 of this section.

 (5) Where an applicant who applies for the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B or simultaneously the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B and subcategory C1 has previously been granted the right to drive motor vehicles of category C or D, they are granted a driving licence.

§ 108.  Granting right to drive motor vehicle of categories C, D and T, and subcategories C1 and D1, and combination of vehicles and combination of tractors

 (1) The right to drive a motor vehicle of category C and subcategory D1 may be granted to a person who has held the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B for at least one year.

 (2) The right to drive a motor vehicle of category D may be granted to a person who has held the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B for at least two years.

 (3) The period of holding a driving licence specified in subsections 1 and 2 of this section excludes the period of holding a provisional driving licence for a motor vehicle of category B and a driving licence with the limited right to drive.

 (4) The right to drive a motor vehicle of subcategory C1 may be granted to a person together with the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B or to a person who has the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B.

 (5) The right to drive a combination of vehicles of subcategory BE, CE or DE and subcategory C1E or D1E may be granted to a person who holds the right to drive a traction unit of the respective category.

 (6) The right to drive a motor vehicle of categories C and D and a combination of vehicles of category CE may be granted to a person together with granting the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B or to a person who has the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B, where the right to drive is necessary in connection with conducting a vocational training course, in accordance with the Road Transport Act. Where, in accordance with the Road Transport Act, it is necessary to conduct a vocational training course, the person may, after passing the final test and having been granted the right to drive a motor vehicle of category B or, once such the right to drive has been granted, without delay apply for the right to drive a motor vehicle of categories C and D and a combination of vehicles of category CE.

 (7) The right to drive a motor vehicle and a combination of vehicles in the categories listed in this section must not be granted to a person who holds a provisional driving licence for a motor vehicle of category B.

 (8) In order to be granted the right to drive a motor vehicle and a combination of tractors of category T, a person who holds the right to drive a motor vehicle of categories C or D or subcategories C1 or D1 must only pass the driving test.

§ 109.  Driving motor vehicle during driving lesson and driving practice

 (1) A person who takes a training course for driving a motor vehicle or has completed the training course or restores the right to drive may drive a motor vehicle during a driving lesson in the presence of a driving instructor.

 (2) For practicing driving, a learner-driver who undergoes or has completed a training course for driving a motor vehicle, may drive a motor vehicle in the presence of another person (hereinafter personal driving supervisor) provided that the following conditions are met:
 1) the personal driving supervisor has held a driving licence for the respective category of a motor vehicle for at least five years. The period of holding a provisional driving licence is included in the period of holding a driving licence;
 2) the personal driving supervisor has no penalty in force for driving a motor vehicle in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or for violating traffic requirements for which the penalty provided by this Act is the withdrawal of right to drive motor vehicles or for which the right to drive has been withdrawn, taking into account the terms for deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 3) the personal driving supervisor has obtained the right to instruct from the Transport Administration, meets the terms and conditions specified in clauses 1 and 2 of this subsection and the right to instruct is certified on the basis of the data of the motor register;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 4) the personal driving supervisor is allowed to instruct the driving practice of a person whose name is marked on the personal driving supervisor’s certificate or entered in the motor register.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (21) The instructor of a motor vehicle driver specified in subsection 1 and a personal driving supervisor specified in subsection 2 must not be in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream during a driving lesson or driving practice. The state of intoxication specified in this subsection or the exceeding of the maximum permitted level specified in subsection 3 of § 69 of this Act is identified in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) A person who holds a certificate of a driving instructor may also be a personal driving supervisor.

 (31) The personal driving supervisor must hold a valid personal driving supervisor’s certificate. The personal driving supervisor’s certificate is issued by the Transport Administration for a term of 12 months.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (4) A personal driving supervisor’s certificate is not granted to a person who holds a provisional driving licence.

 (5) Where a learner-driver specified in subsection 2 of this section is younger than 18 years of age, only their legal guardian may be the personal driving supervisor.

 (6) A motor vehicle, truck, bus and combination of vehicles used for driving practice and a motor vehicle used for the purposes of obtaining driving practice must display a sign of a vehicle for driving practice visible from the front and from the back.

 (7) The procedure for issuing personal driving supervisor certificates and the form of the certificate are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (8) A state fee must be paid for the issue of a personal driving supervisor certificate.

§ 110.  Driving motor vehicle during driving test

 (1) The document that serves as the basis for driving a motor vehicle during a driving test is the driving test report drawn up in the name of the examinee by the Transport Administration.

 (2) A driving test report is prepared after the theory test is passed, but before the driving test. The driving test report may be on paper or electronic.

 (3) An applicant for a provisional driving licence must not take the driving test earlier than three months before attaining the age specified in subsection 1 of § 103 of this Act.

Subchapter 4 Driver Training  

§ 111.  Licence obligation

 (1) An activity licence is required for providing driver training.

 (2) The provisions of this Act and of the General Part of the Economic Activities Code Act, which regulate application for an activity licence or authorisation, the reviewing of an application, the revocation of an authorisation or an activity licence, notification of a change of data as well as waiver of economic activities also apply to persons and bodies organising the training of drivers of motor vehicles who are not undertakings for the purposes of subsection 1 of § 5 of the General Part of the Economic Activities Code Act, insofar as the special characteristics thereof provide otherwise.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 5 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 112.  Object of inspection of activity licence

 (1) An activity licence is granted where the applicant has:
 1) study premises (buildings, furnishings and other property) or the possibility to use such premises;
 2) a practice area or the possibility to use a practice area;
 3) vehicles for driving practice, which comply with the requirements provided by a statute or the possibility to use such vehicles;
 4) instructors who comply with the requirements set out in subsection 1 of § 118 of this Act and first aid instructors of drivers of motor vehicles who comply with the requirements set out in § 119;
 5) training plans and training documentation for the category being taught, which comply with the requirements set out in subsections 6 ad 8 of § 100 of this Act;
 6) the methodological and audiovisual teaching aids and accessories that are specified in the training plans;
 7) first aid teaching aids specified in the training plans.
[RT I, 25.03.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2014 (entry into force amended – RT I, 22.12.2013, 1)]

 (2) The requirements for teaching aids, practice areas and vehicles for driving practice of the driver training provider are established by the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 25.03.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2014 (entry into force amended – RT I, 22.12.2013, 1)]

§ 113.  Application for activity licence

 (1) An application for an activity licence is reviewed by the Ministry of Education and Research. The fulfilment of the requirements that form a part of the object of inspection of an activity licence specified in subsection 1 of § 112 of this Act is identified by the Transport Administration in a preliminary administrative decision based on the documents specified in clauses 2 to 7 of subsection 2 of this section.
[RT I, 29.06.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (11) An application for an authorisation or activity licence is submitted to the Ministry of Education and Research via the Estonian Education Information System.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 5 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (2) In addition to the information required in the General Part of the Economic Activities Code Act, an application for an activity licence must contain the following data and documents:
 1) an application for an education licence;
 2) documents certifying the existence of the premises, practice area and vehicles for driving practice provided for in clauses 1 to 3 of subsection 1 of § 112 of this Act or the right to use them;
 3) the training plan and training documentation specified in clause 5 of subsection 1 of § 112 of this Act;
 4) the list of audiovisual teaching aids specified in clause 6 of subsection 1 of § 112 of this Act;
 5) the list of teaching aids specified in clause 7 of subsection 1 of § 112 of this Act;
 6) data about the compliance of the driving instructors with the requirements of § 118 of this Act and written consents for being employed;
 7) data about the compliance of the first aid instructors of drivers of motor vehicles with the requirements of § 119 of this Act and written consents for being employed.
 8) an assessment specified in subsection 2 of § 112 of this Act.

 (21) The Ministry of Education and Research reviews the application for an authorisation or activity licence within three months as of the submission of the data and documents specified in subsection 2 of this section. The term for reviewing an application commences upon submission of all the required data and documents.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 5 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (22) The time limit specified in subsection 21 of this document is suspended where the Transport Administration gives the applicant a term for the elimination of the deficiencies. The time limit continues to run after the expiry of the closing date for the elimination of the deficiencies.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 5 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

 (3) The details of the activity licence are entered in the Estonian Education Information System.
[RT I, 29.06.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 114.  Revocation of education licence

  [Repealed – RT I, 29.06.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 115.  Individual driver training

  Individual driver training of a motor vehicle driver may be provided under the supervision of a training provider holding a licence specified in § 111 of this Act in accordance with the procedure established on the basis of subsection 6 of § 100 of this Act.
[RT I, 25.03.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2014 (entry into force amended – RT I, 22.12.2013, 1)]

§ 116.  State and administrative supervision over training of drivers of motor vehicles

  [RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (1) State and administrative supervision over training of drivers of motor vehicles is exercised by:
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]
 1) the Ministry of Education and Research;
 2) the Transport Administration that exercises supervision over the fulfilment of the requirements specified in subsections 6 and 8 of § 100 and § 112 of this Act, with the right to involve, where necessary, officials of the Health Board in exercising state and administrative supervision over the first aid training of drivers of motor vehicles.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) Upon exercising state and administrative supervision, the official exercising it has the right to demand that the person who is entitled to provide driver training and the person who actually provides driver training submit relevant documents, data and explanations, and to examine the organisation of training and to attend the training process.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (3) Where the motor driver training or driving instructor training does not comply with the requirements provided in this Act or in legislation enacted under this Act, the supervisory official specified in subsection 1 of this section is entitled to make a precept to the training provider to have the deficiencies of the training activity eliminated. Until compliance with the precept, the supervisory official specified in clause 1 of subsection 1 may suspend the training activity of the training provider and prohibit the registration of new training groups.

 (4) In the event of non-compliance with a precept specified in subsection 3 of this section, the supervisory official may impose a preventive fine and substitutional performance of a preventive fine in accordance with law. The upper limit for a preventive fine is 1300 euros for a natural person and 6400 euros for a legal person.

 (5) A law enforcement authority may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 32, 50 and 51 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

Subchapter 5 Driving Instructor  

§ 117.  Requirements for training driving instructors

  The training of instructors of drivers of motor vehicles is provided by an institution of professional higher education or a university.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 5 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 118.  Requirements for driving instructor

 (1) A driving instructor must meet the following requirements:
 1) be at least 21 years of age;
 2) comply, for the purposes of the Professions Act, with the requirements for Level 6 of the qualifications framework;
 3) have held a driving licence certifying the right to drive motor vehicles in the respective category for at least three years, except providers of training for drivers of motor vehicles of category AM who must have right to drive motor vehicles of category A;
 4) meet the qualification requirements for driving instructors;
 5) have no penalties in force for driving a motor vehicle in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or for violating traffic requirements for which the penalty provided by this Act is the withdrawal of right to drive motor vehicles or for which the right to drive has been withdrawn, taking into account the terms for deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 6) must not be convicted for an intentionally committed criminal offence, given the time limits of deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) The time of holding a driving licence specified in clause 3 of subsection 1 of this section includes the time of holding a provisional driving licence. A certificate of an instructor is not issued to the holder of a provisional driving licence.

 (3) An application for the right to train drivers of motor vehicles of categories A, C and D may be submitted by a person who has a right to train drivers of motor vehicles of category B.

 (4) Drivers of motor vehicles of category AM may be trained by a driving instructor who has the right to train drivers of motor vehicles of category A.

 (5) A driving instructor whose state of health no longer allows them to drive a motor vehicle of the category being trained, but who has held the right and experience to drive this motor vehicle for at least three years, may continue training the drivers of motor vehicles of this category as an instructor of traffic theory.

 (6) Where a driving instructor has been removed from driving a motor vehicle or their right to drive a motor vehicle has been suspended, the driving instructor’s right to train motor vehicle drivers is suspended until the ground for the suspension lapses.

 (7) Qualifications requirements for instructors of drivers of motor vehicles, requirements for training instructors and organising instructor training and the requirements for the national curriculum are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (8) A person who has acquired foreign professional qualifications may act as an instructor of drivers of motor vehicles where their professional qualifications have been recognised in accordance with the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act. The competent authority provided for in subsection 2 of § 7 of the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act is the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 30.12.2015, 1 – entry into force 18.01.2016]

§ 119.  Requirements for first aid instructors of drivers of motor vehicles

  First aid instructors of drivers of motor vehicles must be registered as health care professionals in the health care organisation information system.
[RT I, 20.06.2022, 63 – entry into force 27.06.2022]

§ 120.  Certificate of right to provide driver training

 (1) The Transport Administration, for a term of five years, issues to persons who apply for the certificate and comply with the requirements provided in § 118 of this Act a certificate of the right to provide driver training.

 (2) A certificate of the right to provide driver training is revoked where:
 1) the right to drive is revoked in accordance with § 126 of this Act;
 2) the certificate has been obtained by fraud;
 3) the certificate has been falsified;
 4) the driving instructor has been penalised for the violations specified in clauses 5 and 6 of subsection 1 of § 118 of this Act;
 5) false information was given upon application for the certificate;
 6) the certificate is lost, damaged or has become unusable;
 7) the holder of the certificate is dead; or
 8) a new certificate is issued.

 (3) A certificate that was lost, destroyed or has become unusable and that certifies the right to provide driver training is replaced by a new certificate where the applicant for the certificate complies with the requirements specified in § 118 of this Act.

 (4) The procedure for application, issue and revocation of certificates of the right to provide driver training is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (5) A state fee must be paid for the issue of a document certifying the right to provide driver training.

§ 121.  State and administrative supervision over driving instructor training

 (1) State and administrative supervision over the training of driving instructors of motor vehicles is exercised by:
 1) the Ministry of Education and Research;
 2) the Transport Administration that supervises the fulfilment of the requirements specified in subsection 1 of § 118.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (2) Upon exercising state and administrative supervision, the official exercising it has the right to demand that the person who is entitled to provide training and the person who actually provides training submit relevant documents, data and explanations, and to examine the organisation of training and to attend the training process.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (3) Where the driving instructor training does not comply with the requirements provided in this Act or in legislation enacted under this Act, the person exercising supervision specified in subsection 1 of this section is entitled to make a precept to the training provider to rectify the deficiencies and improve the training activity. Until compliance with the precept, the person exercising state supervision may suspend the training activity of the training provider and prohibit the registration of new training groups.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (4) Upon failure to comply with a precept specified in subsection 3 of this section, the person exercising state supervision may impose a non-compliance levy in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act. The maximum non-compliance levy payable by a natural person is 1300 euros and the maximum non-compliance levy payable by a legal person is 6400 euros.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (5) A law enforcement authority may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 32, 50 and 51 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

Subchapter 6 Examiner of Drivers of Motor Vehicles  

§ 122.  Requirements for examiners of drivers of motor vehicles and certificates of examiners of drivers of motor vehicles

 (1) An examiner of drivers of motor vehicles must meet the following requirements:
 1) be at least 25 years old;
 2) comply, for the purposes of the Professions Act, with the requirements for Level 5 of the qualifications framework;
 3) hold a valid right to drive motor vehicles of the category that is being examined for at least five years along with a category B driving licence or have the right to drive motor vehicles of the category that is being examined and have worked as an examiner of category B drivers for at least three years;
 4) have no penalties in force for driving a motor vehicle in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or for violating traffic requirements for which the penalty provided by this Act is the withdrawal of right to drive motor vehicles or for which the right to drive has been withdrawn, taking into account the terms for deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 5) must not be convicted for an intentionally committed criminal offence, given the time limits of deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 6) have passed examiner training organised by the Transport Administration;
 7) hold a valid certificate issued by the Transport Administration to examiners of drivers of motor vehicles.

 (2) The time of holding a driving licence includes the time of holding a provisional driving licence. An examiner certificate is not issued to the holder of a provisional driving licence.

 (21) The person who organises a motor vehicle driver examination must not engage in providing driving instruction at the driver training provider.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) The certificate of an examiner of drivers of motor vehicles is revoked where:
 1) the certificate has been obtained by fraud or in a similar manner;
 2) the examiner has been penalised for the violations specified in clauses 4 and 5 of subsection 1 of this section, taking into account the terms for deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 3) false information was given upon application for the certificate;
 4) the certificate is lost, damaged, stolen or has become unusable;
 5) the holder of the certificate is dead; or
 6) a new certificate is issued.

 (4) The right for testing is suspended where the examiner does not comply with the established qualification requirements.

 (5) Requirements for the examiners of drivers of motor vehicles and the procedure for training and issuing and revoking certificates of examiners of drivers of motor vehicles are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (6) A person who has acquired foreign professional qualifications may act as an examiner of drivers of motor vehicles where their professional qualifications have been recognised in accordance with the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act. The competent authority provided for in subsection 2 of § 7 of the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act is the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 30.12.2015, 1 – entry into force 18.01.2016]

§ 123.  Administrative supervision over examiner training

  [RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (1) Administrative supervision over the training of examiners is exercised by the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (2) Upon exercising administrative supervision, the official has the right to demand that the person who has the right to provide training and the person who directly provides training submit relevant documents, data and explanations, and to study the organisation of training and to attend the training process.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

Subchapter 7 Suspension, Withdrawal, Revocation and Restoration of Right to Drive Motor Vehicles  

§ 124.  Suspension of right to drive motor vehicles

 (1) Suspension of the right to drive motor vehicles means that a person is temporarily prohibited to drive motor vehicles.

 (2) [Repealed – RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]

 (3) A person’s right to drive motor vehicles is suspended where:
 1) the term of validity of their driving licence has expired;
 2) the due date for passing the next medical examination of the motor vehicle driver has arrived.

 (31) Where the right to drive motor vehicles of categories C and D and subcategories C1 and D1 or combinations of vehicles of categories CE and DE and subcategories C1E and D1E is indicated on the driving licence with a term of validity of five years, the right to drive motor vehicles of categories C and D and subcategories C1 and D1 or combinations of vehicles of categories CE and DE and subcategories C1E and D1E is suspended upon expiry of the term of validity indicated on the driving licence.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (4) The Transport Administration suspends a person’s right to drive motor vehicles where their state of health does not meet the health requirements established on the basis of subsection 10 of § 101 of this Act.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]

 (41) A person’s right to drive motor vehicles is suspended by the court on the basis of clause 2 of subsection 1 of § 1772 of the Code of Enforcement Procedure. The right to drive is deemed as suspended as of the entry into force of the court order.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]

 (42) The Transport Administration suspends the right to drive a motor vehicle where the administrative court has, based on an application provided for in subsection 5 of § 331 or subsection 5 of § 711 of the Military Service Act, granted the permission to suspend the right to drive a motor vehicle. Where no additional data is needed, the Transport Administration makes a decision based on data gathered by hearing the Defence Resources Agency, the Defence Forces or by having the person concerned heard by the administrative court.
[RT I, 06.07.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

 (5) A decision to suspend the right to drive must set out the following:
 1) the date and place of making the decision;
 2) the given name, surname and position of the person who made the decision and the name and address of the agency;
 3) the given name, surname and residence of the motor vehicle driver;
 4) the basis of and the term for suspension of the right to drive;
 5) the signature of the person who drew up the decision.

 (6) In the events specified in subsection 3 of this section, the right to drive motor vehicles is suspended on the day following the expiration date of the driving licence or the health certificate or the due date of passing the next medical examination.

 (7) In the events provided for in subsection 4 of this section, the Transport Administration draws up a decision to suspend the right to drive, issuing it in two copies, one of which, without delay after the signature of the decision, is given to the person against signature on the other copy of the decision or sent by registered mail to the address of residence registered in the population register or another known address of residence. The right to drive motor vehicles is suspended upon delivery of the decision to the person.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (8) The Transport Administration delivers the decision specified in subsection 42 by registered mail with advice of delivery to the person’s address specified in the population register, another address known to the Transport Administration or to the person’s electronic mail address or hands it over to the person against the signing of a notice. The Transport Administration may publish a decision in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded where the decision cannot be delivered in any other way. A decision is deemed as delivered in public when ten days have passed from the day of publishing it in official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded or when the person confirms the receipt of the notice in the information system of Ametlikud Teadaanded.
[RT I, 06.07.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

§ 125.  Withdrawal of right to drive motor vehicles

 (1) Withdrawal of the right to drive is the principal or a supplementary penalty imposed by the court or an extra-judicial body for an offence relating the violation of the requirements of this Act or legislation issued on the basis thereof, which entails the prohibition to drive a vehicle.

 (2) A penalty imposed on a person residing in Estonia by the court or an extra-judicial body of a Member State of the European Union or the European Economic Area or the Swiss Confederation, which entails the prohibition to drive vehicle, is also considered withdrawal of the right to drive. In Estonia, the starting point of enforcement of a decision that has entered into force is the entry of the decision in the motor register.

§ 126.  Revocation of right to drive motor vehicles

 (1) The right to drive motor vehicles is revoked where the person has obtained the right to drive by fraudulent means or where the person’s driving licence was issued on the basis of a document containing falsified or false information. A decision to revoke the right to drive is made by the Transport Administration.

 (2) A decision to revoke the right to drive must set out the following:
 1) the date and place of making the decision;
 2) the given name, surname and position of the person who made the decision and the name and address of the authority;
 3) the given name, surname and residence of the driver of a motor vehicle;
 4) the basis for revoking the right to drive;
 5) the signature of the person who drew up the decision.

 (3) The revocation of the right to drive motor vehicles enters into force after the communication of the decision to the person.

 (4) The Transport Administration prepares a decision to revoke the right to drive in two copies, one of which, without delay after the signature of the decision, is given to the person against signature on the other copy of the decision or sent by registered mail to their address of residence registered in the population register or to their other known address of residence.

§ 127.  Surrender of driving licence

  Where a decision to withdraw or revoke a person’s right to drive motor vehicles has entered into force, the person must surrender their driving licence to the Transport Administration within five working days after the entry into force of the decision.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]

§ 128.  Failure to submit or surrender driving licence

 (1) Where, within the term provided for in § 127 of this Act, a person fails to surrender their driving licence, the Transport Administration issues the person a precept to surrender the driving licence, giving the person a term of no less than five working days and no more than 14 days to that effect. The precept enters into force as of delivery.

 (2) In the event of failure to comply with a precept, the Transport Administration may impose a preventive fine in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act. The upper limit of a preventive fine is 640 euros.

 (3) Where a person’s right to drive has been suspended for six months or more or where their right to drive motor vehicles has been withdrawn for more than six months and the person has not complied with the precept specified in subsection 2 of this section by the prescribed time, the Transport Administration has the right to revoke the driving licence.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 129.  Restoration of right to drive motor vehicles

 (1) Where the right to drive motor vehicles has been withdrawn from a person as the principal or supplementary penalty for at least six months but for no longer than 12 months, the right to drive motor vehicles can be restored where the person successfully passes the theory test. The theory test can also be taken during the period when the right to drive has been revoked as a penalty, but the right to drive in such an event is restored after the expiration of the penalty term.

 (2) Where the right to drive motor vehicles has been withdrawn from a person as a principal or supplementary penalty for 12 months or longer, the right to drive motor vehicles can be restored where the person successfully passes the required theory and driving test. The theory test can also be taken during the period when the right to drive has been revoked as a penalty, but no sooner than 12 months before the expiration of the penalty term. The driving test cannot be taken before the expiration of the penalty term.

 (3) Where a person’s right to drive motor vehicles has been suspended due to the worsening of their state of health on the basis of a decision of a health service provider, their health certificate becomes invalid and the person can restore the right to drive where the circumstances that served as the basis for the decision of the issuer of the certificate have ceased to exist. To restore the right to drive, the person must pass a medical examination specified in § 101 of this Act, on the basis of which a new health certificate is issued to them.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

 (4) Where a person has not replaced their driving licence within five years after the expiry thereof, their right to drive motor vehicles is restored where they pass the theory test and driving test.

 (5) Where a person’s right to drive granted in a foreign state has been suspended or withdrawn, their right to drive is restored after the expiry of the suspension or revocation term.

 (6) Where a person’s right to drive motor vehicles has been suspended by a court order on the basis of clause 2 of subsection 1 of § 1772 of the Code of Enforcement Procedure, the suspension of the person’s right to drive ends once a court order made on the basis of subsection 1 of § 1775 of the Code of Enforcement Procedure enters into force with regard to the person.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 4 – entry into force 01.03.2016]

 (7) Where the right to drive a motor vehicle has been suspended with the permission of the administrative court on the basis of an application provided for in subsection 5 of § 331 or subsection 5 of § 711 of the Military Service Act, the Transport Administration restores the right to drive without delay once the Defence Resources Agency or the Defence Forces notify of the lapse of the circumstances that served as the basis for the suspension and it does not follow otherwise from an administrative court order.
[RT I, 06.07.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

Chapter 5 WORKING AND REST TIME AND SALARY OF DRIVER  

§ 130.  Requirements for working, driving and rest time of drivers of motor vehicles

 (1) The duration of the driving and rest time of drivers of cars with more than nine seats (including the driver’s seat) designed for the carriage of passengers or goods and of drivers of combinations of vehicles with a maximum mass exceeding 3,500 kilograms designed for the carriage of goods, the list of carriage types exempted from compliance with the requirements for road freight transport and the duties of the drivers are provided for in Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85.

 (2) Persons specified in Article 10(4) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council must comply with the requirements for working and rest time of drivers established by legislation. Any provision of a contract under the law of obligations deviant from the requirements of the Regulation is void.

 (3) The working time of a driver is the time between the appropriate break and rest periods in accordance with Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council or the appropriate break and rest periods in accordance with other legislation regulating labour law, when the driver is obliged to perform, arrange or prepare road transport.

 (4) The stand-by time of another crew member being in the moving vehicle besides the driver is not included in the working time of the driver, unless it includes work-related activities or unless agreed otherwise in the collective agreement.

 (5) Driver’s average weekly working time, including overtime, must not exceed 48 hours.

 (6) Weekly working time may be extended to 60 hours where the average working time of four consecutive months does not exceed 48 hours per week.

 (7) In the event of extending the weekly working time to 60 hours, the four-month calculation period specified in subsection 6 of this section may be replaced by a six-month average working time calculation period where the following requirements have been fulfilled:
 1) such six-month average working time calculation period has been specified in the collective agreement;
 2) the work performed is expected to be of temporary or periodic nature and follow a recurrent pattern over the years;
 3) the technological and organisational characteristics of the work process must be known and understandable to the parties prior to the commencement of the six-month average working time calculation period.

 (8) Where the driver works between 12:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m., the daily working time must not exceed ten hours for every 24-hour period of time.

 (9) Where during the journey the observance of the daily working time requirement specified in subsection 8 of this section becomes impossible due to the reasons beyond the control of the driver and not known before the beginning of the journey, the driver may deviate from the working time restriction for the purpose of finding an appropriate place for stopping or in the event of an unavoidable need for stopping the work process, ensuring the fulfilment of traffic safety and occupational safety requirements.

 (10) During the working time the driver must not work for more than six consecutive hours without a break. Where the total working time is six to nine hours, a minimum continuous break of 30 minutes must be taken and where the total working time is over nine hours, a minimum continuous break of 45 minutes must be taken. This subsection applies to a driver working on the basis of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council to the extent not regulated by the Regulation.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (11) In addition to drivers working under an employment contract, the requirements of this section also applies to drivers working under law of obligations contracts. The application of the weekly working time calculation period in accordance with subsection 7 to drivers working under other law of obligations contracts is allowed only where the work to be performed complies with the requirements specified in clauses 2 and 3 of subsection 7.

 (12) The requirements specified in Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council do not apply to drivers in domestic road transport where:
 1) the vehicle is used by agricultural, gardening, forestry or fishing undertakings for the transport of their goods within the radius of 50 kilometres from the seat of the undertaking;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 2) the vehicle is used for the transport of animal waste not designated for human consumption or for the transport of carcasses;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 3) the vehicle is used for the transport of animals from an agricultural enterprise to a market located in the same county and vice versa or from a market to a slaughterhouse located within the distance of 50 kilometres;
 4) [Repealed – RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 02.03.2015]
 5) a vehicle running on pressurised gas, liquid gas or electricity is used for cargo transport from the location of the undertaking within 50 kilometres and the maximum mass of the vehicle with a trailer or semi-trailer does not exceed 7500 kilograms;
 6) the vehicle is used for a driving lesson, driving test, driving instruction in occupational training or continuous training or taking an examination in occupational training or continuous training;
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 8 – entry into force 01.07.2020]
 7) the vehicle is an agricultural or forestry tractor that is used for agricultural and forestry work within the distance of 100 kilometres from the location of the undertaking;
 8) the vehicle is used in relation to sewerage works, works relating to protection against floods, rendering water, gas and electricity maintenance services, road maintenance or inspection, door-to-door collection and removal of domestic waste, rendering telegraph, phone, radio or television services and determining the location of radio or television transmitters or receivers;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 9) a special vehicle transporting circus or amusement park equipment;
 10) the vehicle is used for the collection of milk from farms, for returning milk containers to farms or for delivering dairy products intended for animal feed;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 11) the owner or the authorised user of a bus with 10 to 17 seats is in accordance with the information of the population register the parent of four or more children, the respective entry has been made on the registration certificate of the vehicle and the bus is used for non-commercial passenger transport.

 (13) On regular passenger services, the length of the route of which from the point of departure to the destination is up to 50 kilometres, the driver’s driving time in a day must not exceed nine hours and the continuous rest period during any 24-hour period must not be shorter than nine hours.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (14) In the events specified in subsection 12 of this section, the carrier must inform the driver of the nature of the carriage, without, however, impairing the working conditions of the driver or traffic safety.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (15) In the events not covered by this section the provisions of Subchapter 3 of Chapter 3 of the Employment Contracts Act apply to the working and rest time of the driver.

§ 131.  Use of tachograph

 (1) The driving and rest time of a motor vehicle driver is calculated on the basis of the recording sheets of an analogue tachograph in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council or the information saved in the memory of a tachograph with digital data recording (hereinafter digital tachograph) in accordance with the same Regulation.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (1) Tachographs may be installed, repaired or inspected only by an undertaking registered in the commercial register, which has been declared a competent measurer under the Metrology Act and which has been registered with the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 25.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

 (21) A tachograph must be used on vehicles first registered since 1 May 2006 and used for the carriage of passengers specified in subsection 13 of § 130 of this Act, except in the event specified in clause 3 of subsection 4 of this section.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2020]

 (3) Where the use of a tachograph is mandatory, the driver must record the driving and rest time data in accordance with Articles 32–37 of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (4) A tachograph is not obligatory for a vehicle:
 1) manufactured before 1 January 1985, provided that the vehicle is not used for the provision of paid cargo or passenger carriage services;
 2) used in transportation exempted from the requirements on the basis of Article 3 of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council and subsection 12 of § 130 of this Act;
 3) in urban lines for the purposes of the Public Transport Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (5) Where the data of the tachograph specified in subsection 1 of this section cannot be used upon calculation of the driving and rest time of the driver of a motor vehicle, the driver may use a document issued by the undertaking in accordance with Commission Decision 2009/959/EC, amending Decision 2007/230/EC on a form concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities (OJ L 330, 16.12.2009, pp 80–81).
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 1311.  Installation, repairing and inspection of tachograph

 (1) Tachographs may be installed, repaired or inspected only by an undertaking registered in the commercial register, which has been declared competent in its field of specialisation by the accreditation agency specified in subsection 5 of § 5 of the Metrology Act and which has been registered with the Transport Administration.

 (2) In addition to complying with the requirements specified in subsection 1, an undertaking engaged in the installation, repairs or inspection of digital tachographs must hold a workshop card.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 132.  Application for, making and issue of digital tachograph card

  [RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (1) The driver of a motor vehicle equipped with a digital tachograph, the carrier using a motor vehicle equipped with a digital tachograph, the official exercising state supervision and the undertaking engaged in installing, repairing or inspecting tachographs (hereinafter workshop) must hold a relevant driver card, undertaking card, workshop card or inspection card (hereinafter jointly also referred to as card) in accordance with Articles 2(f), (i), (j) or (k) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which allows for ascertaining the user of the card and for recording and storing data, depending on the purpose of the card.

 (2) A natural person having permanent residence in accordance with Article 26(2) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council may apply for the driver card of a motor vehicle equipped with a digital tachograph where:
 1) they hold a valid driving licence for driving a motor vehicle of the category for which the use of a tachograph is obligatory;
 2) they have not been issued earlier a valid driver card or a workshop card necessary for operating as an installer of digital tachographs.

 (3) An undertaking card may be applied for by a carrier that uses or intends to start using a motor vehicle equipped with a digital tachograph.

 (4) A workshop card can be applied for by an undertaking that meets the requirements specified in subsection 1 of § 1311 of this Act.

 (41) A workshop card can be applied for in the name of a natural person who has an employment relationship with the undertaking under an employment contract or another contract of law of obligations. An undertaking cannot apply for a workshop card for a person who holds a valid driver card.

 (5) The inspection card of an official exercising state supervision may be applied for by a law enforcement authority specified in §§ 139 and 1391 of this Act. The inspection card is issued to the law enforcement authority.

 (6) The making of the card is organised, the compliance of the applicant for the card is assessed, and the card is issued and revoked by the Transport Administration.

 (7) The procedure for application and issue of the driver card of a motor vehicle with a digital tachograph, the undertaking card, the workshop card and the inspection card is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (8) A state fee is paid for the issue of a card at the rate set out in the State Fees Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 133.  Term of validity of card

 (1) The driver card, the undertaking card and the inspection card are issued for five years and the workshop card for one year.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) In the event specified in Article 26(4) of Regulation (EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council, the Transport Administration issues a driver card valid for up to 185 days as well.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2018]

§ 134.  Refusal to issue card

 (1) The issue of a card is refused where the documents or data required for obtaining the card have not been submitted or where false information affecting the decision to issue the card has knowingly been given.

 (2) In addition to the situation specified in subsection 1 of this section, the issue of a driver card is refused where the applicant:
 1) does not comply with the requirements provided for in subsection 2 of § 132 of this Act;
 2) the previous driver card was revoked less than a month before in the event specified in subsection 2 of § 135 of this Act;
 3) the previous driver card was revoked less than six months before in the event specified in clause 1 or 2 of subsection 1 of § 135 of this Act;

 (3) In addition to the situation specified in subsection 1 of this section, the issue of a workshop card is refused where the applicant:
 1) does not comply with the requirements provided for in subsection 1 of § 1311 of this Act;
 2) applies for a workshop card to the person who holds a valid driver card;
 3) has been penalised on the basis of § 216 of this Act, taking into account the time limits of deletion of conviction data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 135.  Revocation of card

 (1) A driver card, workshop card, undertaking card or inspection card is revoked where:
 1) false information that affected the issue of the card was knowingly given upon applying for the card;
 2) the card has been falsified;
 3) the card has been destroyed, lost, stolen or is defective.

 (2) In addition to the situations specified in subsection 1 of this section, a driver card is revoked where it is used by a person who does not own it.

 (3) In addition to the situations specified in subsection 1 of this section, a workshop card is revoked when the workshop has failed to remove from the vehicle or from the tachograph a device that enables disturbing its operation or where the undertaking has failed to comply with a precept specified in subsection 3 of § 1391 of this Act within the prescribed time limit.

 (4) A person is required to return the card to the Transport Administration in the event specified in clause 1 or 2 of subsection 1 of this section within five working days as of the date of delivery of the decision to revoke the card.

 (5) Where a person has not returned a revoked card within the term specified in subsection 4 of this section, the Transport Administration makes a precept to the person to return the card, giving the person a time-limit for returning the card, which is not shorter than five working days or longer than 14 days.

 (6) In the event of failure to comply with the precept, the Transport Administration may impose a non-compliance levy in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act. The maximum limit of a non-compliance levy is 640 euros.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 136.  Use of card

 (1) Upon organising transportation using a motor vehicle that has a mechanical or digital tachograph, the carrier must:
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 1) give work instructions to the driver holding a driver card;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 2) regularly inspect the use of the tachograph by the driver and the compliance of the driving and rest time with the requirements.

 (2) The driver of a motor vehicle with a digital tachograph must:
 1) store the card in a way that precludes its falling into the hands of other persons;
 2) not give their card to another person for use and ensure the correctness of the data;
 3) comply with the requirements for working, driving and rest time of drivers;
 4) grant the carrier and, for the purpose of taking supervisory steps, the officials specified in subsection 1 of § 139 of this Act access to the data of the digital tachographs and driver card;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 5) [Repealed – RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 6) [Repealed – RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (3) The workshop must:
 1) use its card and recorded data for the intended purpose;
 2) ensure in the event of the repair of a digital tachograph the copying of the data, confirmation of the copied data with a digital signature and storage thereof in electronic form for at least 12 months after the arrival of the tachograph in the workshop;
 3) ensure the availability of this data to the officials of the law enforcement authority;
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]
 4) give the carrier a certificate where upon accepting the digital tachographs for repairs it becomes evident that the recorded data has been destroyed;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 5) remove from the vehicle or from the tachograph the device aimed at disturbing or possibly disturbing its operation and destroy the device.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 137.  Storage of data

 (1) Upon organising transportation with a motor vehicle that has an analogue or digital tachograph, the carrier must:
 1) store for at least 12 months the recorded data of the driving and rest time of the driver unchanged in electronic form or on recording sheets, in printed form signed by the driver or on the recording sheets in the event of temporarily using an analogue tachograph;
 2) comply with the requirements of § 12 of the Accounting Act upon preserving the documents of record-keeping of the working time of the driver;
 3) ensure the regular copying of data from the driver card at least once every 28 days and from the vehicle at least once every 90 days and, in the event of using an analogue tachograph, collect the recording sheets after 28 days;
 4) where the contract of employment of the driver or another contract under the law of obligations expires or the vehicle is transferred or the digital tachograph is sent to a workshop for repairs, the data specified in clause 3 of this subsection must be copied and the recording sheets must be forwarded up to the date of expiration of the contract, transfer of the vehicle or the sending of the tachograph to the workshop;
 5) ensure that the data specified in clauses 1, 3 and 4 of this subsection is not used for any other purpose than complying with the requirements for the driving and rest time of the driver of the motor vehicle and keeping account of such time;
 6) grant the law enforcement authorities specified in subsection 1 of § 139 of this Act immediate access to the data gathered by the carrier on the working, driving and rest time of the driver of the motor vehicle.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) The carrier may use the service of another undertaking or person with appropriate technical possibilities in archiving the electronically recorded information regarding the driving and rest time of the driver. The carrier ensures the required storage of the data and the availability of the data to the officials of the law enforcement authority specified in subsection 1 of § 139 of this Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 1371.  Use of data

  The employees of an undertaking engaged in the installation, repairs or checking of a tachometer and the officials of the Transport Administration, Labour Inspectorate and Police and Border Guard Board exercising state supervision are allowed to process the personal data of the driver of a motor vehicle only in connection with the preservation of the data or the checking of the working, driving and rest time of the driver of the motor vehicle and of compliance with the requirements of keeping account thereof.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 138.  Special requirements for calculation and payment of salary to driver of motor vehicle on road transport

  Upon calculation and payment of the salary of a motor vehicle driver, the requirements of Article 10 of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, pp 1–14) must be followed.

§ 139.  State supervision over compliance with requirements for working, driving and rest time of driver of motor vehicle and for remuneration of driver

  [RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (1) State supervision over compliance with the requirements for working, driving and rest time of a motor vehicle driver and the requirements of use of a tachograph and preservation of data, which are set out in §§ 130-131, subsections 1 and 2 of § 136 and § 137 of this Act, is exercised on the premises of the undertaking by the Labour Inspectorate and on the road by the Police and Border Guard Board.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) State supervision over compliance with the requirements established in §§ 130, 131 and 137 of this Act and the requirements for the remuneration of drivers specified in § 138 of this Act is exercised by the Labour Inspectorate on the conditions and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) The follow-up inspection of a violation of the requirements for working, driving and rest time of a motor vehicle driver on the road may be exercised by the persons specified in subsection 1 of this section at the location of the undertaking using the motor vehicle.

 (31) The official exercising supervision may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 32, 49 and 50 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (4) The Labour Inspectorate has the right to make a precept to the carrier or a person related to the carrier in the event of a violation of the requirements for working, driving and rest time of a motor vehicle driver, use of the tachograph, preservation of data and remuneration of the driver. A precept is entered into the register of economic activities in accordance with the procedure provided for in the General Part of the Code of Economic Activities Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (5) A precept specified in subsection 4 of this section is made and any intra-authority appeal filed against the precept is settled in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

 (6) Upon failure to comply in due time with a precept specified in subsection 4 of this section, a preventive fine may be imposed by the labour inspector in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act.

 (7) The upper limit for a preventive fine specified in subsection 6 of this section is 640 euros for a natural person and 3,200 euros for a legal person.

 (8) Requirements for organisation of state supervision over compliance with the requirements for working, driving and rest time of drivers of motor vehicles and payment of salary to drivers are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 1391.  State supervision over the installation, repairs and inspection of tachographs

 (1) State supervision over the installation, repairs and inspection of tachographs is exercised by Transport Administration.

 (2) Upon exercising state supervision, the official exercising it has the right to demand that the authorised person of the undertaking and the person who is directly engaged in carrying out the work submit relevant documents and data and give relevant explanations, as well as attend the installation, repairing and inspection of a tachograph.

 (3) Where the installation, repairing or inspection of a tachographs does not comply with the requirements provided for in this Act or legislation established on the basis thereof, the person exercising state supervision specified in subsection 1 of this section has the right to make a precept for eliminating the deficiencies.

 (4) Upon failure to comply with a precept specified in subsection 3 of this section, the person exercising state supervision may impose a non-compliance levy in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Substitutional Performance and Non-Compliance Levies Act. The maximum non-compliance levy payable by a natural person is 1300 euros and the maximum non-compliance levy payable by a legal person is 6400 euros.

 (5) A law enforcement authority may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 32, 49, 50, 51, 52 and 53 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 02.03.2015]

Chapter 6 TRAM AND DRIVING A TRAM  

§ 140.  Roadworthiness requirements for tram and its trailers, requirements for equipment thereof and inspection of their compliance with requirements

 (1) A tram and its trailer and their equipment must comply with the roadworthiness requirements established by legislation. A tram and its trailer must be duly equipped.

 (2) A roadworthiness test must be passed in a timely manner by a tram and its trailer.

 (3) During a roadworthiness test, the compliance or non-compliance of the tram and its trailer with the roadworthiness requirements is established and a term is set for the next roadworthiness test, after the expiry of which the vehicle is no longer deemed roadworthy.

 (4) Roadworthiness testing of trams and their trailers is conducted by the Transport Administration who also supervises compliance with the requirements and the quality of testing.

 (5) The roadworthiness requirements for trams and their trailers are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (6) The conditions of and procedure for the roadworthiness testing of trams and their trailers, including the conditions of and procedures for equipment testing, types of roadworthiness testing, deadlines for roadworthiness testing, list of documents to be submitted upon roadworthiness testing and the requirements for the place and the person carrying out roadworthiness testing are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 141.  Registration of tram and its trailer

 (1) Trams and their trailers are registered and the registers thereof maintained by their owners.

 (2) A roadworthiness test must be passed by a tram and its trailer prior to registration. The technical expert assessment required for conducting roadworthiness testing is carried out by the Transport Administration. The Transport Administration may involve experts in the expert assessment. The costs of the expert assessment and related procedures are covered by the manufacturer of the vehicle or product, the manufacturer’s official representative or the importer.

 (3) The procedure for registration of trams and their trailers is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 142.  Requirements for tram driver

 (1) A tram may be driven by a person who is at least 21 years of age and holds the right to drive motor vehicles of category B and trams. A person who is at least 20.5 years of age and holds the right to drive motor vehicles of category B and whose right to drive has not been suspended, withdrawn or revoked or who has not been removed from driving may learn to drive a tram.
[RT I, 30.12.2015, 1 – entry into force 18.01.2016]

 (2) A person who has acquired foreign professional qualifications may drive a tram where their professional qualifications have been recognised in accordance with the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act. The competent authority provided for in subsection 2 of § 7 of the Recognition of Foreign Professional Qualifications Act is the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 30.12.2015, 1 – entry into force 18.01.2016]

§ 143.  Medical examination of tram driver and applicant for right to drive tram

 (1) The state of health of a tram driver and an applicant for the right to drive a tram must comply with the health requirements established in accordance with subsection 7 of this section.

 (2) An applicant for the right to drive a tram must pass no sooner than six months before the start of tram driver training and a tram driver must periodically pass a medical examination to establish their state of health and suitability for driving a motor vehicle.

 (3) A tram driver must pass a medical examination every ten years.

 (4) A tram driver who is over 50 years of age must pass a medical examination every five years.

 (5) Subsections 5 to 9 of § 101 and subsections 2 to 4 of § 102 of this Act apply to the medical examination of a tram driver and an applicant for the right to drive a tram.

 (6) A tram driver or an applicant for the right to drive a tram must pay for the medical examination specified in subsection 2 of this section. The costs of a medical examination may be paid by the employer.

 (7) The procedure for and the conditions of medical examinations of tram drivers and applicants for the right to drive a tram, the forms of medical certificates and the health requirements, including medical contraindications in the event of which it is not permitted to drive a tram, are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

 (8) The Health Board exercises administrative supervision over the medical examination of tram drivers and applicants for the right to drive a tram in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Health Services Organisation Act.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

§ 144.  Requirements for instructor of tram drivers

  Tram drivers are trained by instructors who comply with the requirements specified in subsection 1 of § 112 of this Act and with the right to train drivers of motor vehicles of categories B, C or D.

§ 145.  Requirements for driving tram

 (1) The right to drive a tram is granted by the Transport Administration.

 (2) When driving a tram, the tram driver must carry a driving licence and the registration certificate of the tram.

 (3) The right to drive a tram is withdrawn, revoked and restored in accordance with the provisions concerning withdrawal, revocation and restoration of the right to drive motor vehicles.

 (4) The qualification requirements for tram drivers and the procedure for the preparation and examination of tram drivers and granting the right to drive a tram are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 146.  Prohibition to drive tram

 (1) A person is prohibited to drive a tram where:
 1) they do not have the right to drive motor vehicles of category B or trams;
 2) they do not meet the requirements established for tram drivers and trams or those specified on the driving licence; or
 3) they have been removed from driving a vehicle in accordance with § 91 of this Act.

 (2) The owner, possessor or driver of a tram must not permit a person who does not have the right to drive motor vehicles of category B or trams, who is in a state of intoxication, in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or whose state of health is hazardous to road safety to drive a tram and must not entrust the driving of a tram to such a person.

 (3) A tram driver must not be in a state of intoxication, in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or in a state of health hazardous to road safety.

 (4) A state specified in subsection 3 of this section is ascertained in accordance with the procedure specified in §§ 69 and 70 of this Act.

 (5) The form of expert assessments for ascertaining the state of health of a tram driver hazardous to road safety is established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

§ 147.  Removal from driving tram

 (1) A tram driver is removed from driving a tram where:
 1) there is sufficient reason to believe that the tram driver has used narcotic drugs or psychotropic substances;
 2) there is sufficient reason to believe that the tram driver is in the state of intoxication, in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or in a state of health hazardous to road safety;
 3) they do not have the right to drive a tram;
 4) they do not have the right to use the tram;
 5) it is prohibited to continue the journey with the tram due to a failure of the tram, the level of pollutants in its exhaust emissions, its noise level or some other deficiency;
 6) their driving licence is sent for an expert assessment when signs of falsification are evident; or
 7) there is sufficient reason to believe that their state of health does not comply with the established requirements.

 (2) The decision to remove a tram driver from driving must set out the following:
 1) the date and place of making the decision;
 2) the name and address of the authority of the official who made the decision;
 3) the position, given name and surname of the official who made the decision;
 4) the given name and surname and the personal identification code or date of birth of the tram driver;
 5) the address of the tram driver;
 6) the type, model and registration number of the tram;
 7) the grounds for removal from driving a tram specified in clauses 1 to 7 of subsection 1 of this section, the start time of removal from driving and the conditions for the lapse of the removal;
 8) the signature of the person who drew up the decision.

 (3) The decision to remove a tram driver from driving enters into force from the moment of making it.

 (4) The decision to remove a tram driver from driving is prepared in two original copies, one of which is given to the tram driver. The other copy of the decision is signed and dated by the tram driver to confirm receipt. Where the tram driver refuses to sign the decision or is in a state of intoxication or has a medical condition that makes them unable to sign, the respective note is made in the decision to remove the trams driver from driving.

Chapter 7 CYCLIST, RIDER OF PERSONAL LIGHT ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND RIDER OF LIGHT MOPED  
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 - entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 148.  Requirements for cyclist and light moped rider

 (1) A person of ten years of age or older who has acquired the qualifications of a cyclist may cycle on a carriageway unsupervised. Persons of 10 to 15 years of age must hold the right to ride a cycle when in order to cycle on a carriageway. The document proving the right to ride a cycle is the cyclist’s licence or the right to ride a cycle is proven on the basis of the data of the motor register. A person of at least eight years of age may cycle on a carriageway only under the direct supervision of their legal guardian or, with the consent of the latter, under the supervision of another adult. The requirements set out in this subsection do not extend to a cyclist moving in a calm traffic area.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) A light moped may be ridden by a person who is at least 14 years of age. A person of 14 years of age or older may ride a light moped. A light moped rider of 14 or 15 years of age must hold the right to ride a cycle.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (21) Where the rider is carrying an identity document, the carrying of a cyclist’s licence issued in Estonia is not mandatory where the data of the cyclist or the light moped rider have been entered in the motor register. Where the data of a cyclist or light moped rider have not been entered in the motor register, the cyclist must carry their cyclist’s licence with them and in order to prove the right to ride specified in subsection 1 or 2 of this section, submit it at the request of a police officer or another person whose competence arises from law.

 (3) The qualifications of a light moped rider must correspond to the qualifications of a cyclist.

 (4) The qualifications requirements for cyclists are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 1481.  Requirements for rider of personal light electric vehicle

  An individual riding a personal light electric vehicle on a carriageway is subject to the requirements established for the age and qualifications of cyclists and for proving the right to drive in § 148 of this Act.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

§ 149.  Requirements for cyclist and light moped rider training provider

 (1) Cyclist training and light moped rider training is provided and road safety taught by pre-school child care institutions, basic schools, upper secondary schools, vocational education institutions, hobby schools, training providers holding an activity licence to provide training to drivers of motor vehicles and organisations whose statutory activities include cyclist training.

 (2) A cyclist and a light moped rider may be individually instructed by a parent.

 (3) A cyclist and light moped instructor must be at least 21 years of age and hold a driving licence of any motor vehicle.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 150.  Examination of cyclists and light moped riders

 (1) Basic schools, upper secondary schools, hobby schools, the Police and Border Guard Board, training providers holding an activity licence to provide training to drivers of motor vehicles and the Transport Administration have the right to examine cyclists and light moped riders.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (2) An applicant for a cyclist’s licence must successfully pass the theory test and the riding test.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) The procedure for examining cyclists and light moped riders is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 151.  Right to ride cycle, right to ride light moped, granting of right to ride and requirements for issuing licences

  [RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (1) Cyclist’s licences are granted, licences issued and the records thereof maintained by the authorities specified in subsection 1 of § 150 of this Act. The right to ride a cycle entitles a person aged 14 or 15 years to ride a light moped.

 (2) The Transport Administration organises the printing and issuing of cyclist’s licences to the authorities specified in subsection 1 of § 150 of this Act.

 (3) The right to ride a cycle may be applied for by a person who complies with the cyclist’s qualification requirements established on the basis of subsection 4 of § 148 of this Act.

 (4) An applicant for the right to ride who is up to 15 years of age must have their legal representative’s consent to the obtaining of the right to ride a cycle.

 (5) The procedure for granting the right to ride a cycle and issuing cyclist’s licences and the form for the cyclist’s licence are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

Chapter 71 REQUIREMENTS AND TRAFFIC RULES FOR SELF-DRIVING DELIVERY ROBOTS  
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 - entry into force 14.07.2017]

§ 1511.  Requirements for self-driving delivery robots

 (1) The devices, accessories and technology of a self-driving delivery robot must ensure the safe control and road use of the self-driving delivery robot in such a manner that it does not obstruct traffic or endanger or harm people, property or the environment.

 (2) The dimensions of a self-driving delivery robot moving on a road with and without cargo must be such that these do not endanger or obstruct other road users.

 (3) A self-driving delivery robot must be equipped with reflectors and lamps that ensure its safe use and visibility to other road users in the dark or in poor visibility.

 (4) A self-driving delivery robot must bear a clearly legible identification number and the telephone number and name of the user.

 (5) Requirements for the devices, accessories, technology, technical condition, design speed, reflectors and lamps as well as the maximum dimensions are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

§ 1512.  General duties of user and driver of self-driving delivery robot

 (1) The natural person who is the user and controller of a self-driving delivery robot must be at least 18 years of age. The user of a self-driving delivery robot must be a natural person who is an Estonian citizen or holds a residence permit or the right to reside in Estonia or a legal person registered in Estonia.

 (2) It is prohibited to carry humans or animals using a self-driving delivery robot.

 (3) Upon using a self-driving delivery robot, the user and, upon controlling a self-driving delivery robot, the controller must be careful, cautious and alert, prevent endangering other road users and causing damage, follow requirements established to self-driving delivery robots and its traffic, and be familiar with the legislation pertaining to the use of self-driving delivery robots.

 (4) The user of a self-driving delivery robot is required to:
 1) before using the self-driving delivery robot, ensure its roadworthiness and compliance and make certain that its technical condition allows for its safe use;
 2) not allow a person who is in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted alcohol level in the bloodstream or in a state of health that is unsafe for traffic or a person who lacks the skills and knowledge for safe use of the self-driving delivery robot or a person who does not meet the requirements provided for in subsection 1 of this section to control the self-driving delivery robot;
 3) keep account of the self-driving delivery robots used by the user and equip these with identification numbers, the user’s name and telephone number;
 4) make certain that the lighting systems and reflectors of the self-driving delivery robot are working and that the identification features are legible;
 5) ensure that a takeover of the controlling of the self-driving delivery robot by persons not specified in subsection 1 of this section be precluded upon using the self-driving delivery robot;
 6) before using the self-driving delivery robot for delivering cargo ensure that the cargo is placed, secured and covered in such a manner that it does not endanger people, harm the environment, cause proprietary damage or obstruct traffic;
 7) while using the self-driving delivery robot, be available at the telephone number required in subsection 6 of § 1511 of this Act and, at the request of and by the time prescribed by a law enforcement body, submit the data specified in subsection 7 of this section.

 (5) Before and while using a self-driving delivery robot, its controller must make certain that:
 1) the self-driving delivery robot is roadworthy and that its technical condition and the devices used for moving and controlling the self-driving delivery robot allow for using it safely;
 2) the lighting systems and reflectors of the self-driving delivery robot are working and that the identification features are legible.

 (6) The controller of a self-driving delivery vehicle is prohibited to:
 1) in a state of intoxication or in a state exceeding the maximum permitted alcohol level in the bloodstream or in a state of health unsafe for traffic, control the self-driving delivery robot or hand over control to a person in such state;
 2) hand over the control of the self-driving delivery robot to a person who lacks the required skills and knowledge for the safe use of the self-driving delivery robot or who does not meet the conditions established in subsection 1 of this section.

 (7) At the request of and by the time prescribed by a person exercising traffic supervision or a court, the user of a self-driving delivery robot is required to save and submit within six months from the day of use of the self-driving delivery robot the following data:
 1) the data of the path of movement of the self-driving delivery robot, including the date of use, the start and end time of use with the accuracy of a second, the location and the speed of movement;
 2) chronologically saved data set of the controlling instructions of the controller of the self-driving delivery robot and of the movement without the interference of the controller, and data required for identifying the controller;
 3) data on disruptions identified by the sensors of the self-driving delivery robot, which resulted in the interference of the controller in the movement of the self-driving delivery robot;
 4) data on the owner and insurance of the self-driving delivery robot.

 (8) A more detailed list of the data specified in subsection 7 of this section and requirements for the form of preservation and saving of data may be established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

§ 1513.  Position of self-driving delivery robot on road

 (1) A self-driving delivery robot may be use on a pavement, footpath and the part of a cycle and pedestrian track designated for pedestrians, which is sufficiently wide for the self-driving delivery robot to move, and thereby the self-driving delivery robot must not exit the boundaries of such road or road part.

 (2) A self-driving delivery robot must not endanger or obstruct pedestrians upon moving on a pavement, footpath, cycle and pedestrian track or upon crossing a carriageway via a pedestrian crossing. Where necessary, a self-driving delivery robot must stop or clear the road or, upon crossing a carriageway, move to the nearest safe spot outside the carriageway.

 (3) In a built-up area, a self-driving delivery robot may, where there is no pavement, footpath or cycle and pedestrian track, be used on the right-side shoulder of the carriageway or, where there is no shoulder, close to the edge of the right side, provided that it does not endanger or obstruct other road users. A self-driving delivery robot may be used on the left-side shoulder or, upon absence thereof, close to the left edge of the carriageway only immediately before reaching the destination, provided that such route is shorter and safer.

 (4) In a calm traffic area, a self-driving delivery robot may move along the carriageway close to the edge of the carriageway where there is no pavement, footpath or cycle and pedestrian track or any shoulder. Upon moving in a clam traffic area, the self-driving delivery robot must not endanger or obstruct other road users.

 (5) Where there is a temporary obstacle on the road part designated for self-driving delivery robot traffic, which does not allow for continuance of the journey thereon, the self-driving delivery robot may use the carriageway for passing the obstacle, provided that it is safe and does not harm other road users.

 (6) Upon moving or staying at the carriageway, a self-driving delivery robot must be used in the flashing mode using the yellow lamps specified in subsection 5 of § 1511 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

§ 1514.  Crossing of carriageway

 (1) A carriageway may be traversed by a self-driving delivery robot in a place designated for pedestrians for crossing the carriageway. Upon traversing the carriageway, a self-driving delivery robot does not have a right of way towards the driver of a vehicle, unless the self-driving delivery robot traverses the carriageway via a crossing or pedestrian crossing onto which the vehicle driver is turning.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (2) Before crossing a carriageway, the self-driving delivery robot or its controller must analyse the safeness of crossing the carriageway and ensure that the crossing can be completed safely without remaining standing on the carriageway.

 (3) Upon crossing a carriageway by a self-driving delivery robot, other road users crossing the carriageway must not be obstructed or endangered.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

§ 1515.  Self-driving delivery robot’s duty to give way

  A self-driving delivery robot must give way to other road users, except in the events specified in clauses 1 and 2 of subsection 5 of § 17 and subsection 11 of § 35 of this Act. Where necessary, the self-driving delivery robot must stop and move to the nearest safe spot outside the carriageway.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

Chapter 8 OFF-ROAD VEHICLE TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND DRIVING OFF-ROAD VEHICLE  

§ 152.  The purpose of off-road vehicle traffic management

  The purpose of off-road vehicle traffic management is to prevent damage to the environment and possessors of land and to ensure traffic safety.

§ 153.  Off-road vehicle traffic

 (1) An off-road vehicle may be driven or parked off-road, except in the limited management zone of a shores or bank, only with the permission of the owner or possessor of land. In the limited management zone of a shore or bank, an off-road vehicle may be driven and parked in accordance with the procedure specified in the Nature Conservation Act.

 (2) Off-road vehicle traffic in protected areas and species protection sites is regulated by nature conservation rules.

 (3) The municipality has the right to establish additional requirements for off-road vehicle traffic in its territory.

 (4) The permission specified in subsection 1 of this section is not required:
 1) from police and customs officials performing their duties;
 2) upon taking a sick person to the hospital;
 3) from persons involved in rescue work;
 4) in other events related to the performance of duties (such as the provision of repair and maintenance services for power and communication lines or other similar activities).

§ 154.  Prohibition in off-road vehicle traffic

 (1) It is prohibited to drive off-road vehicles on roads, except for crossing rivers, roads and other obstacles and roads covered with snow, which are temporarily inaccessible for motor vehicles and roads where it is permitted by a relevant traffic control device.

 (2) An off-road vehicle may be used to cross a road, provided that the road is sufficiently visible in both directions, the crossing does not constitute a hazard for traffic on the road and the road is crossed along the shortest possible route. When driving on the road, the off-road vehicle driver must give way to other traffic.

 (3) The traffic prohibition specified in subsection 1 of this section does not apply in the events specified in subsection 4 of § 153 of this Act.

§ 155.  Traffic management of off-road vehicles and duty to give way

 (1) The right-hand rule of the road applies to off-road vehicular traffic.

 (2) Where the routes of off-road vehicles cross, the driver of an off-road vehicle must give way to the off-road vehicle driver who approaches from the right-hand side or is on the right-hand side.

 (3) An off-road vehicle driver may not force other traffic to change the direction or speed of driving when starting to drive or manoeuvring. An off-road vehicle driver who is required to give way must demonstrate this clearly by reducing speed or coming to a gradual halt.

§ 156.  Environmental protection requirements for off-road vehicle traffic

  An off-road vehicle driver and passenger must observe the environmental protection requirements provided for in § 13 of this Act and must not damage, pollute or otherwise contaminate the areas used for traffic.

§ 157.  Roadworthiness requirements for off-road vehicle and requirements for its equipment and inspection of its compliance with requirements

 (1) An off-road vehicle and its equipment must comply with the roadworthiness requirements established by legislation. An off-road vehicle must be duly equipped.

 (2) The roadworthiness testing of an off-road vehicle prior to registration is conducted by the Transport Administration who also supervises compliance with requirements and the quality of testing.

 (3) The roadworthiness requirements for off-road vehicles and equipment thereof are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (4) The conditions of and procedure for the roadworthiness testing of off-road vehicles, including the conditions of and procedure for equipment testing, types of roadworthiness testing and the list of documents to be submitted upon roadworthiness testing are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 158.  Registration of off-road vehicle

 (1) An off-road vehicle is registered in accordance with the established procedure and must bear state registration plates.

 (2) An off-road vehicle must be registered within five working days after starting to use the vehicle in Estonia.

 (3) Where the owner of an off-road vehicle is a natural person who is not a citizen of Estonia or a legal person who is not registered in Estonia in accordance with law, the owner’s representative who is a legal person registered in Estonia or a natural person who permanently resides in Estonia and has Estonian citizenship or a residence permit is entered in the motor register as the authorised user.

 (4) An off-road vehicle must pass a roadworthiness test prior to registration. The technical expert assessment required for conducting roadworthiness testing is carried out by the Transport Administration. The Transport Administration may involve experts in the expert assessment. The costs of the expert assessment and relating acts are covered by the manufacturer, the manufacturer’s official representative or the importer of the vehicle of product.

 (5) Off-road vehicles are registered and the registration plates and certificates thereof are issued by the Transport Administration.

 (6) The list of off-road vehicles subject to registration is established by a regulation the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (7) The conditions of and procedure for registration of off-road vehicles, including the list of data and documents required for registration, and the requirements for state registration plates and vehicle signs are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (8) A state fee must be paid for making entries relating to the registration of an off-road vehicle in the motor register.

§ 159.  Refusal to register off-road vehicle, amendment of register data and deletion from register

 (1) The registration of an off-road vehicles or performance of a register act is refused where:
 1) no documents or data required for registration have been submitted;
 2) the off-road vehicle does not meet the established requirements; or
 3) the off-road vehicle is made up of spare parts.

 (2) In order to amend register data, the owner, their representative or another entitled person of the off-road vehicle must submit a valid application to the Transport Administration within five working days of the change in the data.

 (3) Where vehicle data is amended, the off-road vehicle is presented to the Transport Administration for amendment of the register data.

 (4) An off-road vehicle is deleted from the register:
 1) based on an application from the owner or the owner’s representative;
 2) in other events provided by a statute.

 (5) An off-road vehicle that has been seized or pledged or that is encumbered with a restriction on transfer or declared wanted by the police is not deleted from the register.

 (6) In the event of transfer, change of user or deletion from the register of an off-road vehicle that is encumbered with a restriction on transfer, the written consent of the person who imposed the restriction must be submitted.

§ 160.  Right to drive off-road vehicle

 (1) A person who has the right to drive motor vehicles of any category may drive off-road vehicles.

 (2) When driving an off-road vehicle, the driver must carry a driving licence and the registration certificate of the off-road vehicle.

§ 161.  General duties of off-road vehicle driver

 (1) An off-road vehicle driver must:
 1) ascertain before driving that the off-road vehicle is roadworthy and observe the same while driving;
 2) drive holding the driving device (handle bar, wheel or similar) with two hands, except when giving a warning signal by hand;
 3) wear a strapped motorcycle helmet and not carry a passenger who does not wear a strapped motorcycle helmet.

 (2) An off-road vehicle driver must carry and, at the request of a police officer or another person who has respective competence arising from law, present the following:
 1) the document certifying their right to drive;
 2) the registration certificate of the off-road vehicle.

 (3) An off-road vehicle driver has the right to request that the official exercising state supervision present their identification or another document certifying their competence and to note down the details thereof.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (4) The owner, possessor or driver of an off-road vehicle must not permit a person who does not have the right to drive off-road vehicles or meet the requirements specified in subsection 5 of this section to drive the off-road vehicle and must not entrust the driving of the off-road vehicle to such a person.

 (5) An off-road vehicle driver must not be in a state of intoxication, in a state exceeding the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream or in a state of health hazardous to road safety.

 (6) The state specified in subsection 5 of this section or a state of intoxication is ascertained in accordance with the procedure specified in §§ 69 and 70 of this Act.

§ 162.  Signals given by off-road vehicle driver

 (1) An off-road vehicle driver must give a turn signal in accordance with subsection 2 of § 39 of this Act.

 (2) An audible warning signal may only be used in the event of a hazard, to attract the attention of a road user.

 (3) Giving a warning signal does not grant the driver of an off-road vehicle the right of way.

§ 163.  Use of lamps of off-road vehicle

  On a moving off-road vehicle dipped-beam headlamps or main-beam headlamps and rear light must be lit.

§ 164.  Speed of off-road vehicle

 (1) An off-road vehicle driver must adapt the speed of their vehicle to their driving experience, the landscape, the condition of the off-road vehicle, the peculiarities of any goods carried, the weather conditions and other traffic conditions, to be able to stop the vehicle within the area visible in front and without hitting any obstacle that can reasonably be expected. An off-road vehicle driver must reduce the speed and, where necessary, stop where the conditions so require, especially where visibility is poor.

 (2) An off-road vehicle driver must not exceed the maximum speed designated by the manufacturer of the off-road vehicle.

 (3) In the event specified in subsection 1 of § 154 of this Act, when driving on the road, the off‑road vehicle must not be driven faster than 50 kilometres per hour.

§ 165.  Driving off-road vehicle on body of water covered with ice

  Driving an off-road vehicle on a body of water covered with ice is regulated by the Water Act.

Chapter 9 ENSURING ROAD MOBILITY OF PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY DISABILITY AND BLIND PEOPLE  

§ 166.  Organisation of road mobility of people with mobility disability and blind people and parking of vehicles servicing such people

  The road mobility of people with a mobility disability or blind people, the parking of vehicles servicing such people and the parking of vehicles driven by people with a mobility disability is organised by the municipality.

§ 167.  Parking card of vehicle servicing person with mobility disability and blind person

 (1) In order to ensure the road mobility of a person with a mobility disability or a blind person, a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people is issued to the person in accordance with the procedure established on the basis of subsection 4 of this section.

 (2) A parking card granted on the basis of subsection 4 of this section or a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people, which has been issued by the competent authority of a contracting state that has joined the additional European agreement of the 1968 Convention on Road Traffic is considered a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people.

 (3) The form of and conditions of issue of parking cards for vehicles servicing a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (4) A parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people is issued by the municipality.

Chapter 10 TRAFFIC ACCIDENT  

§ 168.  General duty to assist

 (1) At the site of a traffic accident, every road user or passenger must assist, according to their skills, any person who needs assistance due to a traffic accident and inform the emergency centre without delay about such person.

 (2) Where at the site of a traffic accident the emergency centre cannot be informed about a person who needs assistance due to a traffic accident and the one cannot stay with the victim as well as where the injuries of the person who needs assistance due to a traffic accident do not require transporting them to the hospital in an ambulance, the driver must transport the victim to the nearest hospital in the safest manner possible.

 (3) A road user or passenger must stay with the person who needs assistance due to a traffic accident, where it is safe, until the arrival of an ambulance, police or rescue service unit. Where the victim is transported to the hospital in accordance with the procedure provided for in subsection 2 of this section, the road user or passenger must, at the request of the driver or victim, assist the driver in transporting the victim to the hospital, including being the escort, provided that it is safe.

§ 169.  Behaviour of driver in event of traffic accident

 (1) In the event of a traffic accident the driver involved must:
 1) stop as quickly as possible, without causing an additional hazard thereby, and switch on the hazard warning lights. Where the vehicle has no hazard warning lights or where the vehicle involved in the traffic accident is located at a place where the visibility is bad or limited, a warning triangle must be placed on the road in accordance with subsection 9 of § 39 of this Act;
 2) ensure traffic safety at the site of the accident to the extent possible;
 3) present a personal identification document at the request of another driver involved in the traffic accident.

 (2) Where a person has been injured or killed in a traffic accident, the driver must:
 1) where actions specified in clauses 1 and 2 of subsection 1 of this section have not been performed at the site of the traffic accident, mark the site with a warning triangle in accordance with subsection 9 of § 39 of this Act and ensure traffic safety at the site of the accident to the extent possible;
 2) inform the emergency centre about the traffic accident and act in accordance with the instructions received from there;
 3) to the extent of their skills, provide first aid to people in need of medical attention;
 4) write down the names and addresses of eye witnesses upon their consent.

 (3) Where the driver has fulfilled the requirements specified in subsection 2 of this section, but it is not possible to inform the emergency centre from the site and they cannot arrange the transportation of the victim to the hospital with an ambulance, the driver must transport the victim to the hospital, provided that transportation does not pose a risk for the victim. The driver transporting the victim must inform the person at the hospital accepting the victim of their name, contact information and vehicle number and return without delay to the site of the traffic accident.

 (4) It is not required to report a traffic accident to the police where all the following requirements are met:
 1) people were not injured in the traffic accident or the people involved in the traffic accident themselves do not require their health to be examined;
 2) the driver(s) involved in the traffic accident and the person(s) who suffered damage agree on the liability upon assessment of the reasons of the incident;
 3) the data of all the people involved in the traffic accident have been recorded in a manner allowing for later identification;
 4) the person responsible for causing material damage is specified;
 5) the driver(s) involved in the traffic accident and the person(s) who suffered damage have recorded the circumstances listed in clauses 2 to 4 in writing and have signed the report.

 (5) In the event of disagreement, where the person(s) who sustained damage is (are) not known, the person causing material damage is not at the site of traffic accident or material damage occurred as a result of hitting an animal or avoiding it, the police must without delay be informed of the traffic accident and measures must be taken according to the instructions received from the police. Where due to hitting a large game for the purposes of the Hunting Act no material damage has been caused but the large game has been injured or killed, the emergency centre must be informed and measures must be taken according to the orders received from them.

 (6) Vehicles or objects involved in a traffic accident may only be moved before the police arrives at the site of the traffic accident where the victim is transported to the hospital or the accident has rendered other vehicular traffic impossible and where the position and traces of the vehicles and objects have been marked beforehand in the presence of witnesses.

 (7) A driver involved in a traffic accident must not consume alcohol and other substances causing narcotic or psychotropic intoxication until the police have ascertained the circumstances of the traffic accident at the site of the traffic accident, except for medicinal products containing narcotic or psychotropic substances administered at the site of the event by the ambulance crew providing first aid or by the orders of another health by way of emergence care.

 (8) In the event of a traffic accident involving a self-driving delivery robot, the controller or user of the self-driving delivery robot must take adequate measures to ensure the stopping of the self-driving delivery robot and that the self-driving delivery robot does not pose any further danger. Where a person has been injured or killed in a traffic accident and the controller of a self-driving delivery robot can directly realise it via the self-driving delivery robot's camera or other similar device, the controller or user of the self-driving delivery robot must notify the Alarm Centre thereof and follow the instructions received from there.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 7 – entry into force 14.07.2017]

§ 170.  Rescue operations

 (1) Rescue work at the scene of a traffic accident is performed by the Rescue Board in accordance with the Rescue Act.
[RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (2) An ambulance crew provides medical assistance at the site of a traffic accident in accordance with the Health Care Services Organisation Act.

 (3) Transportation of the deceased from the site of a traffic accident is organised by the police.

 (4) Where the driver of a vehicle is killed in a traffic accident or is taken to the hospital due to their injury, the transportation of the vehicle from the site of the traffic accident is arranged and the preservation thereof is ensured by the police.

§ 171.  Identification of circumstances of and keeping records on traffic accident

 (1) Traffic accidents are registered by:
 1) the Police and Border Guard Board;
[RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2012]
 2) an insurer engaged in compulsory motor insurance or the motor insurance fund specified in § 10 of the Motor Insurance Act;
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]
 3) a provider of health care services operating on the basis of an activity licence;
 4) a family doctor operating on the basis of a practice list.

 (2) The procedure for informing of a traffic accident and registration, formalisation, identification of circumstances and keeping of records on traffic accidents is established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

§ 1711.  Database of traffic accidents

 (1) The database of traffic accidents is a database established by the minister in charge of the policy sector for the purpose of ensuring the collection and availability of information required for making the national traffic safety policy as well as for traffic safety related development and research.

 (2) The data entered in the database of traffic accidents has an informative and statistical meaning.

 (3) Every person has the right to access all their data free of charge.

 (4) Every person has the right to access statistically processed non-personalised data contained in the database of traffic accidents.

 (5) The Transport Administration is the chief processor of the database of traffic accidents.

 (6) The Police and Border Guard Board and the Motor Insurance Fund submit data to the database of traffic accidents regarding the circumstances of traffic accidents as well as the drivers and vehicles involved in traffic accidents. In addition, the Police and Border Guard submits information to the database of traffic accidents on road users involved in traffic accidents and on casualties or injured persons.

 (7) A more detailed composition of the information to be submitted, which is specified in subsection 6 of this section, is determined by a regulation specified in subsection 9 of this section.

 (8) The database of traffic accidents contains personalised data until the purpose of processing personalised data has been attained, after which personalised data are coded.

 (9) The statutes of maintenance of the database of traffic accidents are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 172.  Expert committee

 (1) The minister in charge of the policy sector may set up expert committees in order to ascertain and generalise the causes of traffic accidents and to develop proposals for ensuring road traffic safety.

 (2) An expert committee has the right to examine materials prepared on a traffic accident, identify the circumstances of the traffic accident, prepare generalisations, and make proposals for the improvement of road traffic safety, elimination of the causes and mitigation of the consequences of traffic accidents.

Chapter 11 MOTOR REGISTER AND REGISTER FOR VEHICLES OF ESTONIAN DEFENCE FORCES AND ESTONIAN DEFENCE LEAGUE  

§ 173.  Motor register

 (1) The motor register is a database established by the Government of the Republic for the purpose of maintaining records on vehicles, ships with the total length of less than 12 metres and personal watercraft, driving licences and other documents certifying the right to drive, digital tachograph cards, professional training of drivers and registered securities over movables.

 (2) The statutes of the motor register are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

 (3) The chief processor of the motor register is the Transport Administration (hereinafter registrar).

 (4) The controller of the motor register has the right to use persons’ contact details for carrying out surveys related to public services provided by the Transport Administration and for sending to persons notifications related to the activities of the Transport Administration such as, for instance, expiry of the validity of a driving license, arrival of the vehicle’s upcoming roadworthiness test deadline and other similar situations.
[RT I, 13.03.2019, 2 – entry into force 15.03.2019]

§ 174.  Databases of motor register

 (1) The motor register is composed of:
 1) vehicle database;
 2) database of recreational craft, ships with the total length of less than 12 metres and personal watercraft;
 3) database of driving licences and other documents certifying the right to drive;
 4) database of certificates of skippers of recreational craft and operators of personal watercraft;
 5) database of cards of digital tachographs;
 6) database of professional training of drivers.

 (2) In the vehicle database, records are maintained on motor vehicles, trailers and off-road vehicles specified in § 158 of this Act, which are registered in Estonia, the owners and authorised users thereof, data on the roadworthiness testing and special system roadworthiness testing of vehicles, manufacturer’s corrective measures and application thereof, restrictions on the use and disposal of the vehicles, notes on handing vehicles over to enforcement agents and registered securities over motor vehicles, trailers and off-road vehicles.
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 8 – entry into force 01.01.2022, amended [RT I, 30.03.2021, 1]]

 (21) The vehicle database also keeps account of motor vehicles and their trailers registered in Estonia, which have been temporarily deleted or whose register entry has been suspended.
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

 (3) In the database of recreational craft, ships with the total length of less than 12 metres and personal watercraft, records are maintained on recreational craft, ships with the total length of less than 12 metres and personal watercraft complying with the requirements of the Maritime Safety Act, which are registered in Estonia, the owners and authorised users thereof, restrictions on the use and disposal thereof and notes on handing them over to enforcement agents.
[RT I, 19.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (4) In the database of driving licences and other documents certifying the right to drive, records are maintained on the granting, suspension, withdrawal, revocation and restoration of the right to drive, as well as driving licences issued in Estonia and other documents certifying the right to drive.

 (5) In the database of certificates of skippers of recreational craft and operators of personal watercraft, records are maintained on the granting, suspension, withdrawal, revocation and restoration of the right to drive, and also documents certifying the right to drive issued in Estonia.

 (6) In the database of digital tachograph cards, records are maintained on the granting, suspension, withdrawal, revocation and restoration of driver cards and workshop cards, as well as the granting and revocation of inspection cards and undertaking cards.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (7) In the database of professional training of drivers, records are maintained on the professional training of drivers in accordance with the Road Transport Act.

§ 175.  Persons who submit information to motor register

 (1) The following persons submit information to the motor register:
 1) the owner of a vehicle, recreational craft, ship with the total length of less than 12 metres or personal watercraft or the representative;
 2) an applicant for the right to drive or a driving licence;
 3) an administrative authority or agency or court upon suspension or withdrawal and revocation of the right to drive;
 4) a person entitled to apply restrictions on disposal;
 5) a training provider of motor vehicle drivers upon the submission of study groups and lists of trainees who have completed the training;
 6) a training provider of instructors of motor vehicle drivers upon the submission of lists of trainees who have completed the instructor training for motor vehicle drivers;
 7) a training and examination agency for skippers of recreational craft and operators of personal watercraft;
 71) authorities authorised to examine cyclists and light moped riders;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 8) a person conducting the roadworthiness testing of vehicles, recreational craft, ships with the total length of less than 12 metres or personal watercraft;
 81) authorities or undertakings regarding the information concerning the kilometrage of the vehicle;
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]
 9) an examiner of the state of health of drivers;
 10) an applicant for a digital tachograph card or their representative;
 11) an applicant for a professional training certificate or their representative;
 12) an applicant for a recreational craft skipper certificate or a personal watercraft operator certificate;
 13) a competent authority of the member states of the European Union or the European Economic Area;
 14) the authorised processor of the motor insurance register on the data of vehicles and trailers destroyed due to insured events of motor insurance and vehicle insurance entered in the motor insurance register;
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]
 141) the maker of the motor vehicle or its trailer, its official representative or importer on corrective measures and application thereof;
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 8 – entry into force 01.01.2022]
 15) other agencies and persons on the grounds arising from law.

 (2) In order to perform the duties provided in this Act, the registrar has the right to submit enquiries and receive information from the criminal records database, the population register, the database of identity documents and other state or municipality databases.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (3) The persons who submit information specified in subsection 1 of this section must submit truthful information on the conditions and in accordance with the procedure provided for in legislation. Where the registrar has doubts about the accuracy of the documents submitted by the person submitting information specified in subsection 1, the registrar has the right to confiscate the documents and submit them to the competent state authority for inspection.

 (4) The registrar has the right to take biometric data and process these in the course of the proceedings related to the application and issue of the documents certifying the right to drive. For the purposes of this Act, biometric data means the face image, fingerprint images, the signature or the signature image and eye iris images.

 (5) An agency, a body conducting extra-judicial proceedings or the court that has made a decision to withdraw the right to drive a vehicle or tram from a person, sends a copy of the decision or submits the data in electronic form to the registrar at the latest on the working day following the entry into force of the decision.

 (6) The examiner of the state of health of a driver sends the data of the health certificate of the driver to the registrar by the end of the next working day at the latest.

§ 176.  Information entered in register on registered security over movables

  The following information is entered in the register on a registered security over movables:
 1) name and date of birth of the pledgee, registry code of a legal person. The registry code does not have to be indicated where the person is not subject to entry in a public register;
 2) the monetary value of the registered security over movables;
 3) the ranking of the registered security over movables;
 4) other information provided by a statute.

§ 177.  Making entry on registered security over movables

 (1) An entry is made in the motor register regarding a registered security over movables on the basis of a written application of the person entered in the motor register as the owner of the vehicle, which is accompanied by the written agreement on establishing the registered security over movables.

 (2) The person entered in the motor register as the owner may withdraw the application until an order on entry has been made on it. To withdraw the application, an application in the same form as the original application must be made to the registrar, indicating the reason for withdrawing the application.

 (3) A state fee must be paid for making, amending and deleting an entry on a registered security over movables.

§ 178.  Presumption of accuracy of information entered on registered security over movables

 (1) The information entered in the motor register on a registered security over movables is presumed accurate.

 (2) When an entry concerning a registered security over movables is deleted from the motor register, the right of security is deemed terminated.

§ 179.  Order on entry of registered security over movables

 (1) An application on a registered security over movables is settled by an order on entry and an entry is made on the basis thereof.

 (2) Where there is a deficiency in an application that prevents making the entry or where a required document is missing and the deficiency can obviously be eliminated, the registrar grants a term for the elimination of the deficiency. Where the deficiency is not eliminated by the expiry of the term, the registrar denies the application by an order on entry.

 (3) Where an entry application is granted in full, an entry is made in the register without drafting a separate order on entry. In such an event, the contents of the entry are deemed the order on entry.

 (4) Where the registrar grants an application in part, they make an entry on the satisfied part and an order on entry on denying the remaining part.

§ 180.  Making entry regarding registered security over movables

  An order on entry and an entry are made without delay, unless otherwise provided by a statute.

§ 181.  Filing appeal against order on entry of registered security over movables

 (1) A person concerned can file an appeal against an order on entry by which an entry application was denied or granted in part as well as against an order by which the term for eliminating deficiencies was granted for a period exceeding six months.

 (2) The appeal must be filed with the registrar in writing within 15 days from the delivery of the order, but not later than within five months from making the order on entry.

§ 182.  Appeal proceedings

 (1) The registrar decides the acceptance of the appeal without delay after the receipt of the appeal. The registrar verifies whether the appeal is admissible under law and whether the appeal has been filed in accordance with the requirements provided by the law and within the required time limit.

 (2) An appeal must comply with the requirements for filing an appeal with the circuit court as provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure.

 (3) The registrar does not have to separately formalise the acceptance of an appeal or notify thereof separately.

 (4) An appeal may be filed against an order by which the acceptance of an appeal is refused. An order made by a circuit court regarding an appeal against an order is not subject to appeal.

 (5) Where the registrar finds an appeal justified, they grant the appeal by an order. Where the registrar finds that the appeal can be granted only in part, they deny the appeal.

 (6) Where the registrar does not grant an appeal within five days, they without delay submit it together with the annexes and related procedural documents to the county court of the location of the registrar for review and settlement. No separate order needs to be made in the event of denying an appeal and it does not need to be forwarded to the parties to the proceedings.

 (7) The county court reviews an appeal submitted by the registrar, applying the provisions of the Code of Civil Procedure, which regulate orders on entry.

§ 183.  Amending incorrect entry on registered security over movables

 (1) The registrar corrects the spelling mistakes of no legal significance on its own initiative.

 (2) The registrar amends an entry where the order on entry serving as the basis for the entry has been quashed or revised.

§ 184.  Access to information entered in motor register

 (1) The extent of access granted to information entered in the motor register and access restrictions are provided for by a statute.

 (2) Everyone has the right to access any and all information in the register, which relates to them.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (3) Information entered in the motor register is public, expect for:
 1) data of natural and legal persons;
 2) numbers of registration certificates;
 3) registration numbers;
 4) identification numbers (VIN, TIN, HIN and CIN);
 5) information relating to health certificates and examinations.

 (4) In the event of a justified legitimate interest, the restricted access information specified in subsection 3 of this section may be given to third parties. A justified legitimate interest is identified and the disclosure of data is decided by the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 13.03.2019, 2 – entry into force 15.03.2019]

 (5) State authorities and municipalities, notaries, enforcement agents, assistant police officers and the motor insurance fund specified in § 10 of the Motor Insurance Act have the right to access information required for the performance of their duties provided by a statute. Persons performing public duties under a public law contract with a state authority or municipality have the right to access information required for performance of their public duties.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 6 – entry into force 22.03.2015]

 (6) Insurers engaged in motor insurance and motor vehicle insurance have access to the data in the databases of the motor register specified in clause 1 of subsection 1 of § 174 and clause 3 of subsection 1 of § 174 of this Act for provision of insurance services. For provision of insurance services, an insurer has the right to process the personal data of a data subject (customer) without their consent for the purpose of assessing the insurance risk, concluding insurance contracts, performing an insurance contract and ensuring the performance thereof.

 (61) For the purpose of gathering evidence in vehicle, off-road vehicle or watercraft registration proceedings, proceedings of granting the right to drive, proceedings of granting the right to access an area designated for official use and proceedings involving the verification of the validity of a right granted to a person, a foreign state authority has the right to access data entered in the motor register, including personal data. The disclosure of the data is decided by the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 13.03.2019, 2 – entry into force 15.03.2019]

 (62) For the purpose of performance of its duties and obligations provided by a statute or in the legislation of the European Union, in particular, for the purpose of application of corrective measures or recovery of vehicles, the manufacturer of a motor vehicle or its trailer, off-road vehicle or watercraft has the right to access personal data entered in the motor register.
[RT I, 13.03.2019, 2 – entry into force 15.03.2019]

 (7) The data on restrictions set on the use and disposal of motor vehicles, trailers, off-road vehicles, recreational craft, ships with an overall length of less than 12 metres and personal watercraft registered in Estonia is public.

 (8) Information on registered securities over movables entered in the motor register regarding vehicles is public. To see the information on registered securities over movables, the knowledge of the registration number of the vehicle or the name of the person entered in the motor register as the owner of the vehicle is sufficient. No one can excuse themselves by claiming that they did not know the information on registered securities over movables entered in the motor register.

 (9) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2019, 2 – entry into force 15.03.2019]

 (91) The competent authority of a Member State of the European Union designated for exchanging national registration data of vehicles has the right to access the data related to a vehicle and the data of the owner, authorised user or user of the vehicle. The purpose of granting access is the facilitation of proceedings relating to offences and cross-border information exchange specified in subsection 2 of § 2003 of this Act.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

 (92) In the event of an enquiry specified in subsection 3 of § 2003 of this Act, every person has the right to receive information on which of their personal data was sent to the competent authority of a Member State of the European Union for the purpose of exchange of national registration data of vehicles on the basis of subsection 91 of this section. Upon provision of information, the person is also informed of the date of the enquiry and the data of the enquirer.
[RT I, 14.02.2014, 1 – entry into force 24.02.2014]

 (10) Via the website of the Transport Administration an electronic application can be submitted for the electronic issue of the data of a vehicle, off-road vehicle or watercraft, verification of the compliance with the roadworthiness requirements and restrictions as well as the validity of a driving licence or the existence of the right to drive.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (11) In the event of submission of an application specified in subsection 10 of this section, the data of the motor register provided for in clauses 2 to 4 of subsection 3 of this section are public as well.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (12) The data of the motor register is issued for performing a statutory function or on the basis of an application specified in subsection 10 of this section, another one-off application or a contract concluded between the Transport Administration and a respective person. A state fee must be paid for issuing data from the motor register on the basis of a document or another one-off application.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (13) The procedure for accessing the electronic data of the motor register is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 185.  Register of vehicles belonging to the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League

 (1) On the motor vehicles and trailers thereof, including off-road vehicles and trailers thereof and tractors, mobile machinery and trailers thereof used by the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League, which are not entered in the motor register, records are maintained in the register of vehicles belonging to the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League.

 (2) The register of vehicles belonging to the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League is a database that is established by and the statutes for the maintaining of which are established by the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (3) The chief processor of the register of vehicles belonging to the Estonian Defence Forces and the Estonian Defence League is the Ministry of Defence.

Chapter 12 ORGANISATION OF PARKING  

§ 186.  Organisation of parking

 (1) Parking must be organised in such a manner that does not disturb or endanger traffic or disturb people in residential areas as a result of motor vehicle exhaust gases and noise.

 (2) The road owner or the person responsible for road management who organises parking may have a vehicle that is parked in such a way that it disturbs or endangers traffic relocated to a guarded storage facility on the conditions and in accordance with the procedure specified in § 92 of this Act.

 (3) The road owner or the person responsible for the organisation of road management who organises parking may use a traffic sign indicating the impounding of vehicles to mark an area for safety reasons or to prevent a threat caused to public interest.

 (4) Parking is organised by the road owner or the person responsible for the organisation of road management by means of road signs, road markings and other traffic control devices.

 (5) The road owner or the person responsible for the organisation of road management may charge a fee for parking. Paid parking in the public parking areas of municipalities is organised in accordance with the provisions of §§ 187 to 190 of this Act.

§ 187.  Parking charge

 (1) The municipality may establish paid parking areas in their public parking areas, within the boundaries of which the drivers of a motor vehicle is required to pay parking charges for their motor vehicle and its trailer.

 (2) The council of a municipality establishes the following by a regulation:
 1) paid parking areas;
 2) the rate or differentiated rates of parking charges;
 3) benefits applicable upon payment of parking charges and the events of exemption from payment thereof.

 (3) The rural municipality or town administration organises parking in the paid parking areas of the municipality. The municipality may assign, under a public law contract, the monitoring of parking and of payment of parking charges, and imposition of parking fines, the forwarding of the third copies of parking fine decisions and the submission of parking fine decisions for compulsory enforcement specified in § 188 of this Act to a legal person in private law. A legal person in private law participates in the proceedings through its employees to whom the provisions concerning officials provided by this Act extend.

 (4) The driver of a motor vehicle and its trailer must pay parking charges before or directly after parking commences. After the driver of a motor vehicle has displayed the time when parking commences in writing or on a parking clock, the duty to pay the parking charge arises after 15 minutes from time when parking commenced, unless the municipal council has established a longer term.

 (5) The document proving the right of parking must be placed on the front windscreen or dashboard of the motor vehicle in such a manner that the paid parking time or validity of the document can be verified from outside the motor vehicle. In the event of parking a trailer, the document proving the right of parking must be placed on the drawbar so that the paid parking time or validity of the document can be verified. The parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people must be placed in accordance with the provisions of subsection 1 of § 68 of this Act.

 (6) Parking charges are paid to the budget of the municipality that established the charges.

§ 188.  Parking fine

 (1) A parking officer makes a decision to impose a parking fine (hereinafter parking fine decision) where:
 1) the parking charge is not paid or is paid at a lower rate;
 2) the paid parking time has been exceeded;
 3) the document proving the right to paid parking has not been filled in correctly; or
 4) the document proving the right to paid parking has not been placed in accordance with the provisions of subsection 5 of § 187 of this Act.

 (2) A parking fine must be paid by the owner of the motor vehicle or its trailer. Where the authorised user of a motor vehicle or its trailer has been entered in the motor register, the parking fine must be paid by the authorised user.

 (3) A parking fine decision is made in three original copies of which the one remains with the parking officer, one is given to the driver of the motor vehicle or the user of the trailer thereof or affixed to the vehicle or its trailer in a weatherproof envelope at the place where it is clearly visible and one is delivered to the owner or user of the vehicle and its trailer within five days to the e-mail address which the person specified in subsection 2 of this section has communicated to the motor register, traffic insurance register or population register. Where the recipient does not, within five days from sending a parking fine decision transmitted electronically, confirm the receipt or where their e-mail address is not known, the provisions of Chapter 4 of the Taxation Act apply to the delivery after the parking fine has not been paid by the term specified in the given to the driver of the motor vehicle or user of its trailer or affixed to the motor vehicle or its trailer.

 (4) A parking fine decision must set out:
 1) the given name, surname and official title of the official who made the decision;
 2) the name and contact details of the agency in whose name the decision is made;
 3) where the decision is made by an employee of a legal person in private law, the name, registry code and contact details of the legal person in private law;
 4) the place, date and time of making the decision;
 5) the type, make and registration number of the motor vehicle or its trailer;
 6) a brief description of the circumstances that constitute the basis for making the decision;
 7) the legal basis for making the decision;
 8) the imposed parking fine;
 9) the term for payment of the parking fine;
 10) a notice communicating the fact that the decision is delivered to the address of the owner or user of the motor vehicle;
 11) a warning concerning the commencement of compulsory enforcement proceedings in the event of failure to comply with the decision;
 12) the possibility and term of and procedure for contesting the decision.

 (5) A parking fine decision delivered to the owner or user of a motor vehicle or its trailer must specify, in addition to the information provided in subsection 4 of this section, also the name, personal identification code or registry code and the address of the residence or seat of the owner or user of the motor vehicle.

 (6) A payment order of the parking fine that sets out the bank account number where the parking fine must be paid and the reference number is appended to the parking fine decision.

 (7) Where a motor vehicle or its trailer is not removed from the paid parking area, the parking official has the right to make, after no sooner than twenty-four hours, another parking fine decision.

 (8) The rate of the parking fine must not exceed 31 euros per one twenty-four hour period. The rate or, where appropriate, the differentiated rates of the parking fine are established by the municipal council. The provisions of subsection 2 of § 98 of the Taxation Act apply to the limitation period for imposition of parking fines.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (9) The term of payment of a parking fine must not be less than fourteen days after the date of delivery of the parking fine decision to the owner or user of a motor vehicle or its trailer.

 (10) A parking fine is paid to the budget of the municipality that established the fine.

§ 189.  Payment and contestation of parking fines

 (1) A parking fine is deemed to be paid on time where has accrued to the bank account specified in the parking fine decision by the due date.

 (2) Where a person specified in subsection 2 of § 188 of this Act finds that their rights have been violated by a parking fine decision, they may file an intra-authority appeal with the rural municipality or town administration or an appeal with an administrative court against the decision.

 (3) In the event of failure to pay a parking fine by the due date, the municipality may submit the claim for payment of the parking fine to an enforcement agent for immediate compulsory execution on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Code of Enforcement Procedure.

 (4) The provisions of § 132 of the Taxation Act regarding the compulsory enforcement of other financial liabilities collectible by the tax authority apply to the expiry of the time limit of compulsory enforcement of a parking fine. The claim for a parking fine subject to payment expires where the parking fine has not been claimed within four years as of making the decision on the parking fine.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

§ 190.  Relocation of parked vehicle in exceptional circumstances

 (1) In exceptional circumstances caused by rapidly changing weather conditions, the need to perform operational tasks or any other need to alter the road traffic rules, the organisation of parking may be changed.

 (2) The Rescue Board has the right to relocate vehicles from the area where it is necessary to perform rescue or explosives removal work.
[RT I, 29.12.2011, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2012]

 (3) Where the organisation of parking is changed due to exceptional circumstances, the official who regulates parking documents the vehicles that have been parked legitimately and they are relocated to a guarded storage facility in accordance with the procedure provided for in § 92 of this Act.

 (4) An agency organising towing and storage informs the owner or authorised user of the relocated vehicle or the police as soon as possible.

 (5) Towing and storage charges are paid by the agency that organises parking or relocation.

Chapter 121 ROAD TOLL  
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 - entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1901.  Road toll

 (1) The road toll is a pecuniary obligation the payment of which gives a person the right to use a public road with a vehicle specified in § 1902 of this Act during a specific period.

 (2) The period of use of a public road by a truck and its trailer which are liable to the road toll starts as of the moment of payment of the road toll, unless the payer of the road toll has not delayed the start of the period.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1902.  Object of road toll

  The road toll is paid for a truck with a maximum mass of over 3,500 kilograms and its trailer.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1903.  Road toll rate

 (1) The road toll rate depends on the maximum mass of the truck and its trailer, the number of axles and the exhaust gas class of the truck.

 (11) A truck belonging to the EURO 0, EURO I, EURO II, EURO III, EURO IV, EURO V, EEV or EURO VI exhaust gas class is a truck having a maximum mass of more than 3,500 kg and the exhaust gas class of which corresponds to that laid down in Annex 0 to Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the charging of vehicles for the use of road infrastructures (OJ L 187, 20.7.1999, pp 42–50).
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (2) The road toll is calculated on the basis of the data of the motor register. Where the motor register has no data, the road toll rate is calculated on the basis of the data given by payer of the road toll. Upon absence of data in the motor register, the driver must prove the data serving as the basis for the road toll rate on the road on the basis of the registration certificate or the data given by the manufacturer, its official representative or the importer. Where the exhaust gas class of the truck cannot be identified, the road toll is calculated based on the truck exhaust class EURO 0.

 (3) Where the total of the maximum masses of a truck with a maximum mass of over 3,500 kilograms and its trailer does not exceed 12,000 kilograms, the road toll rates per each exhaust class and number of axles are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 13 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the 7-day rate is 34 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 3) the 30-day rate is 68 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 4) the 90-day rate is 170 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 5) the 365-day rate is 680 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (4) Where the truck and its trailer have up to three axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO 0, EURO I or EURO II, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 24 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the 7-day rate is 60 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 3) the 30-day rate is 120 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 4) the 90-day rate is 300 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 5) the 365-day rate is 1,200 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024].

 (5) Where the truck and its trailer have at least four axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO 0, EURO I or EURO II, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 40 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the 7-day rate is 100 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 3) the 30-day rate is 200 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 4) the 90-day rate is 500 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 5) the 365-day rate is 2,000 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (6) Where the truck and its trailer have up to three axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO III, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 18 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the 7-day rate is 45 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 3) the 30-day rate is 90 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 4) the 90-day rate is 225 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 5) the 365-day rate is 900 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (7) Where the truck and its trailer have at least four axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO III, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 30 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the 7-day rate is 75 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 3) the 30-day rate is 150 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 4) the 90-day rate is 375 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 5) the 365-day rate is 1,500 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (8) Where the truck and its trailer have up to three axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO IV, EURO V or EEV, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 16 euros;
 2) the 7-day rate is 40 euros;
 3) the 30-day rate is 80 euros;
 4) the 90-day rate is 200 euros;
 5) the 365-day rate is 800 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (9) Where the truck and its trailer have at least four axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO IV, EURO V or EEV, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 26 euros;
 2) the 7-day rate is 65 euros;
 3) the 30-day rate is 130 euros;
 4) the 90-day rate is 325 euros;
 5) the 365-day rate is 1,300 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (10) Where the truck and its trailer have up to three axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO IV or to a less polluting EURO-exhaust gas class, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 14 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the 7-day rate is 35 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 3) the 30-day rate is 70 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 4) the 90-day rate is 175 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 5) the 365-day rate is 700 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (11) Where the truck and its trailer have at least four axles, the total of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer is over 12,000 kilograms and the truck belongs to the exhaust gas class EURO IV or to a less polluting EURO-exhaust gas class, the road toll rates are as follows:
 1) the 24-hour rate is 22 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the 7-day rate is 55 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 3) the 30-day rate is 110 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 4) the 90-day rate is 275 euros;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 5) the 365-day rate is 1,100 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

§ 1904.  Payment of road toll

 (1) The owner of the truck is obligated to pay the road toll. Where the authorised user of the truck has been entered in the motor register, the authorised user is required to pay the road toll.

 (2) Where the road toll has not been paid, the driver is prohibited to start driving.

 (3) The Transport Administration allows for paying the road toll at any time of the day. The Transport Administration may outsource the duty to organise payment of the road toll to a legal person governed by private law under an administrative contract concluded between the Transport Administration, the Tax and Customs Board and the legal person.

 (4) The Transport Administration exercises administrative supervision over the performance of the administrative duty specified in subsection 3 of this section. The Transport Administration without delay takes measures to ensure that the administrative duty is performed where the administrative contract is terminated unilaterally or there is another reason which prevents continued performance of the administrative duty.

 (5) Where the Transport Administration has transferred the duty to organise the manners of payment of the road toll to a legal person governed by private law, it may be agreed on in the administrative contract that the performer of the duty adds justified costs related to the performance of the duty and a reasonable business profit to the road toll (hereinafter service fee). The amount of the service fee is specified in the administrative contract.

 (6) The payer of the road toll pays it to the Tax and Customs Board or to the legal person governed by private law specified in subsection 3 of this section who, in turn, transfers the collected road toll to the Tax and Customs Board.

 (7) The date of payment of the road toll is the date of payment of the amount payable to the designated account or to the cash register of the tax authority in cash or the date when the payment authorisation data reach the tax authority or the date when the legal person specified in subsection 3 of this section confirms the data related to the road toll in the road toll database.

 (8) The road toll accrues to the legal person specified in subsection 3 of this section.

 (9) The procedure for payment of the road toll and service fee and the procedure for refunding the road toll are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector and the maximum permitted rate of the road toll specified in subsection 5 of this section may be established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1905.  Exemption from road toll

  The following are exempt from the road toll:
 1) a truck and its trailer, which belong to the Defence Forces, the Defence League, foreign armed forces, the Police and Border Guard Board or a rescue service agency;
 2) a truck and its trailer, which belong to a provider of international aid;
 3) a truck and its trailer, which belong to a municipality, non-profit association, foundation or undertaking and which are used mainly for rescue work;
 4) a vintage vehicle within the meaning of § 83 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1906.  Refund of road toll

 (1) The person required to pay the road toll can apply to the Transport Administration for a refund of the road toll for the unused period or for the period of use of a vehicle for the purpose specified in clause 4 of subsection 2 of this section in the case of payment of the 90-day rate or 365-day rate.

 (2) A refund of the road toll can be applied for regarding a truck and its trailer in the following events:
 1) the truck has been deleted or temporarily deleted from the motor register or the relevant register of another country;
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]
 2) the registry entry of the truck has been suspended;
 3) change of the owner or authorised user of the truck;
 4) a national defence task or work obligation imposed under the National Defence Act has been performed with the truck.
[RT I, 10.03.2022, 1 – entry into force 21.03.2022]

 (3) An application for a refund of the road toll may be submitted within three months after the emergence of the ground specified in subsection 2 of this section.

 (4) To calculate the amount to be refunded, the number of unused days following a registry entry made in the events specified in subsection 2 of this section is divided by the number of days of the right to use the road and multiplied by the amount of the paid road toll.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1907.  Use of funds earned from road toll

  The funds that have accrued to the state budget from the road toll are used for maintenance of the transport infrastructure.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1908.  Road toll authority

 (1) In connection with the road toll, the Tax and Customs Board performs all the duties of the tax authority under the Taxation Act, except for the duties places within the competence of the Transport Administration under this Act.

 (2) The Transport Administration calculates the amount of the road toll payable for and refundable to a truck and its trailer.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 1909.  Road toll database

 (1) Data related to the road toll is gathered to the road toll database in order to keep account of payment of the road toll and make the payment of road toll and the exercising of supervision over it easier.

 (2) The Transport Administration is the chief processor of the road toll database.

 (3) Data proving the performance of the duty to pay the road roll has a legal meaning.

 (4) The data of the road toll database is not public, except for the following data:
 1) the registration number of the truck;
 2) the total amount of the maximum masses of the truck and its trailer;
 3) the exhaust gas class of the truck;
 4) the number of axles of the truck and its trailer;
 5) the period for which the road toll has been paid;
 6) the start of the period of validity of the road toll.

 (5) The road toll database is established and its statutes are adopted by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 19010.  Exchange of data between Transport Administration and Tax and Customs Board

  The Transport Administration sends to the Tax and Customs Board data on the road toll payable and refundable, which the Tax and Customs Board requires for performing the duties established in the Taxation Act. The Tax and Customs Board communicates to the Transport Administration information on road toll payments and refunds.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 19011.  State supervision of payment of road toll

 (1) The Transport Administration, the Tax and Customs Board and the Police and Border Guard Board exercise state supervision over performance of the duty to pay the road toll provided for in this Act.

 (2) A law enforcement authority may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this section, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 32 and 45 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

§ 19012.  Variations of state supervision of payment of road toll

 (1) Where a truck for which no road toll has been paid enters Estonia across its border, the law enforcement authority sends the truck to the nearest road toll sales point.

 (2) Where no road toll has been paid for a truck and its trailer using a public road, the law enforcement authority has the right to remove the driver from the vehicle on the ground and in accordance with the procedure provided for in § 91 of this Act until the road toll has been paid.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

Chapter 122 ECONOMIC ACTIVITY REQUIREMENTS FOR LEASING OR RENTING OUT PERSONAL LIGHT ELECTRIC VEHICLES, LIGHT MOPEDS AND CYCLES  
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 - entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 19013.  Marking of leased or rented personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds and cycles

  A local authority may establish by a regulation the requirement that undertakings engaged in leasing or renting out personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds or cycles are required to mark the leased or rented vehicles with a clearly legible identification number and the telephone number and business name of the leasing or renting undertaking.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 19014.  Requirements for leasing or renting out personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds and cycles

 (1) A local authority may establish by a regulation the following in respect of the undertakings’ economic activities of leasing or renting out personal light electric vehicles, light mopeds and cycles:
 1) the technical requirements for leased or rented vehicles, which make it possible to impose geographical, time, speed and parking restrictions on the use of the vehicle;
 2) the areas where the undertaking must limit the parking possibilities of the vehicle by means of the technical features of the vehicle;
 3) the areas where, and the days and times when, the undertaking must limit the speed of the vehicle by means of the technical features of the vehicle;
 4) the requirements for the use of parking places.

 (2) When establishing the requirements specified in subsection 1 of this section, the local authority shall take into account the traffic management and traffic conditions in the area in order to ensure the safety of persons, property and the environment. The applicability of the requirements may be made dependent on the type of vehicle, the number of vehicles leased or rented out by the undertaking, the length of the rental or leasing period or any other characteristic of the rental or leasing service.

 (3) An undertaking must notify the local authority immediately of any changes in the circumstances specified in subsection 2 of this section which affect the applicability of the requirements specified in subsection 1. A list of the circumstances to be notified is established by a regulation of the local authority.

 (4) In the event specified in clause 3 of subsection 1 of this section, the local authority may limit the vehicle speed to up to 10 kilometres per hour.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 19015.  State supervision over compliance with economic activity requirements

 (1) State supervision over the requirements established on the basis of §§ 19013 and 19014 of this Act is exercised by the local authority.

 (2) The local authority may, for the purpose of exercising the state supervision provided for in this Act, take special measures of state supervision provided for in §§ 30, 49, 52 and 53 of the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

Chapter 13 EXERCISE OF STATE AUTHORITY IN EVENT OF ACTS RELATING TO VEHICLES AND DRIVING LICENCES  

§ 191.  Exercise of state authority in event of acts relating to vehicles and driving licences

 (1) The minister in charge of the policy sector may authorise the Transport Administration to enter into public law contracts with companies to inspect the roadworthiness and fitness for service of motor vehicles, trams, their trailers and off-road vehicles. The obligations of the company and the liability for roadworthiness testing, the fee charged for the roadworthiness testing, the conditions of the reports submitted to the Transport Administration on the conducted roadworthiness testing and the conditions of and grounds for amending the contract are specified as the obligatory terms and conditions of the contract.

 (11) The minister in charge of the policy sector may authorise the Transport Administration to conclude a cooperation agreement with a competent authority of another Member State of the European Union for the purpose of recognising the roadworthiness tests of motor vehicles and their trailers registered in the motor register. The Transport Administration may conclude a cooperation agreement where requirements that are at least equivalent to those established in this Act and legislation based thereon are in force in the relevant Member State with regard to roadworthiness inspectors and roadworthiness tests.
[RT I, 15.03.2019, 1 – entry into force 25.03.2019]

 (2) Registration plates of motor vehicles, their trailers and off-road vehicles can be manufactured by a company holding a special or exclusive right for the purposes of the Competition Act. The minister in charge of the policy sector may authorise the Transport Administration to arrange a public competition for granting the special or exclusive right and to grant the special or exclusive right.

 (3) The Transport Administration may use technical equipment for online monitoring and recording of the taking of the traffic theory and driving tests required for obtaining the right to drive, and in the territory of the company specified in subsection 1 of this section and in the room where roadworthiness testing is conducted for the purpose of monitoring and recording roadworthiness testing. The recordings can be used for exercising state and administrative supervision and settling intra-authority appeals and complaints. The recordings are retained for at least one month, but not longer than one year.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (4) The procedure for the installation and use of the technical equipment specified in subsection 3 of this section and for processing the data is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

§ 192.  Requirements for companies inspecting compliance with roadworthiness testing of vehicles

 (1) Companies specified in subsection 1 of § 191 of this Act must comply with the following requirements:
 1) the company must be reliable;
 2) the members of the management board or supervisory board of the company must not have been penalised for a criminal offence, taking into account the terms for deletion of data specified in § 24 of the Criminal Records Database Act;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 3) the company has not significantly violated the public contracts concluded with it for conducting roadworthiness testing and it has not been declared bankrupt and no liquidation proceedings have been initiated against it and no other circumstances exist that could cause its permanent insolvency or winding-up;
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]
 4) the company does not have any non-staggered overdue state or local taxes, fees, fines or compulsory insurance premiums;
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]
 5) the premises and territory of the company comply with the requirements provided for in subsection 4 of this section;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 6) the equipment, supplies, instruments and inventory of the company comply with the requirements provided for in subsection 4 of this section;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 7) the employees of the company comply with the requirements provided for in § 74 of this Act;
 8) the company has the capacity to ensure that the quality of roadworthiness testing complies with the requirements provided for in subsection 4 of this section;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 9) the company must be a competent measurer for the purposes of the Metrology Act and hold a relevant professional competence certificate.

 (11) A company specified in subsection 1 of § 191 of this Act must ensure the objectiveness, safety, environmental friendliness and high quality of roadworthiness testing.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (2) The requirements of clauses 5 to 9 of subsection 1 of this section do not apply to a company conducting roadworthiness testing prior to registration.

 (3) A contract is not concluded or extended with a company not complying with the requirements provided for in subsection 1 or 11 of this section or whose contract specified in subsection 1 of § 191 of this Act has been terminated within the last two years before the conclusion of the contract due to a breach of contract committed by the company.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (4) Requirements for the quality, safety and environmental roadworthiness testing regarding the premises, territory, equipment, supplies, instruments and inventory and quality assurance facilities of a company specified in subsection 1 of § 191 of this Act are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

Chapter 14 TRAFFIC SUPERVISION  

§ 193.  Traffic supervision authority

 (1) Police officers, assistant police officers or other officials exercise traffic supervision within the competence granted to them by a statute and by the rural municipality or town administration over the fulfilment of the stopping and parking requirements in the territory of the municipality.

 (2) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (3) [Repealed – RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

§ 1931.  Participation of rural municipality or city governments in performance of traffic supervision duties

 (1) Rural municipality or city governments may participate in the performance of traffic supervision duties by installing automated traffic supervision systems in their administrative territory with an aim of detecting the violations provided in §§ 221 and 227 of this Act. Upon participation in the exercise of traffic supervision, the duties of rural municipality or city governments are to install, verify and maintain automated traffic supervision systems.

 (2) The participation of rural municipality or city governments shall be decided and the locations of automated traffic supervision systems shall be approved by the Police and Border Guard Board on the basis of a request of the rural municipality or city government. The Police and Border Guard Board shall have the locations of automated traffic supervision systems approved by the Transport Administration.

 (3) Rural municipality or city governments may install automated traffic supervision systems in the locations:
 1) where traffic hazard has been identified and where the supervision system would be used for the prevention and reduction of the traffic hazard;
 2) where safety cannot be increased by traffic management, road construction or other measures, the taking of such measures has not had the desirable effect or the costs of the measures or other appropriate solutions are unreasonably high compared to the costs of introducing and operating a supervision system.

 (4) The installed automated traffic supervision system must be technically compatible with the police database.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2024]

 (5) The requirements for the participation of rural municipality or city governments and the requirements for the installation and operation of automated traffic supervision systems of rural municipality or city governments shall be established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.

 (6) 50 per cent of the cautionary fines received in the state budget for traffic violations detected by means of automated traffic supervision systems installed by rural municipality or city governments are allocated to the budget of the local government that has installed the automated traffic supervision system by 20 January of the year following the calendar year of imposing the fine. The intended use of the funds shall be decided by the local government, using the allocated funds in particular for promoting traffic safety.

 (7) Rural municipality or city governments may decide not to participate in the performance of traffic supervision duties, notifying the Police and Border Guard Board thereof at least two months in advance.

 (8) The Police and Border Guard Board may refuse the participation of a rural municipality or city government in the performance of traffic supervision duties if the rural municipality or city government fails to comply with the requirements for the installation of automated traffic supervision systems provided in this section or established on the basis of subsection 5 of this section or if the Police and Border Guard Board lacks the capacity to conduct misdemeanour proceedings on traffic offences detected by means of an additionally installed automated traffic supervision system.

 (9) If a rural municipality or city government does not comply with the requirements for the installation and operation of automated traffic supervision systems provided in this section or established on the basis of subsection 5 of this section and therefore the automated traffic supervision system does not comply with the requirements or if a rural municipality or city government fails to submit documents attesting the conformity of the system, the operation of the automated traffic supervision system is suspended.

 (10) If the operation of an automated traffic supervision system is suspended in accordance with subsection 9 of this section, the Police and Border Guard Board shall set a term to the rural municipality or city government for elimination of the deficiencies underlying the suspension of operation. If the deficiencies are not eliminated within the prescribed term, the Police and Border Guard Board shall terminate the participation of the rural municipality or city government in the performance of traffic supervision duties.

 (11) Administrative supervision over compliance with the requirements for the installation and operation of automatic traffic supervision systems provided in this section and established on the basis of subsection 5 of this section is exercised by the Police and Border Guard Board.
[RT I, 22.12.2021, 1 – entry into force 01.03.2022]

§ 194.  Requirements for traffic supervision authority

 (1) The traffic supervision authority must be familiar with the requirements of traffic legislation and the procedure for traffic supervision as well as with the methods and forms of exercising traffic supervision.

 (2) The traffic supervision authority must be familiar with the instructions of use of the technical equipment used upon exercising supervision and have undergone training in the use of such equipment.

 (3) The requirements provided for in § 74 of this Act apply to the traffic supervision authority.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

§ 195.  Obligations of traffic supervision authority

  The traffic supervision authority must:
 1) ensure smooth traffic and the safety of road users;
 2) inspect the compliance with the traffic requirements established by or on the basis of Acts, prevent the violation of traffic requirements and identify the offenders;
 3) take measures to remove a traffic obstruction or risk, and in the event of the impossibility of the immediate removal of a traffic obstruction to take measures to mark it or place a barrier and to inform the road owner or a person responsible for the organisation of road management about the traffic obstruction;
 4) warn road users about possible obstructions and risks on the road;
 5) control traffic, where necessary;
 6) wear a uniform or a badge and be clearly visible to road users, except in the event of concealed traffic supervision, and to act understandably for road users.

§ 196.  Rights of traffic supervision authority

  [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 1961.  Special measures of traffic supervision

 (1) For the purpose of exercising traffic supervision, a police officer or an assistant police officer may take the special measures of state supervision specified in §§ 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 44, 45 and 49 of the Law Enforcement Act on the ground and in accordance with the procedure set out in the Law Enforcement Act. The Police and Border Guard may take a special measure of state supervision provided for in § 53 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 6 – entry into force 22.03.2015]

 (2) For the purpose of exercising traffic supervision, a rural municipality administration or a town administration may take the special measures of state supervision specified in §§ 30, 32 and 44 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure set out in the Law Enforcement Act. The rural municipality administration or the town administration may take a special measure of state supervision provided for in § 53 of the Law Enforcement Act on the grounds and in accordance with the procedure provided for in the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 6 – entry into force 22.03.2015]

§ 1962.  Specifics of traffic supervision

 (1) A police officer or an assistant police officer has the right to:
 1) in the event of suspicion regarding the health status, take a person to a provider of health services on the ground set out in § 70 of this Act;
 2) remove a person from driving a vehicle on the ground and in accordance with the procedure set out in § 91 of this Act;
 3) take a vehicle to a guarded place of storage or to a police authority on the ground and in accordance with the procedure set out in § 92 of this Act;
 4) verify the compliance with the requirements for the working, driving and rest time of the driver of a motor vehicle;
 41) where in the course of verification of data recorded by the tachograph sufficient evidence of the existence of a device that may disturb the operation of the tachograph has been found, refer the motor vehicle to an undertaking specified in subsection 1 of § 1311 of this Act for making a special test;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 42) where the data on the installation board is incorrect or the tachographs or its components do not comply with the requirements or it is obvious that that data of the tachograph has been manipulated or corrupted, remove the installation board of the tachograph from the motor vehicle;
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 5) where necessary or in the event of a threat, prohibit or limit traffic;
 6) use a traffic supervision device that records a motor vehicle and whose recording can be used for identifying the driver of the motor vehicle, where necessary. Recordings are preserved at least for one month, but no more than one year, unless these constitute evidence in offence proceedings;
 7) relocate vehicles on the ground and in accordance with the procedure set out in § 190 of this Act;
 8) verify the compliance of vehicles with the requirements of §§ 86 and 87 of this Act, and the compliance of motor vehicles, their trailers and off-road vehicles with the roadworthiness requirements;
 9) refer a motor vehicle or its trailer to a special roadworthiness test where upon roadside inspection in the course of traffic supervision a serious or dangerous fault or defect specified in subsection 71 of § 73 of this Act is detected and it cannot be eliminated on the spot;
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]
 10) take measurements in accordance with the Metrology Act.

 (2) A rural municipality administration or a town administration has the right to:
 1) take a vehicle to a guarded place of storage or to a police authority on the ground and in accordance with the procedure set out in § 92 of this Act;
 2) where necessary or in the event of a threat, prohibit or limit traffic.
[RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (3) In accordance with the procedure provided for in § 53 of the Law Enforcement Act, the Police and Border Guard may sell or destroy a vehicle towed away on the ground provided for in clause 3 of subsection 1 of this section and a rural municipality administration or a town administration may sell or destroy a vehicle towed away on the ground provided for in clause 1 of subsection 2 of this section. The Police and Border Guard Board and the rural municipal government or the town administration has the right to receive from the motor register and from the population register the address of the place of residence or seat, electronic mail address and telephone number of the owner or responsible user of the vehicle placed in a guarded place of storage or police facilities. The Police and Border Guard Board and the rural municipal government or the town administration informs the person by registered mail or by publishing a notice in the official publication Ametlikud Teadaanded in the events specified in § 53 of the Law Enforcement Act.
[RT I, 12.03.2015, 6 – entry into force 22.03.2015]

§ 197.  Liability of traffic supervision authority

  [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

§ 198.  Ways of exercising traffic supervision

  Traffic supervision is exercised on foot or in a vehicle, in moving or standing duty, using portable or fixed technical equipment.

§ 199.  Methods of exercising traffic supervision

 (1) Traffic supervision may be exercised:
 1) publicly, in an alarm vehicle in police colours;
 2) publicly, in an alarm vehicle in border guard colours;
 3) with police officers concealed, in a vehicle without special features and in private outfit for the prevention of traffic violations and other offences;
 4) with portable or fixed technical equipment;
 5) by combining the methods specified in clauses 1 to 3; or
 6) in connection with a traffic police operation.

 (11) Upon exercising traffic supervision, a bus or a truck with a maximum mass of over 3,500 kilograms or a trailer used by an undertaking specified in Article 2(4) of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing common rules concerning the conditions to be complied with to pursue the occupation of road transport operator and repealing Council Directive 96/26/EC (OJ L 300, 14.11.2009, pp 51–71) may be selected for inspection based on data gathered in accordance with clauses 1 to 3 of § 2002 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (12) Subsection 11 of this section does not prevent selecting a vehicle for inspection at random or where there is reason to believe that the vehicle may have a serious or dangerous fault or defect specified in subsection 71 of § 73 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (2) The data of traffic offences collected by the automated traffic supervision system are processed in the police database.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2024]

 (3) [Repealed – RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2024]

 (4) [Repealed – RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2024]

 (5) [Repealed – RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2024]

 (6) Upon using a measuring device, the requirements of the measuring methodology and the user manual of the manufacturer must be followed.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (7) The requirements for the measuring procedure and the processing of the measuring results of a speedometer and speed measuring system are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (8) Requirements for the procedure of measuring the mass of a vehicle and for processing measuring results are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (9) Requirements for the measurement procedure and for processing measurement results upon exercising traffic supervision are established by a regulation of the Government of the Republic or that of a minister authorised by it.
[RT I, 25.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

§ 200.  Stopping of vehicles and inspection of roadworthiness while exercising traffic supervision

  [RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (1) A person exercising traffic supervision gives a driver a stop signal:
 1) manually (by using a staff, reflective disk or red signal light);
 2) from a marked police emergency vehicle in a manner specified in subsection 1 of this section or by using a loudspeaker;
 3) by switching on both the red and blue flashing rotary lights of an emergency vehicle in order to signal the driver in front;
 4) from an unmarked police vehicle by switching on the blue and red flashing rotary light or blue and red signal lights and, where necessary, also by giving an instruction to stop through a loudspeaker.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (2) Where a person exercising traffic supervision has lifted the arm and indicates a place for stopping, the driver must stop at once at the indicated place. Where a person exercising traffic supervision has not indicated a place for stopping, the driver must stop at the right shoulder of the road or, where there is no shoulder, close to the right edge of the road.

 (3) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (4) [Repealed – RT I, 13.03.2014, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2014]

 (5) A vehicle is stopped so that the driver can stop at the right shoulder of the road or, where there is no shoulder, close to the right edge of the road in a manner that does not obstruct or endanger the traffic.

 (6) Vehicles are stopped for as short a period as possible.

 (7) It is prohibited to stop vehicles (except under extraordinary circumstances):
 1) on a road section where visibility is limited;
 2) on a bend;
 3) before and directly after an upward slope of a road;
 4) at and directly before an intersection;
 5) at and directly before a pedestrian crossing;
 6) at and directly before a level crossing;
 7) at a place where a standing vehicle would render other vehicular traffic impossible or obstruct pedestrians; or
 8) at another dangerous place.

 (8) A public transport vehicle on a regular route must not be stopped. A public transport vehicle moving on a regular route may be stopped for checking for up to three minutes. To ensure the smooth organisation of public events or the escorting of important state guests, public transport vehicles on regular routes may be stopped for a period longer than three minutes.

 (9) An emergency vehicle with a working siren may be stopped only where there is reason to believe that the vehicle has been stolen, is being used for criminal purposes, is being driven by an intoxicated person or has caused a traffic accident.

 (10) The scope of and procedure for inspection of the roadworthiness of vehicles while exercising traffic supervision by police officers is established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

§ 2001.  Traffic supervision information system

 (1) The traffic supervision information system is a database established by the minister in charge of the policy sector for the purpose of electronic storage, systematising and exchanging between relevant authorities of the data specified in § 2002 of this Act, exercising supervision, drawing up reports and carrying out analyses on the basis of the data.

 (2) The data entered into the traffic supervision information system has an informative and statistical meaning.

 (3) The chief processor of the traffic supervision information system is the Ministry of Climate.
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]

 (4) The statutes of the traffic supervision information system are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 2002.  Data entered into traffic supervision information system

  The following is entered into the traffic supervision information system:
 1) data gathered during exercising traffic supervision on roads regarding the roadworthiness, cargo placement, cargo securing, cargo covering, mass, axle load and dimensions of motor vehicles and trailers, payment of the road toll, adherence to the rules of driving and rest time of drivers, inspection of documents required for carriage under an Act or an international agreement and carriage of a hazardous load by vehicles as well as the qualification of offences identified in the course of inspection and the type of penalty, including the data on serious offences specified in Article 6(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
[RT I, 30.06.2020, 8 – entry into force 01.07.2020]
 2) data gathered upon inspecting adherence to the requirements of the working, driving and rest time of drivers in undertakings;
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 01.07.2012]
 3) data sent by a foreign state to the Ministry of Climate under an international agreement regarding road carriage or traffic offences detected upon inspecting an Estonian carrier and about respective penalties imposed, including data on serious offences specified in Article 6(1)(b) of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 of the European Parliament and of the Council;
[RT I, 30.06.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.07.2023]
 4) data specified in subsection 2 of § 48 of the Road Transport Act on a transport manager who has been declared non-compliant with the requirement of good repute.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 2003.  Cross-border information exchange in case of traffic offences and failure to pay road toll

  [RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

 (1) In Estonia, the Transport Administration is the competent authority for the exchange of national registration data of vehicles involved in a road safety related traffic offence and failure to pay road tolls between Member States of the European Union.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

 (2) The information exchange specified in this section is applied in the event of the following offences, which have been committed with a vehicle of another Member State of the European Union, in accordance with the legislation of the Member State of the European Union where the offence was committed:
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]
 1) exceeding the permitted speed limit;
 2) violation of the requirement of fastening the seat belt or using a child safety system;
 3) disregarding the red light of traffic lights or another stop signal;
 4) driving a vehicle in a state of intoxication or exceeding the maximum permitted alcohol level in the bloodstream;
 5) driving a vehicle in a state of intoxication by narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances or other substances with a similar effect;
 6) not using a helmet;
 7) using a prohibited lane;
 8) using a mobile phone or other telecommunications while driving;
 9) failure to pay the road toll.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

 (3) To process an enquiry submitted of a competent authority of another Member State of the European Union designated to exchange national registration data of vehicles, the Transport Administration has the right, to the extent and pursuant to the procedure established in subsection 6 of this section, to send to the competent authority that submitted the enquiry only the data of the vehicle, the population register data of the owner, authorised user or user of the vehicle or the commercial register data of the legal person.

 (4) The Transport Administration has the right to receive data on a vehicle registered in another Member State of the European Union, its owner, authorised user or user from the competent authority designated to exchange the national registration data of the vehicles of the Member State.

 (5) The reply to an enquiry submitted by the Transport Administration or the competent authority of another Member State of the European Union designated to exchange the national registration data of vehicles is preserved for one year as of the date of submission of the enquiry and thereafter the date of the enquiry is deleted.

 (6) The rules of exchanging data between the Member States of the European Union on road safety related traffic offences and failure to pay road tolls, the list of data required for information exchange and the rules of reporting are established by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.
[RT I, 30.11.2021, 4 – entry into force 01.12.2021]

Chapter 15 LIABILITY  

§ 201.  Driving motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram by person without right to drive

 (1) The penalty for driving a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram by a person who does not have the right to drive motor vehicles of the respective category or trams is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a person who has been removed from driving a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram or whose right to drive motor vehicles or trams has been suspended, revoked or withdrawn is a fine of up to 300 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

§ 202.  Permitting person without right to drive motor vehicles, off-road vehicles or trams to drive motor vehicle or tram

 (1) The penalty for permitting a person who does not have the right to drive motor vehicles, off-road vehicles or trams of the respective category by the owner, possessor or the person responsible for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or operation of a motor vehicle or tram to drive the motor vehicle or tram is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act whereby a person whose right to drive motor vehicles or trams has been suspended, revoked or withdrawn is permitted to drive a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram is a fine of up to 300 fine units.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (3) The penalty for an act specified in subsection 1 or 2 of this Act, where committed by a legal person, is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 203.  Driving motor vehicle or off-road vehicle that has not been registered or re-registered

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle that has not been registered or re-registered in accordance with the established procedure is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 204.  Permitting to drive motor vehicle or off-road vehicle that has not been registered or re-registered

 (1) The penalty for permitting by the owner, possessor or person responsible for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or for operating a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle not registered or re-registered in accordance with the established procedure to drive the vehicle is a fine of up to 200 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 205.  Driving motor vehicle or off-road vehicle without state registration plate or with state registration plate that does not belong to particular motor vehicle or off-road vehicle

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle without a state registration plate or with a state registration plate that does not belong to the particular motor vehicle or off-road vehicle is a fine of up to 200 fine units.

§ 206.  Driving motor vehicle or off-road vehicle with illegible state registration plate

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle with a state registration plate that is illegible from the required distance is a fine of up to ten fine units.

§ 207.  Driving of motor vehicle, combination of vehicles, combination of tractors or tram that has not passed roadworthiness test and special system roadworthiness test

  [RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (1) The penalty for driving a motor vehicle that has not passed a roadworthiness test or a special system roadworthiness test as well as a combination of vehicles or a combination of tractors that includes a trailer that has not passed a roadworthiness test or a special system roadworthiness test, or a tram that has not passed a roadworthiness test or a special system roadworthiness test is a fine of up to 100 fine units.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed with a bus or coach, a truck with a laden mass of over 3,500 kilograms or a combination of vehicles consisting of a bus or coach or a truck with a laden mass of over 3,500 kilograms is a fine of up to 300 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 208.  Allowing person to drive motor vehicle, combination of vehicles, combination of tractors or tram that has not passed roadworthiness test and special system roadworthiness test

  [RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (1) Where the owner, possessor or person liable for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or for operation allows another person to drive a motor vehicle that has not passed a roadworthiness test or a special system roadworthiness test as well as a combination of vehicles or a combination of tractors that include a trailer that has not passed a roadworthiness test or a special system roadworthiness test, or a tram that has not passed a roadworthiness test or a special system roadworthiness test, the penalty is a fine of up to 100 fine units.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (2) Where the owner, possessor or person liable for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or for operation allows another person to drive a bus or coach, a truck with a laden mass of over 3,500 kilograms or a combination of vehicles consisting of a bus or coach or a truck with a laden mass of over 3,500 kilograms, the penalty for the same act is a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (3) The penalty for the act specified in subsection 1 or 2 of this section, where committed by a legal person, is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 209.  Driving motor vehicle or off-road vehicle with technical failure

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle that is prohibited to be driven under its own power due to a technical failure is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 210.  Permitting to drive motor vehicle or off-road vehicle with technical failure to be driven

 (1) The penalty for permitting by the owner or possessor or person responsible for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or operation of a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle that is prohibited to be driven under its own power due to a technical failure to drive the vehicle is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 2101.  Exceeding permitted maximum mass of vehicle, combination of vehicles and tractor train having maximum mass of over 12,000 kilograms

  The penalty for driving a vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors whose maximum mass is over 12,000 kilograms and whereby the permitted maximum mass is exceeded by 20 per cent or more is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 2102.  Permission to drive vehicle, combination of vehicles and tractor train having maximum mass of over 12,000 kilograms

 (1) The penalty for permitting by the owner, possessor or person responsible for roadworthiness or operation of a vehicle, combination of vehicles or tractor train whose maximum mass is over 12,000 kilograms whereby the permitted maximum mass thereof is exceeded by 20 per cent or more to drive the vehicle, combination of vehicles or tractor is a fine of up to 200 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 2103.  Exceeding permitted maximum mass of vehicle, combination of vehicles and tractor train having maximum mass of up to 12,000 kilograms

  The penalty for driving a vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors whose maximum mass is up to 12,000 kilograms and whereby the permitted maximum mass is exceeded by 25 per cent or more is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 2104.  Permission to drive vehicle, combination of vehicles and tractor train having maximum mass of up to 12,000 kilograms whereby maximum mass is exceeded

 (1) The penalty for permitting by the owner, possessor or person responsible for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or operation of a vehicle, combination of vehicles or tractor whose maximum mass is up to 12,000 kilograms whereby the permitted maximum mass thereof is exceeded by 25 per cent or more to drive the vehicle, combination of vehicles or tractor is a fine of up to 200 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 2105.  Driving motor vehicle in violation of rules of use of speed limitation device

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle without a mandatory speed limitation device, with an inoperable speed limitation device or using a device which may impede the operation of the speed limitation device is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 2106.  Permission to drive motor vehicle in violation of rules of use of speed limitation device

 (1) The penalty for permission by the owner, possessor or the person responsible for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or operation of a motor vehicle without a mandatory speed limitation device, with an inoperable speed limitation device or using a device that allows for impeding the operation of the speed limitation device to drive the vehicle is a fine of up to 200 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 211.  Driving motor vehicle in violation of requirements for use of tachograph

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle that lacks a required tachograph or whose tachograph is not in a working order or not sealed in accordance with the requirements is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 212.  Violation of requirements for use of tachograph by driver of motor vehicle

  The penalty for failure by the driver of a motor vehicle to enter the working time of other works manually on the recording sheets or printouts or in the digital tachograph is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 213.  Permitting to drive motor vehicle in violation of requirements for use of tachograph

 (1) The penalty for permitting by the owner or possessor or person responsible for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or operation of a motor vehicle that lacks the required tachograph or whose tachograph is not in a working order or not duly sealed or on whose tachograph a device enabling interference with the operation of the tachograph has been installed is a fine of up to 200 fine units.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 214.  Failure to use tachograph in prescribed events or deliberately damaging tachograph or seal affixed thereto

  The penalty for failure to use a tachograph installed on a motor vehicle in the prescribed events or deliberately damaging a tachograph or a seal affixed thereto is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 215.  Using equipment allowing for interfering with operation of tachograph

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle supplied with equipment allowing for interfering with the operation of the tachograph is a fine of up to 300 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 216.  Installation of equipment allowing for interfering with operation of tachograph or failure to remove such equipment

 (1) The penalty for the installation of equipment allowing for interfering with the operation of the tachograph or failing to remove the equipment specified in clause 5 of subsection 3 of § 136 of this Act upon examination of the tachograph in a workshop is a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 217.  Violation of requirements for use of manual or digital tachograph or driver card

  [RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (1) The penalty for a violation of the requirements established to the use of an analogue or digital tachograph installed on a motor vehicle or to the use of a driver card is a fine of up to 100 fine units.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 2171.  Violation of requirements established to possibility to read or preserve data of recording sheets of analogous tachograph or data recorded in digital tachograph or driver card

  [RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (1) The penalty for a violation of the requirements established to the possibility to read or preserve the data of the recording sheets of an analogous tachograph or the data recorded in a digital tachograph or a driver card is a fine of up to 300 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 2172.  Using another person’s driver card

  [RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
The penalty for using another person’s driver card is a fine of up to 300 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 218.  Driving motor vehicle or off-road vehicle reconstructed without authorisation

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle reconstructed without authorisation is a fine of up to 50 fine units.

§ 219.  Driving environmentally hazardous motor vehicle or off-road vehicle

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle in whose exhaust emissions the level of pollutants or whose emitted noise exceeds the permitted limit is a fine of up to 50 fine units.

§ 220.  Permitting to drive environmentally hazardous motor vehicle or off-road vehicle

 (1) The penalty for permitting by the owner or possessor or person responsible for compliance with the roadworthiness requirements or operation of a motor vehicle or off-road vehicle in whose exhaust emissions the level of pollutants or whose emitted noise exceeds the permitted limit is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 221.  Driving onto intersection or pedestrian crossing by driver when traffic light signals prohibit it

  [RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (1) The penalty for driving onto an intersection or pedestrian crossing by the driver when traffic light signals prohibit it is a fine of up to 50 fine units.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (2) The penalty for the same act, where it causes a traffic hazard, is a fine of up to 100 fine units or by withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to six months.

 (3) For an offence provided for in subsection 2 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from one to three months.

§ 222.  Failure by driver of motor vehicle or tram to give way to pedestrian on unregulated pedestrian crossing

 (1) The penalty for failure by the driver of a motor vehicle or tram to give way to a pedestrian on an unregulated pedestrian crossing and overtaking a vehicle that has stopped in a neighbouring lane at an unregulated pedestrian crossing is a fine of up to 50 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act, where it causes a traffic hazard, is a fine of up to 100 fine units or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to six months.

 (3) For an offence provided for in subsection 2 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from one to three months.

§ 223.  Causing damage to property or through negligence to health by driver of motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram

 (1) The penalty for a violation of the traffic requirements by the driver of a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram, where material damage or damage to the health of another person through negligence is caused thereby, is a fine of up to 300 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to six months.

 (2) For an offence provided for in subsection 1 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from one to three months.

§ 224.  Driving motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram when exceeding maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream

 (1) The penalty for driving of a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram by a person whose level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.20–0.49 milligrams of alcohol per one gram of blood or whose alcohol content in one litre of exhaled air is 0.10–0.24 milligrams is a fine of up to 100 fine units or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to six months.

 (2) The same act by a person whose level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.50–1.49 milligrams of alcohol per one gram of blood or whose alcohol content in one litre of exhaled air is 0.25–0.74 milligrams is a fine of up to 300 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to twelve months.

 (3) For an offence provided for in this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles as follows:
 1) from three to nine months where the person has not been previously penalised for an offence specified in this section;
 2) from three to twelve months where the person has been previously penalised for an offence specified in this section.

§ 2241.  Giving driving lessons and carrying out driving practice by driving instructor and personal driving supervisor in state of intoxication

 (1) The penalty for giving driving lessons or carrying out driving practice by a driving instructor or a personal driving instructor while in a state of intoxication or in a state specified in subsection 3 of § 69 of this Act is a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (2) The court or the body conducting extra-judicial proceedings may impose the deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle over a period of three to nine months as an additional penalty for an offence specified in this section.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

§ 2242.  Riding cycle, personal light electric vehicle or light moped in state exceeding maximum limit of alcohol

  The penalty for riding a cycle, personal light electric vehicle or light moped in a state exceeding the maximum limit of alcohol is a fine of up to 50 fine units.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 225.  Permitting intoxicated person to drive motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram or handing over driving to them

 (1) The penalty for granting by the owner, possessor or driver of a motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or a tram, of permission for the motor vehicle, off-road vehicle or tram to be driven by a person who, to the knowledge of the owner, possessor or driver, is in a state of intoxication or a state specified in subsection 3 of § 69 of this Act or handing over driving to such a person is a fine of up to 300 fine units.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 226.  Consumption of alcohol, narcotic or psychotropic substances following traffic accident by driver involved in traffic accident

 (1) The penalty for the consumption of alcohol, narcotic or psychotropic substances immediately following a traffic accident by a driver involved in the traffic accident is a fine of up to 300 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to 18 months.
[RT I, 07.07.2017, 1 – entry into force 01.11.2017]

 (2) For an offence provided for in subsection 1 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from three to nine months.

§ 227.  Exceeding speed limit by driver of motor vehicle

 (1) The penalty for exceeding the speed limit by up to 20 kilometres per hour by the driver of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 30 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for exceeding the speed limit by 21 up to 40 kilometres per hour by the driver of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 100 fine units or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to six months.

 (3) The penalty for exceeding the speed limit by 41 up to 60 kilometres per hour by the driver of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 200 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to twelve months.

 (4) The penalty for exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 kilometres per hour by the driver of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 300 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to twenty-four months.

 (5) The court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles:
 1) for an offence provided for in subsection 2 of this section from one to three months;
 2) for an offence provided for in subsection 3 of this section from three to six months;
 3) for an offence provided for in subsection 4 of this section from six to twelve months.

§ 228.  Driving motor vehicle equipped with devices that detect or interfere with operation of speed measuring equipment

  The penalty for driving a motor vehicle equipped with a device that detect or interfere with the operation of speed measuring equipment is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 229.  Obstruction of or interference with measuring function of automatic speed measuring equipment

  The penalty for the obstruction of or interference with the regular functioning of the measuring function of the fixed automatic traffic supervision system in a manner that rendered the proper documentation or recording of the particulars of the offence is a fine of up to 300 fine units.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 230.  Violation of requirements for overtaking

 (1) The penalty for a violation of the requirements for overtaking by the driver of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act, where it causes a traffic hazard, is a fine of up to 200 fine units or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to twelve months.

 (3) For an offence provided for in subsection 2 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from one to six months.

§ 231.  Driving on side opposite to that appropriate to direction of traffic

 (1) The penalty for driving on the side opposite to that appropriate to the direction of traffic by the driver of a motor vehicle, unless this is permitted by the traffic rules, is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act by which a traffic hazard has been caused is a fine of up to 200 fine units or the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for a period of up to twelve months.

 (3) For an office provided for in subsection 2 of this section the court or the body conducting extrajudicial proceedings may in the form of an additional penalty withdraw the right to drive vehicles for a period of one to six months.
[RT I, 31.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

§ 232.  Violation of requirements for crossing level crossings

  The penalty for a violation by the driver of a motor vehicle or tram of the requirements for crossing a level crossing is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 233.  Hindering use of right of way

  The penalty for failure by the driver of a motor vehicle or tram to grant the right of way to an emergency response vehicle in the events provided for in the traffic rules is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 234.  Ignoring stop signal for vehicle

 (1) The penalty for the intentional ignoring of a mandatory stop signal for a vehicle by the driver of a vehicle is a fine of up to 200 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to twenty-four months.

 (2) For an offence provided for in subsection 1 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from three to twelve months.

§ 235.  Ignoring stop signal for off-road vehicle

  The penalty for the intentional ignoring of a mandatory stop signal for off-road vehicle by a driver of off-road vehicle is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention or withdrawal of the right to vehicles for up to twenty-four months.

§ 236.  Failure to report traffic accident

 (1) The penalty for a violation by the driver of a vehicle involved in a traffic accident of the requirements for reporting the traffic accident to the police, where reporting is mandatory, is a fine of up to 300 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to twelve months.

 (2) For an offence provided for in subsection 1 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from three to nine months.

§ 237.  Leaving scene of traffic accident or failure to provide assistance to people who need assistance due to traffic accident

 (1) The penalty for leaving the scene of a traffic accident or failure to provide assistance to people who need assistance due to a traffic accident is a fine of up to 300 fine units, detention or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to twenty-four months.

 (2) For an offence provided for in subsection 1 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from six to twelve months.

§ 238.  Violation of requirements for carriage of passengers or goods by driver of motor vehicle or tram

  The penalty for a violation by the driver of a motor vehicle or tram of requirements for carriage of passengers or goods is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 239.  Failure to duly fasten safety belt

  [RT I, 31.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
The penalty by the driver or a passenger for failure to duly fasten a safety belt is a fine of up to 50 fine units.
[RT I, 31.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

§ 2391.  Violation of requirements of use of motorcycle helmet

  The penalty for violation of the requirements of use of a motorcycle helmet by the rider or a passenger is a fine of up to 50 fine units.
[RT I, 31.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

§ 240.  Violation of child safety requirements

 (1) The penalty for carrying a child under 16 years of age without being properly fixed by a seat belt or other safety equipment by the driver is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for an act provided for in subsection 1 of this section, where the person has been previously penalised for such act, is a fine of up to 200 fine units.

§ 241.  Violation of requirements for standing or parking

  [RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (1) The penalty for standing or parking a vehicle in an unauthorised place or in violation of the standing or parking rules indicated by a traffic control device is a fine of up to 12 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for standing or parking a vehicle in an unauthorised place or in violation of the standing or parking rules indicated by a traffic control device in such a manner that it poses a hazard to other road users or significantly disturbs the traffic is a fine of up to 50 fine units.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

§ 242.  Other violation of traffic requirements by driver of motor vehicle or tram

 (1) The penalty for a violation of the traffic requirements by the driver of a motor vehicle or tram, provided that there are no necessary elements of a misdemeanour set out in §§ 201 to 203, 205 to 207, 209, 211, 212, 214 to 219, 221 to 224 or 226 to 241 of this Act, is a fine of up to 20 fine units.
[RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

 (2) The penalty for the same act, where it causes a traffic hazard, is a fine of up to 100 fine units or withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles for up to six months.

 (3) For an offence provided for in subsection 2 of this section, the court or an extra-judicial body may impose as a supplementary penalty the withdrawal of the right to drive vehicles from one to three months.

§ 243.  Violation of requirements for copying of data of digital tachograph or driver card

 (1) The penalty for failure to copy the data of a digital tachograph or driver card by the prescribed time is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 2431.  Intentional corruption of data of digital tachograph or driver card

 (1) The penalty for intentional corruption of the data of a digital tachograph or driver card is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 13,000 euros.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 244.  Influencing of driver of motor vehicle without violating requirements for working, driving and rest time

  [RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (1) The penalty for giving to the driver of a motor vehicle a work order or the organisation of work in such a manner that the due performance of the work calls for a violation of the working, driving and rest time requirements established by this Act, except the events specified in § 252 of this Act, is a fine of up to 200 fine units.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 245.  Violation of weekly driving time requirements established for drivers of motor vehicles

  The penalty for the use of a longer weekly driving time than established for drivers of motor vehicles is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 246.  Violation of daily driving time requirements established for drivers of motor vehicles

 (1) The penalty for exceeding the daily driving time established for drivers of motor vehicles by up to two hours is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for exceeding the daily driving time established for drivers of motor vehicles by more than two hours is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 247.  Violation of driving time requirements for two consecutive weeks established for drivers of motor vehicles

  The penalty for exceeding the driving time requirements for two consecutive weeks established for drivers of motor vehicles is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 248.  Violation of break time requirements established for drivers of motor vehicles

 (1) The penalty for failure to use the prescribed break time after 4.5 hours of driving time by the driver of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the use of a shorter break than the prescribed break time after 4.5 hours of driving time by the driver of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 249.  Violation of daily rest time requirements established for drivers of motor vehicles

 (1) The penalty for the use by the driver of a motor vehicle of up to two hours shorter daily rest time than prescribed is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the use by the driver of a motor vehicle of over two hours shorter daily rest time than prescribed is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

§ 250.  Violation of weekly rest time requirements established for drivers of motor vehicles

  The penalty for the use by the driver of a motor vehicle of a shorter weekly rest time than prescribed is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 251.  Violation of work schedule requirements established for drivers of motor vehicles

 (1) In regular carriage of passengers where the length of the route is less than 50 kilometres, the penalty for failure by the driver of a motor vehicle to present an approved work schedule to the official exercising traffic supervision is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) In regular carriage of passengers where the length of the route is less than 50 kilometres, the penalty for failure by the driver of a motor vehicle to follow an approved work schedule is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 252.  Violation of requirements for preparing work schedule for driver of motor vehicle by possessor of vehicle

 (1) In regular carriage of passengers where the length of the route is less than 50 kilometres, the penalty for failure by the possessor of the vehicle to provide the driver with a required work schedule or drawing up a work schedule that violates the working and rest time requirements is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 02.03.2012, 5 – entry into force 12.03.2012]

§ 253.  Violation of weekly working time requirements established for drivers of motor vehicles

  The penalty for exceeding the weekly working time prescribed for drivers of motor vehicles is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 254.  Violation of requirements for working and rest time established for tram drivers

  The penalty for a violation by a tram driver of the requirements for the working and rest time prescribed for tram drivers is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

§ 255.  Influencing driver to violate working and rest time requirements

  [Repealed – RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

§ 256.  Violation of requirements relating to major risk upon road transport of hazardous substances and objects

  [Repealed – RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

§ 257.  Violation of requirements relating to medium risk in road transport of hazardous substances and objects

  [Repealed – RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

§ 258.  Violation of requirements related to minor risk in road transport of hazardous substances and objects

  [Repealed – RT I, 12.07.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2015]

§ 259.  Other violation of traffic rules by pedestrian, rider of personal light electric vehicle, driver or user of self-driving delivery robot, cyclist, light moped rider, driver of animal-drawn vehicle or passenger

  [RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (1) The penalty for other violations of traffic rules by a pedestrian, rider of personal light electric vehicle, driver or user of a self-driving delivery robot, a cyclist, light moped rider, driver of animal-drawn vehicle or passenger, provided that the necessary elements of a misdemeanour provided in § 2242, 226, 234, 236, 237, 239 or 241 of this Act do not exist, is a fine of up to 15 fine units.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]

 (2) The penalty for the same act is a fine of up to 100 fine units:
 1) if committed in a state exceeding the maximum limit of alcohol or in a state of intoxication;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]
 2) if damage to the health of a person through negligence is caused thereby, or
 3) if material damage or traffic hazard is caused thereby.

§ 260.  Violation of requirements for off-road vehicle traffic

  The penalty for a violation of the requirements for off-road vehicle traffic is a fine of up to 50 fine units.

§ 261.  Violation of obligations of owner or authorised user of motor vehicle

 (1) The penalty for a failure to meet the requirement specified in subsection 2 or 4 of § 72 of this Act by the owner or authorised user of a motor vehicle is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

§ 2611.  Engaging in traffic using vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors that jeopardises road stability

  [Repealed – RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 2612.  Allowing for traffic jeopardising road stability and safety

  [RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (1) The penalty for driving a vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors whose dimensions do not or whose mass or axle load does not comply with the standards or that otherwise jeopardises the stability of the road as well as for violation the conditions of special carriage by the driver of a vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors or for operating a vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors on a road closed for traffic or on a road works not designated for traffic is a fine of up to 200 fine units or detention.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (2) [Repealed – RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

§ 2613.  Permitting traffic jeopardising road stability and traffic safety

 (1) The penalty in a situation where the owner, possessor or person responsible for the operation of a vehicle, combination of vehicles or combination of tractors specified in § 2612 of this Act permits it to engage in traffic as well as on a road closed for traffic or on a road section not designated for traffic is a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 2614.  Installation of non-compliant traffic control device

 (1) The penalty for not installing a traffic control device, for installing a non-compliant traffic control device is a fine of up to 100 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 2615.  Unauthorised installation of non-traffic means of information

 (1) The penalty for installing a non-traffic means of information on the road or road protection zone without the consent of the road owner is a fine of up to 50 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 3,200 euros.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

§ 2616.  Allowing to drive truck without paying road toll

 (1) The penalty for allowing a truck on a public road without paying the road toll by a person required to pay the road toll is a fine of up to 200 fine units.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 5,000 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

§ 2617.  Allowing to drive truck with road toll paid at lower rate

 (1) The penalty for allowing a truck on a public road after paying the road toll at a rate lower than the prescribed rate by a person required to pay the road toll is a fine of up to 150 fine units.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 2,500 euros.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

§ 2618.  Driving of truck without paying road toll

  The penalty for driving a truck on a public road without paying the road toll is a fine of up to 125 fine units.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

§ 2619.  Driving of truck with road toll paid at lower rate

  The penalty for driving a truck on a public road after paying the road toll at a rate lower than the prescribed rate is a fine of up to 100 fine units.
[RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

§ 26110.  Violation of requirements for roadworthiness testing of special systems

 (1) The penalty for violation of the requirements for the roadworthiness testing of special systems, which resulted in a serious threat or damage to human life or health, property or the environment, is a fine of up to 300 fine units.

 (2) The penalty for the same act committed by a legal person is a fine of up to 32,000 euros.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

§ 262.  Rates of cautionary fines imposed in written caution proceedings

  In written caution proceedings, a cautionary fine is imposed as follows:
 1) the penalty for exceeding the speed limit is a cautionary fine the amount of which in euros is calculated by multiplying the number of kilometres per hour driven in excess of the speed limit by 5;
[RT I, 22.12.2021, 1 – entry into force 01.03.2022]
 2) the penalty for standing or parking a vehicle in an unauthorised place or in violation of the standing or parking rules indicated by a traffic control device or for potentially obstructing other road users by standing at an intersection or for unauthorised use of a lane reserved for public transport vehicles is a cautionary fine of 40 euros;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]
 3) the penalty for an act specified in clause 2 of this section, committed in a manner that poses a hazard to other road users or significantly disturbs traffic, is a cautionary fine of 80 euros;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]
 4) the penalty for driving onto an intersection or a regulated pedestrian crossing while the traffic light signals prohibit it is a cautionary fine of 40 euros;
[RT I, 31.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
 5) the penalty for an act specified in subsection 4 of this section and committed in a manner that poses a hazard to other road users or significantly disturbs traffic is a cautionary fine of 190 euros;
 6) the penalty for driving a motor vehicle that has not passed a roadworthiness test is cautionary fine of 80 euros;
[RT I, 31.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]
 7) the penalty for engaging in traffic a vehicle subject to the insurance obligation under the Motor Insurance Act, which does not have compulsory motor insurance or automatic motor insurance, is a cautionary fine of 80 euros.
[RT I, 31.05.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2019]

§ 2621.  Misdemeanours adjudicated by way of abridged procedure and applicable deterrent fine rates

 (1) Upon commencement of misdemeanour proceedings, the body conducting extrajudicial proceedings applies the abridged procedure in the case of the elements of misdemeanour provided for in §§ 203, 206, subsection 1 of § 207, subsection 1 of § 221, subsection 1 of § 222, subsection 1 of § 227, subsection 1 of § 230, subsection 1 of § 231, §§ 232, 239, 2391 and 241, subsection 1 of § 242, subsection 1 of § 259 and §§ 2618 and 2619 of this Act. The abridged procedure is not applied to the elements of misdemeanour provided for in subsection 1 of § 259 of this Act where the requirement provided for in subsection 1 of § 69 has been violated.

 (2) In the abridged procedure, the deterrent fine is applied as follows:
 1) the penalty for the misdemeanours provided for in § 203, subsection 1 of § 207, subsection 1 of § 230, subsection 1 of § 231, § 232 and § 2618 of this Act is a deterrent fine of 80 euros;
 2) the penalty for the misdemeanours provided for in subsection 1 of § 221, subsection 1 of § 222, §§ 239 and 2391, subsection 2 of § 241 and § 2619 of this Act is a deterrent fine of 80 euros;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]
 3) the penalty for the misdemeanours provided for in § 206, subsection 1 of § 241, subsection 1 of § 242 and subsection 1 of § 259 of this Act is a deterrent fine of 40 euros;
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 09.07.2024]
 4) the penalty for the misdemeanour provided for in subsection 1 of § 227 of this Act is a deterrent fine the amount of which in euros is calculated by multiplying the number of kilometres per hour driven in excess of the speed limit by 5.
[RT I, 22.12.2021, 1 – entry into force 01.03.2022]

 (3) The out-of-court proceedings authority may apply a corrective measure in the case of the elements making up the misdemeanour provided in subsection 1 of this section.
[RT I, 28.05.2021, 11 – entry into force 07.06.2021]

 (4) In the case of the misdemeanour provided in subsection 1 of § 227 of this Act, a 45-minute calming stop may be imposed as a corrective measure during which the driver and the vehicle are required to stay in the location prescribed by the out-of-court proceedings authority.
[RT I, 28.05.2021, 11 – entry into force 07.06.2021]

§ 263.  Proceedings

 (1) The Police and Border Guard Board is the extra-judicial body that conducts proceedings in the misdemeanour cases provided for in §§ 201 to 2619 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

 (11) Out-of-court proceedings of misdemeanours provided for in § 26110 of this Act are carried out by the Transport Administration.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 09.04.2021]

 (2) The rural municipality or town administration is also a body authorised to conduct extra-judicial proceedings of the misdemeanours provided for in §§ 241 and 261 of this Act.

 (3) The extrajudicial proceedings of the misdemeanours provided for in §§ 2611–2615 of this Act are conducted by:
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]
 1) the Transport Administration in the event of a misdemeanour;
 2) the rural municipality administration or the town administration in the event the misdemeanour was committed on a road of the municipality.

 (4) The Labour Inspectorate is also a body authorised to conduct extra-judicial proceedings of the misdemeanours provided for in §§ 213, 217–2172 and 243–254 of this Act.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (41) The Tax and Customs Board is the extra-judicial body that conducts proceedings in the misdemeanour cases provided for in §§ 2616–2619 of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

 (5) The body conducting extra-judicial proceedings or the court confiscates the thing that constitutes the direct means of committing a misdemeanour provided for in §§ 215 and 228 of this Act.
[RT I, 23.03.2015, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2015]

Chapter 16 IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS  

§ 264.  Transitional provisions

 (1) A driving licence issued before the entry into force of this Act permits the holder to drive the motor vehicles specified in § 93 of this Act until the expiry date of the driving licence valid on the day of entry into force of this Act or until the replacement of the driving licence as follows:
 1) a moped driving licence grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category AM;
 2) a driving licence of category A1 grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category A1;
 3) a driving licence of category A grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category A within the restrictions specified on the driving licence;
 4) a driving licence of category B1 grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category B1;
 5) a driving licence of category B grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category B;
 6) a driving licence of category BE grants the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category BE;
 7) a driving licence of category C1 grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category C1;
 8) a driving licence of category C1E grants the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category C1E;
 9) a driving licence of category C grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category C;
 10) a driving licence of category CE grants the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category CE;
 11) a driving licence of category D1 grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category D1;
 12) a driving licence of category D1E grants the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category D1E;
 13) a driving licence of category D grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category D;
 14) a driving licence of category DE grants the right to drive combinations of vehicles of category DE;
 15) a driving licence of category T or R grants the right to drive motor vehicles of category T;
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]
 16) a driving licence of any motor vehicle category grants the right to drive mopeds and off-road vehicles.

 (2) Upon replacing a driving licence specified in subsection 1 of this section, the new driving licence specifies the category of motor vehicles or combinations of vehicles that the person has the right to drive in accordance with clauses 1 to 16 of subsection 1, unless provided otherwise by a statute.

 (3) Until 1 January 2016, a person who holds the right to drive motor vehicles of category B may drive motor vehicles of category C entered in the motor register before the entry into force of this Act, provided that the permissible maximum mass of the motor vehicle does not exceed 3,500 kg or the same motor vehicle with a light trailer.

 (4) The restoration of the right to drive of a person whose driving licence has expired by the time of entry into force of this Act is subject to subsection 4 of § 129 of this Act.

 (5) Mopeds that have been in use until the date specified in subsection 4 of this section and that have no documentation attesting the vehicle’s importation and completion of customs procedures and/or documentation on the legal acquisition and possession are registered on the basis of a written confirmation of the owner about the legal ownership of the vehicle where the restoration of such documentation is not possible.

 (6) Mopeds, except light mopeds, which have been used before the entry into force of this Act must be registered within one year from the entry into force of this Act.

 (7) Certificates attesting the qualifications of traffic controllers that have been issued before the entry into force of this Act are valid until 1 January 2013.

 (8) Registered securities over movables entered in the motor register before the entry into force of this Act remain in force.

 (9) A person who, before the entry into force of this Act, worked as an inspector of compliance with the roadworthiness requirements is not subject the requirements provided in clause 1 or 2 of subsection 1 of § 74 of this Act.

 (10) A person who, before the entry into force of this Act, worked as a driving instructor is not subject the requirements provided in clause 2 of subsection 1 of § 118 of this Act.

 (11) A person who does not permanently reside in Estonia is not required to have a driving licence for driving a moped and a vehicle equivalent to a moped. The registration of a moped and a vehicle equivalent to a moped is not required where the moped’s driver does not permanently reside in Estonia.

 (12) Until 1 January 2015, a person who holds the right to drive motor vehicles of categories C or D or motor vehicles of subcategories C1 or D1 is also allowed to drive motor vehicles and combinations of vehicles of category T.

 (13) Until 1 January 2016, a person who holds the right to drive motor vehicles of category B is allowed to drive a category B motor vehicle along with a trailer that is not a light-weight trailer, provided that the trailer has been registered in the motor register before the entry into force of this Act and the maximum authorised weight of the trailer does not exceed 750 kg.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (14) Clause 6 of subsection 3 of § 93 of this Act is valid as of 19 January 2013.Until 19 January 2013, a motor vehicle of category D1 means a car that has been designed and manufactured to carry, in addition to the driver, up to 16 more passengers, or the same car along with a lightweight trailer.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (15) Section 61 of this Act applies to Intelligent Transport Systems that are developed after the adoption of the specification under Article 6 of the Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council.
[RT I, 25.05.2012, 7 – entry into force 04.06.2012]

 (16) The suspension of the register entry of a power-drive vehicle or its trailer also applies to a vehicle registered in the motor register where two years have passed from the validity of the compliance thereof with the roadworthiness requirements and, under a motor insurance contract concluded before 1 October 2014, no policy has been issued over the last two years.
[RT I, 11.04.2014, 1 – entry into force 01.10.2014]

 (17) As of 1 April 2015, a motor vehicle driver and an applicant for the right to drive motor vehicles may submit to the Transport Administration a medical certificate on paper, as specified in subsection 4 of § 102, only where, for objective reasons, it was not possible to draw up or issue a medical certificate electronically via the health information system.
[RT I, 08.10.2014, 2 – entry into force 18.10.2014]

 (18) A person having the right to drive motor vehicles of category A can drive cars of category B1 until 1 January 2016.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (19) The requirements provided for in subsection 11 of § 74 of this Act do not apply to a person who has worked as a roadworthiness tester where a judgment of conviction entered into force before the entry into force of this Act.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (20) A mechanical tachograph specified in Annex I or a digital tachograph specified in Annex IB to Council Regulation (EEC) No 3821/85 on recording equipment used in road transport may be used in road transport, unless otherwise provided by Regulation 8EU) No 165/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]

 (21) A two-wheel or three-wheel motor vehicle that has been manufactured before 9 November 2009 and whose design speed does not exceed 50 kilometres per hour and the capacity of the internal combustion engine of which does not exceed 50 cubic centimetres or whose engine’s continuous rated power does not exceed four kilowatts is deemed a moped for the purposes of this Act.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 6 – entry into force 01.09.2017]

 (211) A seatless electric vehicle designed for carrying one individual person, which has a maximum design speed of 25 kilometres per hour or the engine power of which does not allow for moving faster than 25 kilometres per hour and has been placed on the market before 1 January 2021 is also considered a personal light electric vehicle.
[RT I, 13.11.2020, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2021]

 (22) The road toll obligation is applied as of 1 January 2018.
[RT I, 04.07.2017, 5 – entry into force 20.12.2017]

 (23) An emergency vehicle driver specified in subsection 2 of § 841 of this Act whom, before the entry into force of this Act, an emergency vehicle driver training certificate has been issued for an unspecified period must complete refresher training before 1 January 2026.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (24) Subsection 2 of § 841 of this Act of this Act is applied as of 1 March 2020.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (25) The notification obligation of an emergency vehicle driver training provider recognised by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Communications on the basis of the Road Transport Act in force until 1 December 2017 is deemed as performed upon entry into force of this Act.
[RT I, 11.01.2018, 1 – entry into force 01.06.2018]

 (26) The processing of the data entered in the database of the automated traffic supervision system before 1 July 2024 continues in the police database.
[RT I, 29.06.2024, 4 – entry into force 01.07.2024]

§ 2641.  Transitional provisions related to withdrawal of United Kingdom from European Union

 (1) By way of derogation from the time limit provided for in the first sentence of subsection 6 of § 99 of this Act, the United Kingdom driving licence of a person who has taken up permanent residence in Estonia remains valid for a period of 12 months as of:
 1) the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union where the person took up permanent residence in Estonia before the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Union without an agreement, or
 2) the expiry of the transitional period under the agreement on the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community.

 (2) In Estonia, a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people, which has been issued by the competent authority of the United Kingdom is valid as a parking card of a vehicle servicing people with a mobility disability or blind people also in Estonia.
[RT I, 30.10.2019, 1 – entry into force 01.02.2020 – upon exit of the United Kingdom from the European Union]

§ 2642.  Derogations in emergency situation declared by Government of Republic on 12 March 2020

 (1) An evaluation certificate whose date of expiry falls on the emergency situation declared by the Government of the Republic on 12 March 2020 (hereinafter emergency situation) or on the period of 30 days following the end of the emergency situation remains in force for the duration of the emergency situation and a period of 90 days after the end of the emergency situation.

 (2) A provisional driving licence whose date of expiry falls on the emergency situation or on the period of 30 days following the end of the emergency situation remains in force for the duration of the emergency situation and a period of 90 days after the end of the emergency situation.

 (3) Subsection 8 of § 101 and clause 2 of subsection 3 of § 124 of this Act is not applied during the emergency situation and for a period of 90 days following the end of the emergency situation.

 (4) During the period specified in subsection 2 of this section, a valid medical certificate does not need to be submitted for the purpose of replacement or change of the driving licence but the driver must physically and psychically be able to drive a motor vehicle or tram and must not have any illnesses or health disorders that impede the safe driving of a motor vehicle or tram.

 (5) In the event of the impossibility or difficulties of the sustainable provision of a public service during the emergency situation, the Government of the Republic may by a regulation further extend the 90-day time limit set out in subsections 1 to 3 of this section to up to 180 days.
[RT I, 06.05.2020, 1 – entry into force 07.05.2020]

§ 2643.  Application of exception arising from Regulation (EU) 2021/267 of the European Parliament and of the Council and related to spread of infectious disease

  [RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 31.03.2021]

 (1) The use of the non-application exception provided for in Articles 3(5), 4(6) and 5(5) of Regulation (EU) 2021/267 of the European Parliament and of the Council laying down specific and temporary measures in view of the persistence of the COVID-19 crisis concerning the renewal or extension of certain certificates, licences and authorisations, the postponement of certain periodic checks and periodic training in certain areas of transport legislation and the extension of certain periods referred to in Regulation (EU) 2020/698 (OJ L 60, 22.02.2021, pp 1–20) is decided by a regulation of the minister in charge of the policy sector.

 (2) The ministerial regulation specified in subsection 1 of this section may be implemented retroactively as of 23 March 2021.
[RT I, 30.03.2021, 1 – entry into force 31.03.2021]

§ 265. – § 279. [Omitted from this text.]

§ 280.  Repeal of Traffic Act

 (1) The Traffic Act (RT I 2001, 3, 6; 2010, 24, 115) is repealed.

 (2) Regulations issued on the basis of the Traffic Act in force until the entry into force of this Act remain in force after the entry into force of this Act until repealed, insofar as they are not in conflict with this Act.

§ 281.  Entry into force of Act

 (1) This Act enters into force on 1 July 2011.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.01.2011]

 (2) Subsections 3 and 5 to 11 of § 9 of this Act enter into force on 1 January 2012.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (3) Clause 2 of subsection 3 of § 93 of this Act enters into force on 19 January 2013.

 (4) Subsection 1 of § 97 of this Act remains in force until 18 January 2013.

 (5) Subsections 7 and 8 of § 97 of this Act enter into force on 19 January 2013.

 (6) Subsection 4 of § 102 of this Act enters into force on 19 January 2014.
[RT I, 05.12.2012, 1 – entry into force 19.01.2013]

 (7) Clauses 3 and 5 of subsection 1 of § 103 of this Act remain in force until 18 January 2013.

 (8) Clauses 4, 7 and 8 of subsection 1 of § 103 of this Act enter into force on 19 January 2013.

 (9) Clause 2 of § 199 of this Act remains in force until 31 December 2011.

 (10) Section 272 of this Act enters into force on 1 August 2010.

 (11) Subsection 8 of § 101 of this Act enters into force on 19 January 2013.
[RT I, 31.12.2010, 3 – entry into force 01.07.2011]

 (12) The provisions of subsection 21 of § 131 of this Act enter into force on 1 January 2020.
[RT I, 28.02.2015, 1 – entry into force 01.05.2015]

 (13) Subsection 2 of § 133 of this Act enters into force on 1 January 2018.
[RT I, 28.03.2017, 1 – entry into force 07.04.2017]


1 Directive 2002/15/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the organisation of the working time of persons performing mobile road transport activities (OJ L 80, 23.03.2002, pp 35–39); Directive 2004/52/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems in the Community (OJ L 166, 30.04.2004, pp 124–143) as amended by Regulation (EC) No 219/2009 (OJ L 87, 31.03.2009, pp 109–154); Directive 2004/54/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum safety requirements for tunnels in the Trans-European Road Network (OJ L 167, 30.04.2004, pp 39–91) as amended by Regulation (EC) No 596/2009 (OJ L 188, 18.07.2009, pp 14–92); Directive 2006/126/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on driving licences (OJ L 403, 30.12.2006, pp 18–60), amended by Directives 2009/113/EC (OJ L 223, 26.08.2009, pp 31–35), 2011/94/EU (OJ L 314, 29.11.2011, pp 31–34), 2012/36/EU (OJ L 321, 20.11.2012, pp 54–58), 2013/47/EU (OJ L 261, 03.10.2013, pp 29–29), 2014/85/EU (OJ L 194, 02.07.2014, pp 10–13), (EU) 2015/653 (OJ L 107, 25.04.2015, pp 68–73), (EU) 2016/1106 (OJ L 183, 08.07.2016, pp 59–63), (EU) 2018/933 (OJ L 165, 02.07.2018, pp 35–36), 2013/22/EU (OJ L 158, 10.06.2013, pp 356–361) and (EU) 2018/645 (OJ L 112, 02.05.2018, pp 29–41); Directive 2006/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum conditions for the implementation of Regulations (EC) No 561/2006 and (EU) No 165/2014 and Directive 2002/15/EC as regards social legislation relating to road transport activities, and repealing Council Directive 88/599/EEC (OJ L 102, 11.4.2006, pp 35–44), amended by Directives 2009/4/EC (OJ L 21, 24.1.2009, pp 39–40), 2009/5/EC (OJ L 29, 31.1.2009, pp 45–50) and (EU) 2020/1057 (OJ L 249, 31.7.2020, pp 49–65) and Regulation (EU) No 2016/403 (OJ L 74, 19.3.2016, pp 8–27); Directive 2007/46/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council establishing a framework for the approval of motor vehicles and their trailers, and of systems, components and separate technical units intended for such vehicles (OJ L 263, 09.10.2007, pp 1–160) as amended by Directives 2010/19/EU (OJ L 72, 20.03.2010, pp 17–37) and 2013/15/EU (OJ L 158, 10.06.2013, pp 172–183) and Regulations (EC) No 1060/2008 (OJ L 292, 31.10.2008, pp 1–98), (EC) No 78/2009 (OJ L 35, 04.02.2009, pp 1–31), (EC) No 79/2009 (OJ L 35, 04.02.2009, pp 32–46), (EC) No 385/2009 (OJ L 118, 13.05.2009, pp 13–65), (EC) No 595/2009 (OJ L 188, 18.07.2009, pp 1–13), (EC) No 661/2009 (OJ L 200, 31.07.2009, pp 1–24), (EU) No 371/2010 (OJ L 110, 01.05.2010, pp 1–21), (EU) No 183/2011 (OJ L 53, 26.02.2011, pp 4–32), (EU) No 582/2011 (OJ L 167, 25.06.2011, pp 1–168), (EU) No 678/2011 (OJ L185, 15.07.2011, pp 30–56), (EU) No 65/2012 (OJ L 28, 31.01.2012, pp 24–38), (EU) No 1229/2012 (OJ L 353, 21.12.2012, pp 1–30), (EU) No 1230/2012 (OJ L 353, 21.12.2012, pp 31–79), (EU) No 143/2013 (OJ L 47, 20.02.2013, pp 51–55), (EU) No 171/2013 (OJ L 55, 27.02.2013, pp 9–19), (EU) No 195/2013 (OJ L 65, 08.03.2013, pp 1–12), (EU) No 136/2014 (OJ L 43, 13.02.2014, pp 12–46), (EU) No 133/2014 (OJ L 47, 18.02.2014, pp 1–57), (EU) No 214/2014 (OJ L 69, 08.03.2014, pp 3–64), (EU) No 540/2014 (OJ L 158, 27.05.2014, pp 131–195), (EU) No 1171/2014 (OJ L 315, 01.11.2014, pp 3–12), (EU) 2015/45 (OJ L 9, 15.01.2015, pp 1–4) and (EU) 2015/166 (OJ L 28, 04.02.2015, pp 3–39); Commission Directive 2009/4/EC counter measures to prevent and detect manipulation of records of tachographs, amending Directive 2006/22/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on minimum conditions for the implementation of Council Regulations (EEC) Nos 3820/85 and 3821/85 concerning social legislation relating to road transport activities and repealing Council Directive 88/599/EEC (OJ L 21, 24.01.2009, pp 39–40); Directive 2010/40/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the framework for the deployment of Intelligent Transport Systems in the field of road transport and for interfaces with other modes of transport (OJ L 207, 06.08.2010, pp 1–13); Directive (EU) 2015/413 of the European Parliament and of the Council facilitating cross-border exchange of information on road-safety-related traffic offences (OJ L 68, 13.03.2015, pp 9–25); Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorized dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorized weights in international traffic (OJ L 235, 17.09.1996, pp 59–75), amended by Directives 2002/7/EC (OJ L 67, 09.03.2002, pp 47–49) and (EU) 2015/719 (OJ L 115, 06.05.2015, pp 1–10); Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and repealing Directive 2009/40/EC (OJ L 127, 29.04.2014, pp 51–128); Council Directive 1999/37/EC on the registration documents for vehicles as amended by Directives 2003/127/EC (OJ L 10, 16.01.2004, pp 29–53), 2006/103/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, pp 344–351), 2013/22/EU (OJ L 158, 10.06.2013, pp 356–361) and 2014/46/EU (OJ L 127, 29.04.2014, pp 129–133); Directive 2014/47/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union and repealing Directive 2000/30/EC (OJ L 127, 29.04.2014, pp 134–218); Directive 1999/62/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the charging of heavy goods vehicles for the use of certain infrastructures (OJ L 187, 20.07.1999, pp 42–50), amended by Directives 2006/38/EC (OJ L 157, 9.6.2006, pp 344–351), 2011/76/EU (OJ L 269, 14.10.2011, pp 1–16), 2013/22/EU (OJ L 158, 10.6.2013, pp 356–361) and (EU) 2022/362 (OJ L 69, 4.3.2022, pp 1–39); Directive 2003/59/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council on the initial qualification and periodic training of drivers of certain road vehicles for the carriage of goods or passengers, amending Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85 and Council Directive 91/439/EEC and repealing Council Directive 76/914/EEC (OJ L 226, 10.09.2003, pp 4–17), amended by Directives 2004/66/EC (OJ L 168, 01.05.2004, pp 35–67), 2006/103/EC (OJ L 363, 20.12.2006, pp 344–351), 2013/22/EU (OJ L 158, 10.06.2013, pp 356–361) and (EU) 2018/645 (OJ L 112, 02.05.2018, pp 29–41) and Regulation (EC) No 1137/2008 (OJ L 311, 21.11.2008, pp 1–54); Directive (EU) 2019/520 of the European Parliament and of the Council on the interoperability of electronic road toll systems and facilitating cross-border exchange of information on the failure to pay road fees in the Union (OJ L 91, 29.03.2019, pp 45–76). [RT I, 22.12.2023, 1 – entry into force 01.01.2024]

https://www.riigiteataja.ee/otsingu_soovitused.json