Memorandum of Understanding
on Mutual Recognition of Driving Licenses Issued by
the Republic of Latvia
and United Arab Emirates

Preamble

The Government of the Republic of Latvia and the Ministry of Interior of the United Arab Emirates, hereinafter referred to as "the parties",

Believing in deep relations between the two countries with desire to recognize and exchange of driving licenses issued by respective competent authorities of their countries during visit or residence in the territory of the country of other party.

Desiring to develop the friendship and cooperation ties between them and contributing to the enhancement of their cooperation in the area of road traffic,

Have agreed the following:

Article 1
General Provisions

For the purposes of implementing this Memorandum of Understanding, each party shall recognize a valid driving license issued by the other party to passport holders, who arrive not for the purpose of residence, provided that the holder of the driving license fulfills the requirements of minimum age laid down by the other party for the different driving license categories.

Article 2
Procedures and Conditions

For those passport holders who arrive for the purpose of residence, each party shall exempt the applicant for exchange of a driving license issued by the other party, from the related theoretical and practical tests. This exemption shall be limited to driving license categories for motor cycles and light vehicles. All other categories shall remain submitted to pass the related theoretical, practical and medical tests applied by national authorities of both parties. The period of time during which the exchange of driving licenses has to take place, starting from the date on which the holder has taken up residence in the country of the other party, is defined by national legislation of the respective party each of the two parties respectively.

Types of driving licenses are exchanged according to the following table:

Article 3
Conditions of Exchanging

The terms and conditions under which driving licenses can be exchanged, are the following:

1. The applicant shall hold a valid residence permit.

2. The driving license must be valid and permanent.

3. The applicant must fulfill the minimum age requirements according to law and regulations laid down by both parties.

4. The driving license which will be exchanged, must be according to the approved samples.

5. The driving license of the applicants should be replaced with equivalent type of driving license as stipulated in the table of Article 2.

6. The applicant must submit a legal translation of the driving license issued by any certified legal translation bureau.

7. The applicant must pass the required medical examination.

8. The exchange of driving licenses is subject to any other terms that are required according to the national legislation of both parties.

9. Replaced driving license shall be sent to issuing authority in the other country through diplomatic channels.

Article 4
The Validity of Driving License

In case of any doubts related to the validity or authenticity of a driving license submitted for exchange, the competent authority carrying out the exchange may request the competent authority of the other party to verify the validity or the authenticity of that driving license through diplomatic channels.

Article 5
Driving License, Traffic Laws and Regulations

1. Each party shall promptly inform the other party of any changes or amendments in its national legislation on driving licenses or traffic laws and regulations or competent authorities through diplomatic channels.

2. For implementing this Memorandum of Understanding, cooperation shall be made:

a- For the Republic of Latvia:

- State Joint Stock Company "Road Traffic Safety Directorate",

b- For the United Arab Emirates:

- Ministry of Interior - General Directorate of Traffic Coordination.

Article 6
Settlement

All disputes arising from the application of this Memorandum of Understanding shall be settled by negotiation and consultation between both parties through diplomatic channels.

Article 7
Entry into Force and Termination

1. This Memorandum of Understanding shall be provisionally applied from the date of its signature. This Memorandum of Understanding shall enter into force after (60) days from the date of signature and will remain valid for an indefinite period.

2. The terms of this Memorandum of Understanding may be amended by mutual written consent of both parties.

3. Either party may terminate this Memorandum of Understanding by giving three months advance written notice to the other party through diplomatic channels by indicating its intention to terminate this Memorandum of Understanding.

Done at Abu Dabi on 27 February 2017 in duplicate copies, each in Latvian, Arabic and English languages, all texts being equally authentic. In case of any divergence of interpretation, the English text shall prevail.