The BNS news agency presents 15 key changes that came into effect in Lithuania on January 1, 2025.
Medical Certificate Linked to Driving License Validity
Starting January, the validity of a driving license is now tied to the validity of a medical certificate. Drivers who fail to undergo medical check-ups at the prescribed intervals will be prohibited from driving.
Once a medical check-up is completed and a certificate obtained, the driving license’s validity will be automatically restored. Drivers who miss the health check deadlines will have their licenses suspended until they complete the required medical evaluation.
According to Regitra, the state enterprise responsible for driving tests and licenses, nearly 370,000 Lithuanian drivers have completed a health check since the end of 2023, while 72,000 have not.
Low Emission Zones Introduced
Low Emission Zones (LEZ) have been established in Vilnius and Panevėžys.
In Vilnius, the LEZ encompasses Islandijos Street, Vilniaus Street (from Islandijos to Trakų Street), Klaipėdos Street, Liejyklos Street (from Vilniaus to Totorių Street), and Benediktinių Street (from Vilniaus to Šv. Ignoto Street). Currently, no tolls or other restrictions are planned for this area.
In Panevėžys, the LEZ includes Elektros Street and a section of Vasario 16-osios Street, from Kranto to Respublikos Street. Entry of vehicles with internal combustion engines will be restricted in this zone.
Under the Law on Alternative Fuels, municipalities must establish LEZs by January 2025.
Medical Professionals Permitted to Refuse Services in Specific Cases
As of January 1, medical professionals may refuse to provide services if a patient’s actions pose a threat to their health or safety, disrupt healthcare delivery, or bring disrepute to the medical profession. Exceptions are made for emergencies or if the patient’s behavior results from a medical condition.
Increased Entry Fees to Neringa
Entry fees to Lithuania’s Curonian Spit resort, Neringa, have increased. Passenger car fees are now €50 during the peak summer season (two months) and €10 for the remaining months, up from the previous rates of €30 and €5, respectively.
Fees for large buses have risen to €100 during peak season, and motorcycles are also subject to increased fees. A new €25 fee for electric vehicles applies during peak season. These changes aim to regulate traffic and promote eco-friendly transport.
Law on National Minorities Enacted
The Law on National Minorities came into force on January 1, establishing legal definitions and frameworks for education, culture, and information dissemination for national minorities. Lithuania had lacked such a law since 2010.
Changes to Outpatient Healthcare Services
Primary healthcare facilities now operate between 7:00 AM and 8:00 AM, offering full-scale services for 12 hours. Facilities with fewer than three family doctor positions can contract other municipal facilities for extended hours. Emergency outpatient care must be provided within 24 hours for acute conditions.
District Court Reorganization
The reorganization of district courts reduced the number of chambers from 43 to 27, while the total number of district courts remains at 12. The changes aim to streamline judicial operations and improve infrastructure management.
Textile Waste Sorting
Municipalities are now required to provide facilities for textile waste collection, with at least one container per 1,000 inhabitants in urban areas.
Travel Ban for Classified Information Handlers
Employees authorized to handle classified information and members of the Riflemen’s Union are banned from traveling to Russia, Belarus, and China. This measure affects approximately 56,000 individuals.
Free Parking in Klaipėda
Klaipėda has introduced free parking from 12 PM to 2 PM in the Old Town and central city areas to encourage visits to local businesses and restaurants.
Increased ‘Pillow Tax’ in Kaunas
Kaunas has doubled its “pillow tax” for overnight stays to €2, potentially generating an additional €1 million annually for the city budget.
Cyber Defense Board Launched
The Cyber Defense Board of the Lithuanian Armed Forces began operations on January 1, tasked with planning cyberspace operations and ensuring interoperability with NATO systems.
New Licensing Arrangements for Dentists
The Dental Chamber now licenses dentists and oral care professionals, supervises their activities, and oversees professional development. The changes affect around 8,000 professionals.
Inheritance of Hunting Licenses
Starting in 2025, hunting licenses can be inherited. If the license holder dies, one heir can claim the license with written agreement from all heirs.
Expanded Healthcare Services
Breast cancer screening is now available for women aged 45 to 74. Dentists and oral hygienists are required to conduct initial oral cancer screenings for all patients, referring those with abnormalities to specialized facilities.
Source: BNS
(Reproduction of BNS information in mass media and other websites without written consent of BNS is prohibited.)