Subotica protests enter fourth day over electric vehicle rules; escalation threatened

Protests have entered their fourth day in Subotica, Serbia, as a group of citizens voice their frustration over new regulations concerning electric vehicles. The rule, which took effect in late June, has effectively halted the registration of their vehicles, which were previously imported and sold under different procedures.

Protestors argue that they are unable to register their vehicles due to uncoordinated procedures and the manner in which the vehicles were initially imported and sold. They claim that authorities have failed to provide satisfactory answers to their demands. Consequently, the group announced plans to escalate their protests starting Wednesday, July 22, if their concerns remain unaddressed.

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We will continue our protest every day until we get an answer about what to do next with our so-called mopeds.

Aleksandar Zafirović, a representative of the protesting citizens, stated that over 200 signatures have been collected for a petition intended for the head of the traffic police in Subotica and the mayor. "More and more of us are joining each day," Zafirović said. "No one from the ministry, the traffic police, or the mayor's office has approached us. We will continue our protest every day until we get an answer about what to do next with our so-called mopeds."

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We are demanding that a regulation similar to that for electric scooters be introduced, allowing us to move.

Zafirović also highlighted that the regulation was enacted "overnight" and lacks logic. The protestors are demanding a regulation similar to that for electric scooters, allowing them to continue using their vehicles. They argue they are not a traffic hazard, unlike younger riders causing chaos. The group also pointed out a significant price disparity for obtaining an AM driving license, which is considerably higher in Subotica compared to other Serbian cities, making it unaffordable for many.

Another participant, Siniša, noted that the registration issue is not confined to Subotica but affects the entire country, as these mopeds were imported as electric bicycles. He stressed the need for a sticker issuance, similar to electric scooters, to allow them to use their vehicles during a grace period while complying with new regulations.

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We are not asking for anything else, only that they give us space and time to do everything that the new regulation requires of us, but that during that period we can use our means of transport.