NATO Summit in Vilnius - Police Asks Drivers Not to Play Loud Music

The NATO Summit will take place in Vilnius on July 11-12. During these days, drivers are urged to be very attentive and avoid playing loud music in their vehicles, refrain from wearing headphones, constantly monitor the road, and promptly yield to the convoys of delegations as required by traffic rules.

According to the municipality's website, next week on Tuesday and Wednesday, the roads in Vilnius will be crowded with convoys of delegations and accompanying official vehicles. It is likely that drivers will encounter convoys on the road more frequently, hear sirens, and see flashing lights. It is important to be prepared for this and immediately yield the right of way.

The Lithuanian Road Police Service emphasizes that loud music in the car can hinder timely response to the appearance of a convoy. If the music is played softly, the driver will be able to hear sirens in a timely manner.

"If you notice an approaching escort vehicle with red or blue flashing lights, you should stop to let it pass. If the road is a single lane leading in both directions, drivers should hug the right edge of the road and clear the way. If there are two or more lanes in each direction, vehicles from the left should move to the left and stop, while those on the right should move to the right. A single row of cars should form on the left, and as many rows as there are lanes on the road should form on the right. If drivers react in a timely manner and follow the instructions, the convoy will pass quickly, and then drivers can continue their journey calmly. Furthermore, do not abruptly change lanes into the formed corridor, as this may lead to accidents. Do not block the road and only start moving when you are sure that all vehicles in the convoy have passed. If a driver fails to yield to a vehicle or convoy accompanied by vehicles with flashing lights and sirens, they may face a fine and a driving ban of up to 4 months," - say law enforcement officials.

The municipality also announces that during the summit, traffic restrictions will be implemented in the Old Town, Vilnius Airport, certain areas of the Naugarduko district, as well as access to the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Center, Litexpo. Some districts or streets will be completely closed, while others will be temporarily closed, so residents of the city are advised to familiarize themselves with more detailed information closer to the event.

In restricted access areas, only pedestrian movement will be allowed, and all types of transportation, including bicycles and electric scooters, will be prohibited, so residents and businesses are advised to prepare in advance and ensure they have all the necessary supplies.

Businesses in these areas are prohibited from conducting outdoor trading activities. Further restrictions on open-air markets and cafes will be announced closer to the event.