Traffic rules

Traffic rules Latvia

General:

Latvia has a very well-developed roadway network, consisting primarily of 15 main state highways that are aligned in a star shape with Riga. These state roads are divided into three different categories, with the first two corresponding to German autobahns and federal roads.

Be warned: while Latvia has the lowest traffic density in Europe, it ranks high in traffic fatalities.

Driving license:

An international driver’s license is not required.

Promise limit:

All over Latvia the 0.5 per mille limit applies.

Fines:

Drinking and driving: from 140 euros
Telephoning without a hands-free device: 15 euros
Speeding: from 30 euros
Red light: from 20 euros
Overtaking ban disregarded: from 20 euros
Parking ban: from 10 euros

Other:

Similar traffic rules apply as everywhere else in Europe. Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities and 90 km/h on rural roads. On motorways, which correspond to a state road 1. category, may be driven also 110 km/h. From 1 December to 01 March, driving is only permitted with suitable winter tyres. In Latvia, too, dipped headlights must be used during the day and the police must be notified in the event of an accident. Overtaking in the area of crossings and railway crossings is prohibited