Touring tips
Drinking and driving: The maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream for drivers with more than 2 years experience is 0.05 per cent. For drivers with less than 2 years experience the maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.02 per cent. Penalties are severe if the levels are exceeded.
Driving license: The minimum age at which an Irish license holder may drive temporarily imported car and / or motorcycle (over 125cc) is 18.
Fines: The police can issue a report of administrative offence (an on the spot fine). They cannot collect these fines. The fine has to be paid or an appeal lodged within 30 days. Police control speeds closely and they give fines for even the smallest of speeding offences.
Fuel: Unleaded petrol (95 & 98 octane), diesel and LPG is available. No leaded petrol or petrol with lead substitutes are available. Petrol in a can is permitted (duty payable). Visa and MasterCard are accepted at most filling stations; check with your card issuer for usage in Latvia before travel. Cash payments only accepted in local currency.
Lights: Use of dipped headlights during the day is compulsory.
Motorcycles: Use of dipped headlights during the day is compulsory. The wearing of crash helmets is compulsory for both driver and passenger.
Motor Insurance: Third-party motor insurance is compulsory.
Passengers/Children in cars: Children less than 1.5m in height must use a restraint system appropriate to size and weight or the lap strap of an adult seat belt.
Seat belts: Compulsory for front / rear seat occupants to wear seat belts, if fitted.
Speed limits: Standard legal limits, which may be varied by signs, for private vehicles without trailers are: 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside built-up areas, 110 km/h on dual carriageways. There are no motorways in Latvia. In residential areas the speed limit is 20km/h.
Compulsory equipment in Latvia:
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First aid kit
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Reflective clothing It is the responsibility of the car driver to carry reflective clothing in case of a forced stop and leaving the car in poor visibility conditions and at night. The reflective clothing has to be worn by anyone who leaves the car.
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Fire extinguisher
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Warning triangle
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Winter tyres – compulsory for vehicles up to 3.5tonnes from 1 December until the 1 March.
Other rules/requirements in Latvia
Spiked tyres are prohibited 1 May until the 1 October.
It is recommended that visitors carry an assortment of spares for their vehicle, such as fan belt, replacement bulbs and spark plugs.
Note: Latvia has very little signposting and road markings.
The use of equipment which interferes with police equipment is prohibited.
This information should be read in conjunction with general advice for motoring in Europe.
Toll Prices
N/A – Toll Prices are not available at this time