Latvia

Key points for young drivers:

• 90 km/h outside built-up areas (80 on gravel); there are no real motorways.
• Alcohol: 0.5 ‰, but with a licence held less than 2 years 0.2 ‰.
• Lights on day and night, phone only through a hands-free kit.
• In the car: warning triangle, first-aid kit and fire extinguisher.
• Roads without vignettes, but driving into Jūrmala costs a charge.

Seat belts and child seats

The driver and all passengers wear seat belts. Children shorter than 150 cm travel in a suitable child seat or on a booster seat.

Traffic lights

As in most EU countries: official sources point to no differences. Emergency vehicles with sirens on may go through a red light – let them pass.

Helmet not compulsory

Adult cyclists – helmet not mandatory (the requirement only applies to children).

Helmet compulsory

• motorcycle and moped (Your Europe gives no details – as everywhere in the EU, you ride with a helmet)
• bicycle – children

Compulsory equipment in the car

• warning triangle
• first-aid kit
• fire extinguisher

Compulsory equipment on a bike

No specific requirements in the sources. Children must wear a helmet. After dark outside lit areas, wear reflectors.

Winter tyres and snow chains

Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March.

Phone, drugs and other bans

• Phone only through a hands-free kit.
• Drugs and other narcotics: a total driving ban.
• Bus lanes are only for public transport; other cars may only use them to pick up or drop off a passenger, if they don’t get in the way of buses.

Vignettes, tolls and low-emission zones

Latvian roads are free for cars. Only goods vehicles buy a vignette.

Exception: to enter the Jūrmala zone in your own car you pay a daily charge (all year round) – at machines by the road, online or in an app.

Documents and insurance

• your driving licence from an EU/EEA country is valid (EU)
• vehicle registration certificate and third-party motor insurance policy
• no Green Card needed (EU)

What to watch out for

• Traffic police pay particular attention to speed and correct parking.
• Drink-driving carries severe penalties, including prison – and as a novice driver your limit is 0.2 ‰.
• Away from the routes to Riga and transit routes there is little traffic – don’t get carried away with speed; without a sign the limit is 90 km/h.
• Cyclists may ride on the pavement, but pedestrians have priority there.

Sources

• Your Europe – Road rules: Latvia
• Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Odyseusz: Latvia (in Polish)
• CSDD (Latvian Road Traffic Safety Directorate) – for drivers in Latvia
• Last updated: September 2026.