Guide to Driving In Latvia - Drive Safe in Latvia

With our Drive Smart guide you're fully prepared to hire a car in Latvia and stay safe on unfamiliar roads.

URBAN SPEED LIMIT

50 kph

urban
More info  

RURAL SPEED LIMIT

90 kph

rural
More info  

motorway speed limit

90-100 kph

speed limit
More info  

Drink Drive Limit

 50mg

drink and drive limit
More info  
urban
You drive in Latvia on the Right side  
urban
The currency in Latvia is EUR €
urban
To rent a car is  21 years and to drive is 18 years of age
urban
Current fuel price in Latvia 1.59 €/Ltr

Driving Laws in Latvia

Driving in Latvia
Pocket guide to driving in Latvia
Profile:
Latvia
Riga
EUR €
Driving in Latvia
SPEED: (kph)
50
90
90-100
Speed limit in Latvia
Holiday:
Rush hour in Latvia
Cameras:
YES
YES
Speed cameras in Latvia
FUEL:
1.59
1.59
EUR/Litre
Fuel prices in Latvia
See Fuel Price in Latvia for full statistics
MIN AGE:
18
21
Min driving age in Latvia
DRINK:
50mg
Blood alcohol content
Drink driving in Latvia
EMERGENCY:
112
Emergency phone number in Latvia
DOCUMENT:
Driving documents in Latvia
PHONES:
No
Hands free only
Mobile phone driving in Latvia
SEATBELTS:
Yes
Yes
Seat belt in Latvia
See here for current child seats law in Latvia

Are there any special requirements for driving or hiring a car in Latvia?

Sat between Lithuania and Estonia on the eastern shoreline of the Baltic Sea, Latvia’s capital, Riga is an increasingly popular tourist destination, situated on the shoreline of the sea, many visitors hire cars from the airport and explore beyond the capital itself. Known for its long sandy beached and dense forests, driving in Latvia isn’t something to worry about and you’ll find road conditions are generally good. With much to see and do away from Riga, hiring a car and driving around Latvia, whether for a day or a week should be on your agenda if planning a trip here.

driving in Latvia

Rules of the road

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Emergency Services Numbers

Police Police: 112

Police Fire: 112

Police Ambulance: 112

Notes:

DieselUnleaded
Feb , 2024

€ 1.59

€ 1.59

Jan , 2024

€ 1.55

€ 1.55

Dec , 2023

€ 1.57

€ 1.57

Nov , 2023

€ 1.59

€ 1.58

Parking Information

Parking regulations

Riga has a tram network in the city and parking on roads where there is a tram line is forbidden. It also forbidden to park against the flow of traffic on roads with more than 1 lane in any direction (dual carriageways etc).

Unfortunately theft from cars is common in Latvia and it recommended not to park on side streets for this reason, rather find a secure car park and pay the parking charge. Paid parking is available on street where ticket machines (tariffs vary by time / day / location) are utilised.

Parking Fines
Police will collect parking fines on the spot. If a car is parked dangerously or considered an obstruction it will be towed away.

Disabled Parking in Latvia
Blue badge holders are permitted to use designated disabled bays in Latvia. You'll find these in car parks and on street parking spots in the most convenient locations. Riga has excellent disabled parking provision, however outside of Riga it is less well appointed.

Emergency Information

Emergency Information

Police Police: 112

Police Fire: 112

Police Ambulance: 112

What to do in an emergency

You should call 112 in the event of an emergency. Operators will direct your call to the correct emergency service and speak fluently in the following language;
  • Latvian
  • Russian
  • English
  • German

Handy Guides

World Driving Guides

Road Signs

Handy Phrases

English is generally well spoken in Latvia, as is Russian, however the following Latvian phrases / words may come in handy when driving in Latvia;
 
  • Where is the closest petrol station - kur ir tuvākā degvielas uzpildes stacija?
  • Police - policija
  • Windscreen - vējstikls
  • Tyres - riepas
  • Service station - servisa stacija

Latvia Fuel Price History

DieselUnleaded
Feb , 2024

€ 1.59

€ 1.59

Jan , 2024

€ 1.55

€ 1.55

Dec , 2023

€ 1.57

€ 1.57

Nov , 2023

€ 1.59

€ 1.58

Oct , 2023

€ 1.71

€ 1.72

Sep , 2023

€ 1.69

€ 1.72

Aug , 2023

€ 1.55

€ 1.64

Jul , 2023

€ 1.43

€ 1.56

Jun , 2023

€ 1.38

€ 1.56

May , 2023

€ 1.40

€ 1.59

Apr , 2023

€ 1.57

€ 1.64

Mar , 2023

€ 1.62

€ 1.61

Month, YearDiesel €/ltrUnleaded €/ltr
Feb , 2024 1.59 1.59
Jan , 2024 1.55 1.55
Dec , 2023 1.57 1.57
Nov , 2023 1.59 1.58
Oct , 2023 1.71 1.72
Sep , 2023 1.69 1.72
Aug , 2023 1.55 1.64
Jul , 2023 1.43 1.56
Jun , 2023 1.38 1.56
May , 2023 1.40 1.59
Apr , 2023 1.57 1.64
Mar , 2023 1.62 1.61
Phil Partridge
Posted by Phil Partridge
About the Author -

Travel writer, car rental guru, Phil has rented cars all over the world and shares his knowledge and experience on the Rhinocarhire.com Blog. Favourite country to visit: France.

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