Driving in Latvia 2026 With a US Licence: Get an IDP First

Latvia is an easy place for an American to drive: right-hand traffic, an EU member with clear rules, and a licence rule written into law. The differences from home are small but specific, and two of them are seasonal.

The verdict for American licence holders

The U.S. State Department’s country page says that if you plan to drive in Latvia, you are required to obtain an International Driving Permit — and that police could confiscate your vehicle if you drive without one. So pack two documents: your US licence and an IDP, which in the US is issued by AAA or AATA before you leave. Latvia’s own Road Traffic Law (article 47) does list non-convention licences as valid for category B cars, but the US government’s instruction to Americans is the one to follow at a roadside check. The same State Department page says anyone resident in Latvia for more than six months must apply for a Latvian licence. Keep your licence, IDP and passport together.

You keep your side, but pick up two seasonal rules

Latvia drives on the right, as at home. What changes is the calendar. Clause 219 of the road traffic regulations requires winter tyres on cars up to 3,500 kg from 1 December to 1 March, and in that window the minimum tread is 4 mm rather than the usual 1.6 mm. Studded tyres are allowed only outside summer: they are banned from 1 May to 1 October. A rental hired in season comes fitted; a car driven in from elsewhere is your responsibility. The same window lowers the motorway limit: 120 km/h for cars on motorway-signed roads, 110 km/h from 1 December to 1 March.

Speeds and alcohol

Towns are 50 km/h and other roads 90 km/h unless signed otherwise. The drink-drive limit is 0.05%, tighter than the 0.08% used across the US, and 0.02% for novice drivers. GOV.UK warns that winters, between October and March, can bring temperatures of -25°C and difficult roads, so allow time. Emergencies: 112; ambulance 113.

Confirm your paperwork with our Driving Permit Checker, estimate any penalty with the Speeding Fine Calculator, and read the country detail on our Latvia driving guide.

Sources

• U.S. Department of State, Country Information, Latvia (“If you plan to drive in Latvia, you are required to obtain an International Driving Permit.”), last updated September 10, 2026: cadataapi.state.gov
• Ceļu satiksmes likums (Road Traffic Law), art. 47 (foreign licences; category B only without 1968 categories): likumi.lv
• Ceļu satiksmes noteikumi (Cabinet Regulation No. 571), clauses 103.4 and 219 (motorway 120/110 km/h; winter tyres 1 December-1 March; studs): likumi.lv
• CSDD, roadside tread checks (4 mm in winter): csdd.lv
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Latvia profile (50/90 km/h; 0.05 and 0.02 g/dl): who.int
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, United States profile (0.08 g/dl): who.int
• GOV.UK foreign travel advice, Latvia (winter conditions; ambulance 113): gov.uk