1 December to 1 March: Latvia's 2026 Winter Tyre Rule

Latvia’s winter tyre law is mandatory, not advisory: cars need at least 4 mm of tread between 1 December and 1 March. Motorway speeds reach 110 km/h, falling to 90 km/h on rural roads and 50 km/h in town. The blood alcohol limit sits at 0.05%.

Speed limits are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05% BAC. You must be at least 18 to drive.

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Emergency Numbers in Latvia

General Emergency: 112 | Police: 112

Save these numbers before you start driving. In Latvia, emergency calls are free from any phone.

Speed Limits in Latvia

The default speed limits for passenger cars in Latvia are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways.

Trucks and vehicles over 3.5 tonnes have lower limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, and 80 km/h on motorways.

For comparison, motorway limits in nearby countries: Denmark (130 km/h), Lithuania (130 km/h).

Latvia has moderate speed camera coverage across major roads and motorways. The typical enforcement tolerance is about 5 km/h.

Important: Posted signs always override default limits. Watch for temporary restrictions in construction zones, near schools, and in residential areas.

Speeding Fines and Penalties

Speeding fines in Latvia escalate based on how far you exceed the limit. Exceeding by up to 10 km/h: EUR 30-40. Exceeding by 11-20 km/h: EUR 40-100 + 2 penalty points. Over 20 km/h: EUR 100-400 + 4 penalty points + licence suspension or more.

Warning for foreign drivers: Latvia pursues unpaid fines through cross-border enforcement agreements. You may receive a penalty notice at your home address weeks or months after your trip.

Other common fines:

• Mobile phone use while driving: EUR 50-100
• Running a red light: EUR 70-140 + 4 penalty points
• Seatbelt violation: EUR 30-50

Traffic Rules and Regulations

Drive on the right side of the road. Overtake on the left. At roundabouts, enter counter-clockwise and yield to traffic already circulating.

Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants. Children must use appropriate restraint systems based on their age and height.

Using a hand-held phone while driving is illegal. The fine is EUR 50-100. Use hands-free devices only.

Daytime running lights are required in most situations. Dipped headlights must be used in tunnels, rain, and reduced visibility.

At unmarked intersections, traffic from the right generally has priority unless signs indicate otherwise.

Drink-Driving Laws and Alcohol Limits

The legal blood alcohol limit in Latvia is 0.05% BAC. This is higher than Sweden (0.02% BAC). Exceeding this limit results in fines, licence suspension, and possible criminal charges. For novice drivers and professional drivers, stricter limits may apply.

The safest approach is to not drink at all if you will be driving. Alcohol affects reaction time and judgement regardless of the legal limit.

Tyre Requirements and Regulations

Winter tyre requirement in Latvia: Required.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6 mm. Safety experts recommend replacing tyres at 4.0 mm for adequate grip.

Studded tyres: restricted.

For detailed tyre law information, see our Tyre Laws in Latvia guide.

Mandatory Vehicle Equipment

Vehicles in Latvia must carry the following:

Required:

• Warning triangle
• Reflective vest (high-visibility)
• First aid kit
• Fire extinguisher

Recommended:

• Spare bulbs

Keep all equipment accessible — not buried under luggage. Police may check during routine stops.

Driving License Requirements

EU and EEA driving licences are valid in Latvia without additional documentation. Always carry your original driving licence — photocopies are not accepted. Your foreign licence is valid for up to 12 months.

The minimum driving age is 18 years.

EU/EEA licences valid. Non-EU visitors need IDP.

Parking and Fuel

City-centre parking in Latvia is typically paid — use parking meters, ticket machines, or mobile payment apps. Look for P+R (park and ride) facilities on the outskirts connected to public transport.

Current fuel prices in Latvia: petrol approximately $1.58/litre, diesel $1.52/litre (USD). Prices vary by region and station.

Most fuel stations accept major credit and debit cards. In rural areas, keep your tank above half — stations may be far apart.

Seasonal Driving Conditions

Latvia has cold winters and mild summers. Winter driving (November to March) requires caution — ice, snow, and reduced visibility are common. Clear all snow and ice from your vehicle before driving. Allow extra following distance on slippery roads.

Summer driving is generally straightforward with long daylight hours. Watch for tourist traffic near popular destinations.

Practical Driving Tips for Latvia

• Speed camera warning apps (Waze, Google Maps) are legal here.
• Dashcams are legal and recommended for evidence in case of an accident.
• Police can issue on-the-spot fines. Carry cash or a valid payment card.
• Download offline maps of Latvia before your trip — mobile signal can be unreliable on rural roads.
• Check if you need a motorway vignette (toll sticker) or an environmental zone sticker for city driving.
• Take a break every 2 hours on long drives. Fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents.
• Use our interactive tools on this page — compare rules with your home country and calculate potential fines before you set off.