Latvia (LV)
Latvia is a parliamentary republic and EU member state on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, bordered by Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus.
Driving in Latvia
Licence exchange, road rules, fines, buying a car, and cycling.
Driving in Latvia is on the right side of the road. The road network is generally good in Riga and on main national roads (A1–A12), but many secondary and rural roads are poorly maintained, and some are unpaved (grants ceļš). Winter driving is extremely dangerous due to snow, black ice, and limited visibility — winter tyres are mandatory by law from 1 November to 1 April. Latvia has a strict drink-driving law with a 0.5 g/l blood alcohol limit (0.2 g/l for new drivers). Speed cameras and police patrols are active. The CSDD (Road Traffic Safety Directorate) handles all vehicle registration and driving licence matters.
Driving Licence Exchange
EU/EEA driving licences are fully valid in Latvia and do not need to be exchanged — they are valid until their expiry date. Non-EU licences are valid for a limited period after establishing Latvian residence; exchange is required for long-term use.
No exchange required. EU/EEA driving licences are fully recognised in Latvia indefinitely (until the licence expires naturally). When it expires, renew at CSDD (csdd.gov.lv) — you receive a Latvian driving licence. Bring your EU licence + valid ID + personas kods.
USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, Switzerland, Ukraine
Countries with bilateral exchange agreements with Latvia: direct exchange without re-taking the driving test. Required: valid original licence, Latvian residence permit, personas kods, passport, medical certificate (veselības izziņa), and CSDD application.
Non-EU licences are valid in Latvia for up to 12 months after establishing lawful residence. After that, exchange is required. Check CSDD website for the current list — agreements change.
Countries NOT on the bilateral exchange list: foreign licence valid for up to 12 months from establishing Latvian residence. After that, must pass the full Latvian driving test (theory + practical) at CSDD. Theory test (€15) is available in Latvian, Russian, and English. Practical test: €55.
Driving schools (autoskola) in Riga offer preparation packages for the theory and practical tests.
Road Rules
Urban areas (pilsēta): 50 km/h (30 km/h in residential zones — dzīvojamās zonas). Rural roads (ārpus pilsētas): 90 km/h. Motorways (automaģistrāles): 110 km/h (summer); 90 km/h if conditions are poor. Summer/winter speed limit changes: from 1 May to 30 September, rural limits increase to 90 km/h; winter limits may be reduced on specific roads.
0.5 g/L blood alcohol (50 mg/100 mL) for experienced drivers. 0.2 g/L for new drivers (first 2 years) and professional drivers (buses, trucks, taxis). Zero tolerance effectively enforced by police — random breath tests are common.
Using a mobile phone while driving is illegal without a hands-free system. Fine: €70–200. Traffic cameras increasingly detect mobile phone use. Even brief use at traffic lights is illegal.
Mandatory for all passengers in all seats at all times.
Children under 150 cm height must use an approved child restraint system (bērnu drošības krēsls or adapter belt). Rear-facing child seat must not be placed in front passenger seat if the airbag is active.
No formal Low Emission Zones (LEZ) in Latvia as of 2026, but Riga has environmental zone discussions ongoing. Catalytic converter (katalizators) is required for all vehicles.
Traffic Fines (Bußgeldkatalog)
Latvia's Administrative Violations Code (Administratīvo pārkāpumu kodekss) sets traffic fines. Fines can be paid online at epakalpojumi.csdd.lv within 15 days for a 25% discount. Points system applies — accumulating penalty points can result in licence suspension.
| Offence | Fine | Points |
|---|---|---|
| Speeding up to 20 km/h over limit | €30–70 | — |
| Speeding 20–30 km/h over limit | €70–140 | — |
| Speeding 30–50 km/h over limit | €140–280 | — |
| Speeding 50+ km/h over limit | €280–700 + licence suspension | — |
| Drink driving (0.5–0.8 g/L) | €280–500 | — |
| Drink driving (above 0.8 g/L) | €500–700 + 12 months licence suspension | — |
| Mobile phone use while driving | €70–200 | — |
| No seatbelt | €35–70 | — |
| Running a red light | €70–280 | — |
| No OCTA insurance | €280–700 | — |
| No winter tyres when mandatory | €70–140 | — |
Buying a Car
Latvia has an active second-hand car market. New cars can be purchased from authorised dealerships. VAT (21%) applies to new car purchases. Used cars: check the vehicle's history at CSDD or via international services (carVertical). Latvian roads have many imported used cars from Germany, Sweden, and other EU countries.
- 1.Find a car: ss.lv has the largest second-hand market. Authorised dealers for new cars.
- 2.Check vehicle history: order vehicle history report at csdd.gov.lv (free for Latvian-registered cars). For EU imports: carVertical.com.
- 3.Physical inspection: have an independent mechanic (mehāniķis) inspect before purchase. Test drive mandatory.
- 4.Sales agreement: sign a written purchase agreement (pirkuma-pārdevuma līgums). Notarial deed not required for vehicles.
- 5.Pay OCTA insurance BEFORE registering the vehicle.
- 6.Register the vehicle at CSDD service centre within 10 working days of purchase.
- 7.Pay the transport fee (transportlīdzekļa ekspluatācijas nodoklis) — annual vehicle operation tax.
- •Valid technical inspection (Tehniskā apskate) — ensure it is current and not near expiry
- •No outstanding unpaid fines or charges (check at epakalpojumi.csdd.lv)
- •VIN check against stolen vehicle databases
- •Mileage verification (odometer fraud is common in imports)
- •No outstanding loans (auto līzings) on the vehicle — check at Kreditregists
Registration at CSDD: €30–70. Number plates: €30–40. OCTA insurance (mandatory, first year): €100–300. Annual vehicle operation tax (transportlīdzekļa ekspluatācijas nodoklis): €70–300 depending on vehicle CO2 and age. Technical inspection (2 years for new, 1 year for older vehicles): €30–50.
Registration, Insurance & Tax
All vehicles operated in Latvia must be registered at CSDD (csdd.gov.lv). Required: proof of ownership (purchase agreement or registration certificate), OCTA insurance, valid technical inspection (TA — tehniskā apskate), and payment of registration fees. Vehicle registration must be completed within 10 working days of purchase or establishing Latvian residence if importing a foreign vehicle. Foreign-registered vehicles of Latvian residents must be re-registered in Latvia within 10 days of establishing residence.
OCTA (Obligātā civiltiesiskā atbildība — compulsory third-party liability insurance) is legally mandatory for all vehicles operated on Latvian public roads. Driving without OCTA is an offence punishable by a fine of €280–700. Compare OCTA prices at octa.lv. KASKO (comprehensive insurance) is optional but strongly recommended for newer vehicles.
Annual vehicle operation tax (transportlīdzekļa ekspluatācijas nodoklis — TEN): €70–500+ per year depending on the vehicle's CO2 emissions and engine displacement. Electric vehicles are exempt or pay minimal TEN. Paid to VID (State Revenue Service) annually. Must be paid for the vehicle to remain legally operable.
Technical inspection (Tehniskā apskate — TA): required for all motor vehicles. New vehicles: first TA at 3 years, then every 2 years. Vehicles over 5 years: annual TA. Commercial vehicles and taxis: more frequent. Conducted at CSDD-authorised inspection centres (TA stacijas) throughout Latvia. Cost: €30–50. Vehicles failing TA must be repaired and re-inspected before road use.
Cycling
Cycling infrastructure in Latvia is developing but uneven — Riga has dedicated cycling lanes along major streets and embankments, but coverage is incomplete. Latvian countryside cycling is excellent — flat terrain, quiet roads, and beautiful nature.
- •Cyclists must use dedicated cycle lanes (veloceliņš) where they exist
- •On roads without cycle lanes: ride as far right as safely possible
- •Helmets are mandatory for children under 12
- •Lights are mandatory at night: white front, red rear
- •Riding on the pavement (trotuārs) is generally prohibited for adults
- •Maximum one passenger (on designated rear carrier or child seat)
- •Alcohol limit for cyclists: 0.5 promille (same as drivers)
- •Lock your bicycle securely — theft is common in Riga
- •Reflective clothing is strongly recommended for cycling in the dark Baltic winter
- •Riga's urban cycling is expanding but requires confidence — some sections lack proper infrastructure
- •For leisure cycling: Mežaparks (Riga forest park), Jūrmala cycle paths, and Gauja Valley are excellent
- •Bolt Scooters and Lime (electric scooters) are available for short trips in Riga