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With its coast, forests and pretty towns, scenic Latvia is ideal to explore by car. Here’s what you need to know before hitting the road in Latvia.
General road rules in Latvia
You must drive on the right and overtake on the left
Seat belts must be worn in all seats that have one
Motor offenses can attract on-the-spot fines that must be paid within 30 days
Drivers must have a valid driving license (you must also be 18 or over), a motor insurance certificate and the V5 registration document for your own car or the hire car
Unless your headlights can be adjusted, you must carry headlamp converters (stickers that adjust the beam of your headlights when driving on the right, so you don’t dazzle motorists coming the other way)
Always carry a warning triangle in case of a breakdown
The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, 20km/h in residential areas, 90km/h on country roads, and 100km/h on dual carriageways
Drivers cannot use radar detectors or anything that could interfere with police equipment.
Winter driving conditions in Latvia
Driving in harsh winter conditions doesn’t make getting around Latvia any easier, so try to avoid planning a road trip between the months of December to March. Temperatures reach lows of -13ºF (-25ºC), and there are snow, ice and fog to navigate.
In winter, be careful walking on icy paths and drive slowly on icy roads. Check with locals before you set out to see if there are any black ice spots. Snow covering major roads is plowed when necessary.
During winter, daylight hours dwindle down to just six hours per day.
Winter tires are required between 1 December and 1 March, and a special winter diesel fuel with a very high congealing point is available in winter.
Tips for road safety in Latvia
To stay safe while driving in Latvia be alert, drive safely, study the map before you set out, and drive in daylight hours.
Drivers must use their headlights at all times, including during daylight hours – winter months can be especially dreary even during the day
Never drink alcohol and drive. The legal limit is 0.05% (0.02% if you have less than two years’ driving experience). If you are caught driving over the limit, you will face a large fine, license endorsement and possible imprisonment
Using a mobile phone whilst driving is prohibited unless using a hands-free device
Always use headlights to maximize visibility on the roads
Avoid driving during snowstorms, but if your schedule demands it, drive slowly
Always stick to the speed limits, which are usually 30mi/h (50km/h) in cities and 55mi/h (90km/h) on roads outside of urban areas, and 62mi/h (100km/h) on motorways
Use secure car parks whenever possible as car thefts and break-ins are common
In Riga, you must not park on tramlines.
Source link : https://www.worldnomads.com/travel-safety/northern-europe/latvia/driving-tips-for-latvia
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Publish date : 2015-06-23 07:00:00
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