Driving Directions and Google Map of Latvia — Via Baltica, Riga, Toll-Free Roads & Road Guide

Latvia, the central Baltic state nestled between Estonia and Lithuania, rewards road travellers with sweeping amber-coloured pine forests, dramatic sea cliffs along the Gulf of Riga coast, and the magnificent Art Nouveau architecture of Riga — the Baltic region’s largest city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Covering 64,589 km², Latvia is a country of quiet contrasts: the cosmopolitan energy of Riga set against the serene emptiness of the Gauja River valley, the colourful wooden houses of Jūrmala beach resort, and the castle-topped hills of Sigulda. Latvia joined the European Union and NATO in May 2004, entered the Schengen Area in December 2007, and adopted the Euro in January 2014, completing its integration into the European framework. Like its Baltic neighbours, Latvia operates completely toll-free roads — there is no vignette, no motorway charge, and no road-use fee for private cars. The country sits on the Via Baltica (E67) — the main north-south Pan-European corridor connecting Helsinki (via Tallinn) with Warsaw and Central Europe — making it a key transit country as well as a rewarding destination in its own right.

This guide covers everything you need to drive confidently in Latvia: the interactive Google Map and route planner below, Latvia’s classified road network and Via Baltica corridor, speed limits and seasonal winter reductions, alcohol regulations, mandatory equipment, winter tyre and studded tyre rules, driving in Riga, the Gauja National Park scenic route, beach road to Jūrmala, cross-border connections to Estonia, Lithuania, Russia, and Belarus, and a comprehensive FAQ. Use the free driving directions tool on our homepage to plan your Latvian road journey before you set off.

Road Network & Classification

Latvia’s road network is managed by Latvijas Valsts ceļi (LVC) — Latvian State Roads — and spans approximately 20,100 km of public roads maintained at national level, with a further 55,000 km of local municipality roads. National roads are classified into four categories: main roads (galvenie valsts autoceļi, A class), which carry the highest traffic volumes and speed limits; first-class regional roads (1. šķiras reģionālie autoceļi, P class); second-class regional roads (2. šķiras reģionālie autoceļi, V class); and local roads (vietējie autoceļi). Approximately one-third of Latvia’s road network remains unpaved — largely in rural and forested regions — which is an important consideration for route planning, especially in spring and after heavy rain.

Main Roads (A class)

• A1 (E67 Via Baltica — Riga to Estonian border at Ainaži): Running approximately 100 km north from Riga to the Estonian border. The A1 forms the northern leg of Latvia’s section of the Via Baltica. It passes through the resort town of Jūrmala junction and the Gulf of Riga coastline before crossing into Estonia at Ainaži. The road is dual carriageway for most of its length north of Riga; maximum speed 110 km/h on dual sections.
• A7 (E67 Via Baltica — Riga to Lithuanian border at Bauska/Grenctāle): Running approximately 190 km south from Riga through Bauska (home to the magnificent Rundāle Palace, 12 km off the A7) to the Lithuanian border crossing at Grenctāle. This is the continuation of the Via Baltica south towards Vilnius (Lithuania). The A7 is the main artery for traffic between the three Baltic states and Poland/Central Europe. Dual carriageway south of Riga; maximum speed 110 km/h.
• A2 (Riga–Sigulda–Estonian border at Vireši): Running north-east from Riga through the celebrated Gauja River valley and the resort town of Sigulda — sometimes called “the Switzerland of Latvia” — towards the Estonian border. Total length approximately 130 km. The Sigulda section is one of Latvia’s most scenic driving routes, with forests, river cliffs, and medieval castle ruins. Maximum speed 90 km/h on most sections (dual carriageway around Sigulda at 110 km/h).
• A3 (Riga Ring Road / Western bypass, E22): The western and northern Riga ring road, allowing transit traffic to bypass the city centre. Connects the A1 (north, Estonian direction), the Tallinn ferry port access road, and the A9 (Jūrmala direction). Essential for through traffic — use the ring road rather than city centre routes to save significant time.
• A4 (Riga–Daugavpils–Belarusian border): Running approximately 290 km south-east from Riga through Jēkabpils and Daugavpils (Latvia’s second city) to the Belarusian border. Daugavpils (around 80,000 inhabitants) is historically and culturally significant — home to the Daugavpils Fortress, the largest 19th-century fortress in the Baltic, and the Mark Rothko Art Centre (Rothko was born in Daugavpils). Maximum speed 90 km/h on most sections.
• A5 (Riga–Liepāja, E22): Running approximately 210 km west from Riga along the coast of the Gulf of Riga to Liepāja — Latvia’s third-largest city and a major Baltic Sea port. The A5 passes through Jūrmala and the Zemgale region. Maximum speed 90 km/h throughout.
• A9 (Riga–Jūrmala–Liepāja direction, coastal road): Connects Riga south-west to the resort of Jūrmala on the Gulf of Riga — Latvia’s premier beach destination, famous for its Art Nouveau wooden villas, 33 km of white sand beach, and gentle pine-backed dunes. The A9 is one of Latvia’s busiest summer roads; weekend traffic from Riga in July–August causes significant queues. Maximum speed 90 km/h.

Speed Limits

Latvia, like its Baltic neighbours Estonia and Lithuania, applies seasonal winter speed limit reductions on selected roads. The Latvian State Roads authority (LVC) designates sections where winter limits apply; these are posted on signs from 1 December to 1 March. Traffic police (Valsts policija — State Police) enforce speed limits using mobile radar units, stationary cameras, and unmarked vehicles. Average speed section-control cameras are deployed on key sections of the A1, A7, and the Riga ring road.

Road Type	Summer	Winter (Dec 1–Mar 1)	Notes
Main road, dual carriageway (A class)	110 km/h	90 km/h	Where winter limit signs are posted
Main road, single carriageway	90 km/h	90 km/h	No winter reduction on most sections
Regional road (P / V class)	90 km/h	90 km/h	Surface quality varies; adjust speed accordingly
Urban area (apdzīvotā vietā)	50 km/h	50 km/h	30 km/h near schools and in pedestrian zones
Residential zone	20 km/h	20 km/h	Pedestrians have absolute priority

Fines for speeding in Latvia are graduated by the degree of excess and can be substantial — up to €700 for serious violations, with licence suspension and possible vehicle confiscation for extreme cases. Foreign drivers may be required to pay fines on the spot. Camera enforcement is expanding significantly on Latvian roads, with average speed sections being progressively introduced on main A-class roads.

Tolls & Road Charges

Latvia has no road tolls, no vignette, and no road-use charges for private cars. All public roads — including A-class main roads, regional roads, and the Via Baltica corridor — are completely free to use. There are no toll booths and no electronic toll systems for private cars anywhere in Latvia. This is consistent with the toll-free policies of Estonia and Lithuania, making the entire Baltic region free of per-road or per-distance charges for car drivers.

The only road-related charges you may encounter are city parking fees in Riga’s city centre and in resort areas such as Jūrmala (where a seasonal environmental access fee — vides nodeva — is charged for driving into the resort area in summer). The Riga parking zones use parking meters and the EasyPark / RigaPark mobile app; rates vary by zone (approximately €1–€3 per hour in the centre). In Jūrmala, the summer environmental access fee applies to non-resident vehicles entering the resort area by car from June to August — payable at entry terminals on the A10 approach road; the exact amount is set annually (approximately €2–€5 per entry). Exemptions apply for residents and hotel guests.

Road Rules & Regulations

Alcohol (BAC Limit)

The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in Latvia is 0.05% (50 mg per 100 ml of blood) for ordinary licence holders. However, stricter limits apply to specific categories of driver: 0.02% for drivers who have held their driving licence for fewer than two years; and 0.00% (absolute zero tolerance) for drivers of passenger-carrying vehicles, taxis, buses, and heavy goods vehicles. Random breathalyser checks are conducted regularly by the Valsts policija (State Police) traffic department, particularly on weekend evenings, at major junctions, and following accidents. Penalties include progressive fines based on BAC level, mandatory licence suspension (30 days for 0.05–0.10%), and criminal charges for BAC above 1.50‰ (0.15%). Latvian courts take drink-driving seriously and repeat offenders face vehicle confiscation and extended bans.

Winter Tyres

Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March on all vehicles in Latvia. The tyres must carry the M+S marking or the Alpine mountain snowflake symbol (three-peak mountain with snowflake). Tread depth must be a minimum of 3 mm during the mandatory winter period. Studded tyres (radzenes) are permitted in Latvia from 1 October to 30 April — a broad window similar to Estonia and Lithuania. Studded tyres are widely used by Latvian drivers and provide the best performance on icy roads. If driving with studded tyres, all four wheels must have the same type. Studded tyres are not permitted outside the October–April window.

Headlights

Dipped (low-beam) headlights are mandatory at all times in Latvia — day and night, in all seasons, on all road types. This is one of the most strictly enforced basic traffic rules. Driving without headlights at any time of day is a fineable offence. Use of high beams on unlit rural roads at night is encouraged (and safer — particularly given the moose hazard), but beams must be dipped when meeting oncoming traffic within 150 m or following another vehicle within 50 m.

Mandatory Equipment

All vehicles driven in Latvia are required to carry:

• Warning triangle — to be placed at least 30 m behind a stopped vehicle on ordinary roads; further away on fast roads; mandatory to use whenever stopped on the carriageway
• Reflective safety vest — must be worn before exiting the vehicle onto the road; store in the passenger compartment, not the boot, for immediate access
• First aid kit — a stocked first aid kit is required in all vehicles in Latvia
• Fire extinguisher — a valid (unexpired) fire extinguisher is required in all vehicles

Seatbelts

Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants in all seats. Children under 150 cm in height must use an approved child restraint system appropriate to their weight and size. Children must not use a rear-facing child seat in the front seat if an active front airbag is present and not deactivated. Fine for adult non-compliance: €40–€70. Fine for failure to restrain a child: €140.

Mobile Phones

Use of a handheld mobile phone while driving is strictly prohibited. Hands-free systems (Bluetooth) are permitted. Fines for handheld phone use start at €40. Traffic police enforce this rule actively; motorcycle officers are often deployed at junctions to observe phone use.

Priority & Trams

Latvia follows standard European right-of-way rules at uncontrolled intersections — give way to traffic from the right. Trams have priority over other vehicles. In Riga, where trams are a major part of the public transport network, exercise particular care at tram crossings and stops. Pedestrians have right of way on all marked zebra crossings; failing to yield to a pedestrian is taken very seriously by Latvian police.

Driving Licence & IDP

EU/EEA driving licences are fully recognised in Latvia without any additional documentation. Non-EU nationals must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) based on the 1968 Vienna Convention alongside their original national driving licence. Minimum driving age: 18 years. Accompanied driving is permitted from age 16 in Latvia with a qualified adult holder of at least five years’ experience.

Vehicle Insurance

Compulsory third-party liability insurance (OCTA — obligātā civiltiesiskā atbildība) is mandatory for all vehicles in Latvia. EU/EEA vehicles are covered by their home country third-party insurance under the EU Multilateral Agreement. Non-EU vehicles must carry a valid Green Card (international motor insurance certificate). Green Cards are available at Latvian border crossings for non-EU vehicles lacking adequate home-country coverage.

Fuel & Service Stations

Latvia has a good fuel retail network on all A-class main roads and in cities. Rural P-class and V-class roads — particularly in eastern Latvia (Latgale region) and remote forested areas — can have sparse station coverage. Always fill up before heading into rural areas and check the map for the next available station. Fuel types available:

• 95-octane petrol (benzīns 95) — universally available; the standard grade
• 98-octane petrol (benzīns 98) — available at major chain stations in cities and on main roads
• Diesel (dīzeļdegviela) — widely available; winter-grade diesel supplied from approximately October–April for reliable cold-weather performance
• LPG (sašķidrinātā naftas gāze) — available at a moderate number of stations; Latvia has a higher LPG adoption rate than Estonia, particularly for older vehicles
• EV charging: Growing network in Riga and on main routes; Latvenergo (ENEFIT) and ChargeUp networks; fast DC chargers on Via Baltica corridor; coverage in Latgale and rural areas remains limited

Major fuel chains in Latvia include Circle K (widespread on all main roads), Neste, Virši (Latvia’s largest domestic fuel chain — bright yellow branding), VIADA, and Latvijas Nafta. All main-road and city stations accept Visa and Mastercard; rural and self-service stations may require cash (Euro) or a local payment card. Fuel prices in Latvia are broadly comparable to Estonia and Lithuania — generally lower than Western European prices.

Driving in Riga

Riga (population approximately 600,000) is the largest city in the Baltic states and Latvia’s political, cultural, and economic centre. Situated at the mouth of the Daugava River where it meets the Gulf of Riga, the city straddles both banks of the river, with the Old Town (Vecrīga) and city centre on the right bank. Driving in Riga requires patience — the road network, heavily reliant on the city’s five Daugava River bridges, creates significant bottlenecks during rush hours.

Key Roads and Orientation

• Riga Ring Road (A5 / A4 outer ring): Through traffic heading between Estonia and Lithuania should use the A3 / Riga ring road to bypass the city entirely. The ring road is well signposted and avoids city centre congestion.
• Daugava River bridges: The five bridges (Vanšu tilts, Akmens tilts, Dzelzceļa tilts, Dienvidu tilts, and Salu tilts) are the primary congestion points. Rush hours (07:30–09:00 and 17:00–19:00) can see bridge queues of 20–45 minutes. If possible, cross the Daugava outside peak hours or use the Dienvidu tilts (Southern Bridge) which relieves the central bridge bottlenecks.
• Brīvības iela / Brīvības bulvāris: The main central axis running north-east from the Old Town through the Art Nouveau district to the outer suburbs. This is one of Riga’s busiest urban arteries.
• Old Town (Vecrīga): The medieval core of Riga, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has very limited driving access — most streets are pedestrianised or blocked to through traffic. Access is restricted to residents and authorised vehicles. Do not attempt to drive through Vecrīga; use car parks on its perimeter (Origo/Centrālā stacija underground car park, Bastejkalna car park, Konventa Sēta car park).

Parking in Riga

• Paid parking zones: Riga’s paid parking zones (A, B, C, D) cover the city centre and inner districts. Zone A (Old Town immediate vicinity, highest charge): approximately €2–€4/hour; Zone B (inner city): €1–€2/hour; Zone C/D (outer areas): €0.50–€1/hour. Pay via EasyPark app, RigaPark app, or parking meters. Operating hours vary by zone — typically Monday–Saturday 08:00–22:00, with some zones having Sunday restrictions.
• Larger car parks: Origo/Centrālā stacija underground car park, Spice shopping centre (free with purchase), Alfa shopping centre, Stockmann car park. Rates €1–€3/hour with daily caps.
• Rush hours: 07:30–09:00 (inbound, particularly over Daugava bridges) and 17:00–19:00 (outbound). Friday afternoons before summer weekends are particularly severe — the exodus towards Jūrmala and the coast begins by midday.

Riga Airport

Riga International Airport (Rīgas Starptautiskā lidosta) is located 10 km south-west of the city centre at Skulte, on the A5 road. Bus routes and taxis connect the airport to Riga city centre; the airport is not yet served by metro (Riga’s metro remains in planning stage as of 2026). Taxi services: Bolt and Uber operate from the arrivals area; use the official taxi rank to avoid unlicensed operators.

Via Baltica & Key Routes

The Via Baltica (E67) is Latvia’s most important road corridor, forming the central section of the Helsinki–Tallinn–Riga–Vilnius–Warsaw–Prague Pan-European route. In Latvia, the Via Baltica enters from Estonia at Ainaži in the north (A1) and exits into Lithuania at Grenctāle in the south (A7), covering approximately 290 km across the country. Riga lies roughly in the middle, where the A1 and A7 connect via the Riga ring road (A3/A5).

A1 — Riga to Estonian Border (Ainaži), ~100 km

The northern Via Baltica leg (A1) is dual carriageway from Riga’s northern outskirts to approximately 60 km north of Riga, then alternates dual and single-carriageway sections to the Estonian border at Ainaži. The A1 passes through Saulkrasti — a small coastal resort with a beach and lighthouse — and through Salacgrīva, a fishing town near the Estonian border. The Estonian city of Pärnu is approximately 95 km north of the border crossing; Tallinn is a further 130 km beyond Pärnu. Distance Riga–Tallinn via Via Baltica: approximately 310 km (approximately 3.5 hours in normal conditions).

A7 — Riga to Lithuanian Border (Grenctāle), ~190 km

The southern Via Baltica leg (A7) runs from Riga south through Bauska (approximately 65 km from Riga — a worthwhile stop for the Bauska Castle and the nearby Rundāle Palace, a Baroque masterpiece 12 km west of Bauska) to the Lithuanian border at Grenctāle. South of the border, the E67 continues to Panevėžys and Kaunas (Lithuania) and eventually to Warsaw (Poland). Distance Riga–Vilnius via the Via Baltica: approximately 310 km (approximately 3–3.5 hours).

A2 — Riga to Sigulda and the Estonian Border (Vireši), ~130 km

Road A2 north-east from Riga leads through the celebrated Gauja National Park and the town of Sigulda (approximately 50 km from Riga) before continuing to the Estonian border at Vireši. Sigulda — a popular year-round destination — sits at the edge of the Gauja River valley, with medieval Turaida Castle, Sigulda Castle ruins, cable car over the valley, and bobsleigh track. The A2 from Riga to Sigulda is dual carriageway at 110 km/h; beyond Sigulda it narrows to a 90 km/h single carriageway through dense boreal forest.

A4 — Riga to Daugavpils and Belarusian Border, ~290 km

Road A4 south-east from Riga passes through Jēkabpils (135 km) and continues to Daugavpils (265 km) and the Belarusian border at Pāternieki. Note that the Belarus border is subject to current travel advisories — UK FCDO, US State Department, and EU governments advise against non-essential travel to Belarus. The A4 is single carriageway throughout at 90 km/h; road surface quality is generally acceptable but can deteriorate after severe winters.

Border Crossings

Latvia shares land borders with four countries. All crossings are 24 hours unless noted:

Border	Main Crossing Point	Notes
Estonia (north)	Ainaži / Ikla (Via Baltica E67)	Open Schengen border — no passport control for EU/Schengen travellers; straightforward crossing
Lithuania (south)	Grenctāle / Saločiai (Via Baltica E67)	Open Schengen border — no passport control; main freight and tourist corridor
Russia (east)	Terehova / Zilupe (A12 / E22)	Full passport/customs control; currently closed to most Western nationals due to geopolitical situation; check current status before travel; significant queues when open
Belarus (south-east)	Pāternieki (A4)	Full passport/customs control; UK FCDO / US State Dept / EU advise against travel to Belarus; border subject to restrictions; check current advisory before any travel towards Belarus

Scenic Routes & Day Trips

• Gauja National Park — Sigulda Circuit: The Gauja River valley and Sigulda (50 km north-east of Riga via A2) is arguably Latvia’s most celebrated landscape drive. From Sigulda, a scenic loop follows roads P10 and P7 through the park, passing Turaida Castle (a reconstructed 13th-century red-brick fortress above the Gauja valley), Krimulda Manor, the cable car crossing point, and the dramatic Gutmanis Cave — the largest cave in the Baltic states, with inscriptions dating back to the 17th century. The valley road between Sigulda and Cēsis follows the river through dense mixed forest — one of the most beautiful drives in the Baltics.
• Jūrmala Beach Drive: Jūrmala (approximately 25 km west of Riga on A9 / road 10) is a 33 km-long resort town along the Gulf of Riga. The main resort road (Jūras iela and Jomas iela — the pedestrianised central street) passes Art Nouveau and wooden villa architecture from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Remember the summer environmental access fee for non-residents (approx. €2–€5) paid at entry terminals on the A10. In summer, weekends see significant traffic; arrive early or take the train from Riga for the best experience.
• Rundāle Palace and Bauska Circuit: A highly rewarding day trip from Riga (65 km south via A7): Bauska town has a riverside castle at the confluence of two rivers, while Rundāle Palace (12 km west of Bauska on road P103) is a magnificent Baroque palace designed by Bartolomeo Rastrelli (the same architect as the Winter Palace in St Petersburg), surrounded by a restored French formal garden. Ideal for a half-day or full-day excursion. Roads in this area are P-class single carriageway — 90 km/h, good surface.
• Cape Kolka (Kolkasrags) and the Slītere National Park: The wild north-western tip of Latvia — where the Gulf of Riga meets the open Baltic Sea — is one of the country’s most dramatic natural landmarks. Cape Kolka is accessible via road P131 from Talsi or from Dundaga. The drive passes through the Slītere National Park — dense coastal forest with high biodiversity and amber-bearing beaches. The cape itself is accessible only on foot (the military exclusion zone was lifted in the 1990s). Roads in this area are mostly gravel P-class; allow extra travel time.
• Latvian Riviera — Liepāja coastal road: The Baltic Sea coast west of Riga between Jūrmala and Liepāja offers a quieter, less-visited coastal drive. Road A5 and P128 follow the shoreline past the sea resort of Jūrmalciems, the ancient port of Ventspils (a clean, well-maintained city with a castle and beach, approximately 185 km from Riga), and the historic city of Liepāja (210 km from Riga) — Latvia’s third city, famous for its rock music culture, sandy beach, and the former Soviet naval base of Karosta (now a dark tourism attraction with guided tours). Road surfaces on A5 are generally good; P128 coastal road is narrower and partially gravel.
• Latgale — Land of Blue Lakes (eastern Latvia): The remote, culturally distinct Latgale region in eastern Latvia — bordering Russia and Belarus — is known for its hundreds of glacial lakes, Orthodox and Catholic churches, and the lakeside city of Rēzekne. The A12 / E22 road east from Riga crosses Latgale to the Russian border. Latgale roads are predominantly single-carriageway P and V class — 90 km/h; surfaces variable; plan fuel stops carefully as stations are sparse between towns.

Hazards & Road Conditions

• Moose (alnis) on roads: Latvia, like Estonia, has a very high moose density, and moose–vehicle collisions are a frequent and potentially fatal hazard. A moose weighs 400–600 kg and strikes at windscreen level — collisions at speed are often fatal. Risk is highest from September to November (rut season) and May–June (young animals moving). Reduce speed significantly on forested roads at dawn and dusk; use high beams on unlit rural roads where safe; never swerve aggressively to avoid a moose — brake hard. Heed moose warning signs (yellow triangle with moose silhouette) posted on high-risk sections.
• Unpaved gravel roads: Approximately one-third of Latvia’s road network is unpaved. Gravel roads (grants ceļš) are common throughout rural Latvia, particularly in forested areas, Latgale, and the west coast. Speed should not exceed 60–70 km/h on gravel; loose stone can cause windscreen damage and punctures. Be aware that gravel roads can be deeply rutted in spring after snowmelt and very dusty in dry summer conditions. Always carry a spare tyre and basic toolkit when travelling on Latvian rural roads.
• Black ice and frost: Black ice is a serious hazard from October to April, particularly on bridges, in forested areas with road shading, and in river valleys where temperature inversions cause sudden frost. Winter tyres significantly reduce but do not eliminate the risk. Reduce speed dramatically on black ice; maintain a minimum four-second following distance in icy conditions.
• Road surface deterioration: Main A-class roads are generally well maintained by LVC. Regional P and V roads, and especially local municipality roads, can have significant potholes — particularly in early spring after harsh winters and overnight freezing. Slow down when road surface quality deteriorates; potholes can cause serious tyre and wheel damage at speed.
• Fog: Sea fog (migla) forms frequently along the Gulf of Riga coast and in the Gauja and Daugava river valleys, particularly in autumn and spring mornings. Dense fog significantly reduces visibility; slow down and use front fog lights only when visibility is genuinely reduced below approximately 100 m.
• Heavy goods vehicles (HGV) on Via Baltica: The A7 Via Baltica is one of Europe’s major freight corridors — significant numbers of HGV trucks traverse Latvia between Western Europe and the Baltic ports. Overtaking lorries on single-carriageway sections requires patience and good visibility. HGVs slow significantly on hills and in adverse weather.
• Jūrmala summer traffic: In July and August, the A9 / A10 approach roads to Jūrmala are chronically congested on Friday evenings and Saturday mornings as Riga residents head to the beach. Plan to arrive early in the morning or mid-week to avoid queues. Alternatively, use the Riga–Jūrmala train service.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay tolls or buy a vignette to drive in Latvia?

No — Latvia has no road tolls, no vignette, and no road-use charges for private cars. All public roads, including the main A-class roads and the Via Baltica E67, are completely free to use. The only charges you may encounter are city parking fees in Riga’s paid parking zones (approximately €1–€4 per hour, paid via the EasyPark/RigaPark app or meters) and the seasonal environmental access fee to enter Jūrmala resort by car in summer (approximately €2–€5 per entry). All other driving in Latvia is entirely cost-free.

What is the speed limit on Latvian roads?

The maximum speed limit on Latvia’s main dual-carriageway roads (A class) is 110 km/h in summer, reduced to 90 km/h in winter (1 December – 1 March) where winter limit signs are posted. On single-carriageway national and regional roads outside built-up areas, the limit is 90 km/h. In urban areas the limit is 50 km/h, dropping to 30 km/h in school zones and 20 km/h in residential zones. Speed is enforced by mobile radar, stationary cameras, and section-control average speed measurement on key routes.

Is the Via Baltica the main road through Latvia?

Yes — the Via Baltica (European road E67) is Latvia’s primary north-south corridor. It enters from Estonia at Ainaži (A1, northern Latvia) and exits into Lithuania at Grenctāle (A7, southern Latvia), passing through or bypassing Riga in the middle. The Via Baltica is the main route for travellers driving between Finland (via Tallinn ferry), the Baltic states, Poland, and Central Europe. It is toll-free throughout Latvia and dual carriageway for most of its length on Latvian territory.

Is there a fee to drive into Jūrmala?

Yes — in summer (typically June to August), non-resident vehicles entering the Jūrmala resort area by car are required to pay a seasonal vides nodeva (environmental access fee), approximately €2–€5 per entry. This is payable at automated terminals at the entry points on the A10 approach road. The fee applies to private cars; residents and hotel guests are exempt. This is the only road-related charge you are likely to encounter when driving in Latvia outside of city parking.

Are studded tyres legal in Latvia?

Yes — studded tyres are legal and widely used in Latvia. They are permitted on all public roads from 1 October to 30 April. Winter tyres (studded or non-studded M+S / snowflake) are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March. Studded tyres provide the best traction on icy roads — particularly on the unlit rural roads and bridges where black ice forms — and are highly recommended for driving in Latvia in winter conditions.

What are the emergency numbers in Latvia?

The universal European emergency number 112 covers all emergency services in Latvia and should be dialled for all serious emergencies. Additionally, specific local numbers operate: 110 for police (Valsts policija); 113 for fire and rescue (Valsts ugunsdzēsības un glābšanas dienests — VUGD). All calls to 112 and 110 are free from any phone including mobile phones without a SIM card.

Sources & Update Note

This Latvia driving guide is compiled from information provided by Latvijas Valsts ceļi (LVC — Latvian State Roads), the Valsts policija (State Police — Traffic Department), the Latvian Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD — Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija), the Latvian Automobile Association (LAA), the Jūrmala City Council (environmental access fee), TS Laevad (ferry connections from Estonia), the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Latvia travel advisory, and the US State Department Latvia country information page. Road regulations, speed limits, and charges are subject to change — always verify current requirements with official sources before travel. Last reviewed: February 2026.