Cars & Transportation Latvia

In Latvia, a diverse public transport system is developed, providing efficient connections both within cities and between regions. The main types of public transportation include:

Buses: The bus network covers all major cities and regions in Latvia. In Riga and other large cities, buses are the main type of public transport, offering regular routes and frequent services. Intercity buses connect various settlements in the country, providing convenient and accessible travel options.

Trolleybuses: Trolleybus lines operate in Riga and Daugavpils, offering an environmentally friendly way to get around the city. In Riga, there are 22 trolleybus routes covering the main city areas.

Trams: Tram systems are in operation in Riga and Daugavpils. Riga has 6 tram routes connecting key areas of the city. In Daugavpils, the tram network consists of 5 lines, providing important transport links within the city.

Trains: Latvia’s railway network covers major cities and regions, offering both passenger and freight services. The company "Pasažieru vilciens" (Vivi) is the main operator of passenger rail transport, offering routes connecting Riga with cities like Jelgava, Daugavpils, Liepaja, Rezekne, and others.

Shuttle taxis: Shuttle taxis operate in Riga and other major cities, providing a quick and flexible way to travel around the city. They follow fixed routes but can stop on passenger request.

Air transport: Riga International Airport is the largest in the Baltic states, offering flights to over 80 destinations in 30 countries. Regional airports in Liepaja and Ventspils also operate, providing domestic and international flights.

These types of public transportation provide reliable and convenient connections throughout Latvia, meeting the needs of both locals and visitors to the country.

In Latvia, the system of purchasing public transport tickets has its own features, which are important to consider for comfortable travel.

Electronic tickets: The main method of paying for travel is the use of electronic tickets, known as e-talons. There are several types of e-talons:

- Personalized e-talons: a plastic card with a photo and name of the holder, intended for long-term use.

- Non-personalized e-talons: a plastic card without personal data, suitable for short-term use.

- Yellow e-talons: a cardboard card with a microchip, designed for a certain number of trips or a time period.

These cards can be purchased and topped up at more than 400 points of sale, including Narvesen kiosks, Rimi and Maxima supermarkets, as well as at Rīgas satiksme customer service centers.

Mobile applications (code tickets): For passenger convenience, mobile applications are available, allowing tickets to be purchased and used online. A code ticket can be purchased through various apps, providing the option to pay for travel using a smartphone.

Purchasing tickets from the driver: In some cases, tickets can be purchased directly from the driver. However, the cost of such a ticket is higher — 2 euros. It is recommended to purchase tickets in advance to save money.

Types of tickets and their cost: There are several types of tickets, including:

- 90-minute ticket: Cost is 1.50 euros, allowing unlimited transfers within 90 minutes.

- Daily ticket (24 hours): Cost is 5 euros, valid for 24 hours from the first registration.

- 3-day ticket: Cost is 8 euros, suitable for tourists and city guests.

- 5-day ticket: Cost is 10 euros, providing unlimited travel for five days.

- Monthly ticket: Cost is 30 euros, intended for regular trips throughout the month.

Ticket registration: Upon entering the vehicle, it is necessary to register the ticket by applying the e-talons or a smartphone with a code ticket to the validator. This confirms the payment of the fare and is mandatory for all passengers.

In Latvia, various modes of transportation are available for moving around cities and between them, including taxis, car sharing, as well as scooter and bicycle rentals. 

Taxis

Taxis in Latvia are provided by licensed companies whose vehicles are equipped with yellow license plates and company identification signs. You can call a taxi using mobile apps, by phone, or by using specialized taxi stands located at key city points like airports, stations, and shopping centers. Payment can be made in cash or by credit card, but it is recommended to confirm with the driver about the availability of a terminal for cashless payment. Among the most popular taxi services are:

Panda Taxi: A well-known taxi service providing services in Riga and its surroundings. The company offers fixed rates and the ability to order via a mobile app.

Avoiss Taxi: A company providing taxi services in Riga. It offers various types of vehicles, including minibuses for larger groups of passengers.

Baltic Taxi: One of the largest taxi companies in Latvia, providing services in Riga and other cities. The company is known for its high level of service and modern fleet.

Red Cab: A taxi service operating in Riga, offering comfortable vehicles and professional drivers.

Smile Taxi: A company providing taxi services in Riga, known for its quality service and affordable prices.

Free Taxi: A service with a fixed trip cost, which is calculated and reported by the operator when placing an order. The company does not have its own fleet and cooperates with various taxi companies.

The company Bolt also operates successfully in the country, providing taxi, scooter rental, and car sharing services. Bolt is available in Riga and other major cities in Latvia, offering convenient and affordable transportation options.

Car Sharing

Car sharing is a short-term car rental, popular in major cities of Latvia, especially in Riga. Among the main operators are:

Carguru: The first car sharing service in Latvia, offering car rental through a mobile app. Users can rent a car for several minutes, hours, or days. Fuel and parking are included in the rental price.

CityBee: An international operator providing rental of passenger cars and trucks. Registration takes about 60 seconds, and payment is made for the time used and the distance traveled. Fuel, parking, and insurance are included in the price.

To use car sharing, you need to download the respective app, register, upload a driver's license and a bank card. After that, you can book and use the cars available on the app's map.

Scooter and Bicycle Rentals:

In major cities of Latvia, especially in Riga, the rental of electric scooters and bicycles is popular. Among the main operators:

Bolt: Provides electric scooter and bicycle rentals through a mobile app. Users can find the nearest transport on the map, unlock it using the app, and pay for the ride upon completion.

Also present in the country are such services as Nextbike and CityBee.

To rent, you need to download the app, register, and link a bank card. After completing the trip, the vehicle should be left in an allowed parking zone indicated in the app.

Yes, in Latvia, one can comfortably live without owning a car thanks to the developed public transport system and a variety of alternative transport options.

Obtaining a driver's license in Latvia involves the following steps:

1. Choosing a driving school and training: A list of accredited driving schools is available on the website of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate.

2. Obtaining a permit for learning driving: Before starting practical lessons, it is necessary to obtain a permit for learning driving. This permit is issued to individuals who have been assigned a personal code in Latvia.

4. Obtaining a medical certificate: The validity period of the certificate can be checked in e-CSDD or at the customer service center of the Road Traffic Safety Directorate.

5. Taking Exams at the Road Safety Directorate: After completing driving school training, you must pass theoretical and practical exams at the CSDD. You can schedule the exams via e-CSDD or directly at the customer service center. You need to bring an identity document, a medical certificate, and a certificate of completion of first aid courses.

6. Obtaining a Driver's License: After successfully passing the exams, you will receive a driver's license corresponding to the vehicle category you trained for.

Please note that to obtain a driver's license, you must have permanent residency in Latvia. Permanent residency is considered if:

- The person has lived in Latvia for at least 185 days in a calendar year for personal and work reasons.

- The person has studied in Latvia for at least six months.

Driver's License Exchange

In Latvia, the procedure for exchanging a foreign driver's license for a local one depends on the country of issuance and the length of your stay in the country.

Driver's Licenses Issued in European Union or European Economic Area Countries

If your license is issued in one of the EU or EEA countries, you can use it in Latvia until it expires. If you wish, you can exchange it for a Latvian license without taking exams, provided you permanently reside in Latvia. Permanent residency implies being in the country for at least 185 days in a calendar year for personal or professional reasons.

Driver's Licenses Issued in Countries Outside the European Union or European Economic Area

If your license is issued in a non-EU or EEA country, you can use it in Latvia for one year from your arrival. After this period, you need to exchange it for a Latvian license by passing a driving practical exam at the Road Safety Directorate. Before registering for the exam, the CSDD verifies your foreign license. If authenticity cannot be confirmed online, the CSDD sends a request to the relevant institution in the issuing country. You can also provide confirmation yourself, legalized or apostilled.

Required Documents for Exchange:

- A valid identity document (passport or ID card).

- Foreign driver's license.

- Medical certificate confirming fitness to drive a vehicle.

Please note that permanent residency in Latvia is required to exchange a driver's license.

Owning and operating a personal car in Latvia involves several features that must be considered to ensure legality and safety on the roads.

Car Registration: All vehicles used in Latvia must be registered with the Road Safety Directorate.

Technical Inspection: Cars in Latvia are required to undergo regular technical inspections.

Insurance: Mandatory civil liability insurance for vehicle owners is required for all cars. Additionally, you can opt for voluntary insurance (KASKO).

Taxes: Car owners must pay vehicle tax, which depends on the car's weight, environmental class, and other factors. Tax rates and payment deadlines can be found on the State Revenue Service website.

Traffic Rules: Latvia has strict traffic rules, including speed limits:

- 50 km/h in populated areas.

- 90 km/h on roads outside populated areas.

- On some highway sections, the speed can be increased to 100–120 km/h from March 1 to November 1.

Compliance with traffic rules is strictly monitored, and violations result in fines and penalty points.

Parking: In cities, especially in Riga, parking may be chargeable. Paid parking zones are marked with appropriate signs, and payment is made via parking meters or mobile applications. Failing to comply with parking rules may lead to fines or vehicle towing.

Driving in the winter period: From December 1 to March 1, the use of winter tires is mandatory. During this period, roads can be slippery, so it is recommended to exercise caution and consider weather conditions.

Given these features, owning and operating a personal vehicle in Latvia requires careful adherence to local laws and regulations to ensure safety and comfort on the roads.

In Latvia, various fines and penalties are provided for traffic violations, depending on the nature and severity of the offense. The system of penalties includes monetary fines, accrual of penalty points, and, in some cases, revocation of driving licenses.

Monetary fines: The amount of the fine is determined depending on the type of violation. For example, speeding, parking violations, or using a mobile phone while driving incur fines that vary based on the degree of excess or the nature of the violation. The main fines for traffic violations in Latvia are listed below:

Speeding:

- Exceeding by 1–10 km/h: 10 euros.

- Exceeding by 11–20 km/h: 20–40 euros.

- Exceeding by 21–30 km/h: 40–80 euros.

- Exceeding by 31–40 km/h: 80–160 euros.

- Exceeding by more than 40 km/h: 160–500 euros and possible accrual of penalty points.

- Speeding in 30 km/h restricted zones (e.g., near schools) incurs increased fines.

Driving under the influence of alcohol:

- Alcohol concentration from 0.2 to 0.5 promille (for drivers with less than two years of experience): 85–120 euros.

- Alcohol concentration from 0.5 to 1 promille: 430–640 euros, revocation of the license for 3–6 months.

- Alcohol concentration from 1 to 1.5 promille: 850–1400 euros, revocation of the license for 1 year.

- Alcohol concentration greater than 1.5 promille: 1200–2000 euros, revocation of the license for 5 years and possible arrest.

Parking violations:

- Parking in prohibited areas: 30–50 euros.

- Blocking other vehicles: 50 euros.

- Parking in a disabled spot without a permit: 55–140 euros.

Using a mobile phone while driving:

- Talking on the phone without a headset: 25 euros.

- Using a smartphone without hands-free while driving: 25–40 euros.

- Repeat violation may involve the accrual of penalty points.

Not wearing a seat belt:

- Fine for not wearing a seat belt: 30 euros.

- If the passenger is not buckled up: the driver is also responsible.

Running a red light:

- Fine: 30–70 euros.

- Penalty points may also be accrued.

Violations related to pedestrians:

- Failing to yield to pedestrians at a crosswalk: 30–70 euros.

- Pedestrians violating road crossing rules: 10–20 euros.

Using a vehicle without a valid technical inspection:

- Fine: 55–120 euros.

- Repeat violation: up to 350 euros and possible removal of registration plates.

Exceeding permissible noise levels or using a defective vehicle:

- Fine: 25–70 euros.

- In case of gross violations, the vehicle may be confiscated until issues are resolved.

Refusal to comply with police requirements:

- Fine: 120–700 euros, possible revocation of the license for up to 2 years.

Penalty points system: Latvia has a penalty points system aimed at increasing road safety. For certain violations, a driver is charged penalty points ranging from 0 to 8, depending on the seriousness of the offense. For example, driving under the influence of alcohol is punished with the maximum number of points — 8. Penalty points are valid for 2 years from the date of accrual; however, if the violation incurs 8 points, they are valid for 5 years.

Revocation of driving licenses: In the case of serious violations, such as driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a driver may be deprived of the right to drive for up to five years. Additionally, upon accumulating a certain number of penalty points, a driver may be required to undergo retraining or be deprived of a driving license.

Payment of fines: Fines can be paid through the electronic system e-CSDD using a payment card. A transaction fee of 1.02 euros including VAT is charged. Fines can also be paid in CSDD service centers in cash or by payment card, where the fee is 1.20 euros including VAT. It is important to know that timely payment of fines in Latvia can reduce the amount by 50% (within 15 days after the decision is made).

In Latvia, the process of vehicle registration and technical inspection is regulated by the Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD). These procedures are mandatory for all vehicle owners participating in road traffic.

Vehicle registration:

Car registration in Latvia is mandatory when purchasing, importing from abroad, or changing the owner. The procedure can be completed at any of the 26 CSDD branches, regardless of place of residence. The following documents are required for registration:

- Vehicle registration certificate.

- Document proving ownership, such as a purchase agreement.

- Owner's identity document.

- OCTA insurance policy (compulsory third-party liability motor vehicle insurance).

After submitting the documents and paying the applicable fees, you will receive a new registration certificate and license plates. Detailed information about the registration process is available on the CSDD website.

Technical inspection:

Technical inspection is mandatory for all vehicles participating in road traffic and registered in Latvia. The inspection frequency depends on the age and type of vehicle:

- New passenger cars: first inspection after 36 months of registration, second — after 24 months, subsequent inspections annually.

- Used passenger cars: annually.

- Motorcycles, tricycles, and quadricycles: annually.

To undergo a technical inspection, you need to provide:

- Vehicle registration certificate.

- Owner or driver's identity document.

- Receipt for the payment of the vehicle operation tax.

Technical inspections are conducted at CSDD stations located throughout Latvia. You can schedule an inspection through the electronic e-CSDD system or by phone. Detailed information about the technical inspection process is available on the CSDD website.

In Latvia, the use and registration of foreign vehicles are regulated by certain rules, which depend on the owner's status, the duration of the vehicle's stay in the country, and its origin.

Temporary use of foreign vehicles

Foreign nationals and stateless persons: If you have temporarily imported a vehicle into Latvia, registration is not required during the first three months of stay. However, if the vehicle remains in the country for more than three months and participates in road traffic, it must be registered with the CSDD. If the vehicle is not used on roads but remains in Latvia for more than five days, a vehicle data check is required at the CSDD.

Persons with a declared place of residence in Latvia: If you permanently reside in Latvia and operate a vehicle of M1 or N1 categories registered abroad, you must pay the vehicle operation tax.

Registration of a vehicle imported from abroad

Registration procedure: When importing a vehicle from another country, it must be registered with the CSDD. The following documents are required:

- Document proving ownership (e.g., purchase agreement).

- Previous vehicle registration certificate.

- Owner’s identity document.

- Confirmation of payment of all necessary taxes and fees.

Technical inspection: Before registration, the vehicle must pass a technical inspection in Latvia. This confirms its compliance with local safety and environmental standards.

Taxes and fees: When registering a vehicle, the vehicle operation tax must be paid. The tax amount depends on the vehicle category, weight, and other characteristics.

In Latvia, the infrastructure for electric vehicles is actively developing, reflecting the country's commitment to environmentally friendly transport and the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.

Charging stations:

Charging station network: As of November 2024, there are about 420 charging stations for electric vehicles operating in Latvia, making it a leader among the Baltic countries in this regard.

Distribution of Stations: Charging stations are located along major highways at intervals of approximately 30 km, and on regional roads every 50 km. This ensures convenience for electric vehicle owners when traveling across the country.

Types of Charging Stations: In Latvia, both standard and fast charging stations are available, allowing the battery to be charged up to 80% in 15–30 minutes. Key operators include the state network "e-mobi" and private companies such as "Electrum".

Service Centers:

Electric Vehicle Maintenance: With the increase in the number of electric vehicles, the number of service centers specializing in their maintenance is also growing. Official dealers of popular brands, such as Nissan, Tesla, and Volkswagen, offer a full range of services for electric vehicles.

Government Support:

Subsidies: The Latvian government provides financial support for the purchase of electric vehicles, which stimulates demand and contributes to the development of the relevant infrastructure.

Thus, Latvia demonstrates significant progress in the development of infrastructure for electric vehicles, providing owners with convenient access to charging stations and quality service maintenance.