Car Hire in Latvia

Driving in Latvia

Latvia drives on the right and dipped headlights should be used during the day.

Drink driving limits are lower than the UK at 0.05% (vs 0.08%) and 0.02% for drivers with less than two years driving experience.

Winter tyres must be used between 1st December and 1st March.

If you are involved in a small, two vehicle accident with no injuries and both vehicles are fit to be driven there is a system called a Co-ordinated Accident Statement to be filled in by both parties. Otherwise neither vehicle should be moved until given permission by the police. You will almost certainly also need to inform your car hire company.

Check the FCDO website for all the latest UK government advice on travel to Latvia.

Car Hire

Most car hire comes with sensible fuel policies, either pick up full, return full or return with as much as it was supplied with.

We don't normally see additional charges for winter preparation when snow tyres must be fitted, though some will go further and provide ice scrapers and occasionally snow chains will be included in the package rate (try addCar via AutoEurope).

Cars will usually be provided with Collision Damage and Theft waivers and third party insurance. Excesses are typically in the region of €400-€650 for economy/mid-size cars but can be much higher, particularly for people carriers. SUV's and minibuses. These also can carry much higher excesses for theft - we've seen over €2,800.

To waive these excesses and cover yourself for damage to tyres, windows and underside of the car, car hire companies may charge upwards of £18 per day. Purchasing car hire excess insurance through our site can save 80-90% of these charges and often provide additional benefits.

Cross border use is often allowed to Estonia, Lithuania, Finland and other EU countries, generally not to Russia but charges vary considerably from a nominal €20 to over €100 so check the small print if you want to drive outside Latvia.