LatviaGetting a Driver's License in Latvia
Summary: Here's a primer on how to get your driver's license in Latvia.
Sometimes when you're new to a country a task like getting your driver's license can make you feel like you're 16 years old again trying to pass your driver's test. Here's an overview of the process of getting your driver's license in Latvia.
In Latvia, foreigners are allowed to drive if they hold a valid international driving permit or a national driving license that is written in the Latin alphabet or accompanied by a certified translation. The driving license must be issued by a country that is a part of the 1949 Geneva Convention on Road Traffic or the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. If the foreigner is a resident in Latvia, they can use their foreign driving license for six months after becoming a resident. After this period, they must exchange their foreign driving license for a Latvian one.
As for other requirements, they do not differ based on the city, state, or region in Latvia. The rules and regulations for driving are country-wide and apply to all regions equally. However, it's important to note that the driver must be at least 18 years old to drive a car in Latvia. Also, it's mandatory to have third-party liability insurance for the vehicle. The vehicle must be registered and it must pass a technical inspection.
Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medicines is strictly prohibited in Latvia. The permitted blood alcohol content (BAC) is 0.5 ‰. Seat belts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers. Using a mobile phone while driving is allowed only with a hands-free system.
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About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.
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