Latvia: no nationwide truck driving ban. Local and route restrictions may still apply, see below.
Latvia has no nationwide truck driving ban: international and domestic freight may run on Sundays and public holidays without a general calendar restriction. The real restrictions are seasonal spring and autumn thaw weight limits on state gravel roads, where vehicles over the posted limit, usually 10 t, may not use affected sections, and local truck rules in Riga. Public holidays still mean heavier traffic and longer border queues even though driving itself stays legal.
Next 30 days
Latvia: no scheduled nationwide driving bans. Local and city restrictions are described below.
Public holidays with truck bans — Latvia 2026
| Date | Holiday | Ban time | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Year's Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Good Friday | No general ban applies | ||
| Easter Sunday | No general ban applies | ||
| Easter Monday | No general ban applies | ||
| Labour Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Restoration of Independence Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Whit Sunday | No general ban applies | ||
| Ligo Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Midsummer (Jani) | No general ban applies | ||
| Proclamation of the Republic of Latvia | No general ban applies | ||
| Christmas Eve | No general ban applies | ||
| Christmas Day | No general ban applies | ||
| Second Day of Christmas | No general ban applies | ||
| New Year's Eve | No general ban applies |
Spring thaw weight restriction (skidonis)
Spring and autumn thaw periods, announced by Latvijas Valsts celi
During thaw, when meltwater and rain saturate the road base, Latvijas Valsts celi imposes mass restrictions on state gravel roads. Vehicles over the posted limit, usually 10 t, may not use the restricted sections. Hundreds of gravel road sections can be affected at once, most of them in Vidzeme and Latgale. No special permits for cargo transport are issued while a restriction is in force, and drivers must follow the posted weight-limit signs. Current restricted sections are published on the Latvijas Valsts celi map and via the LVC information line 80005555.
Exempt from the ban
Fines for violations
- Riga truck transit violation: EUR 30
Local truck restrictions in Riga
Riga applies its own truck rules set by the city, not a national ban. On working days vehicles over 5 t are restricted on main approaches during peak hours, 07:00 to 10:00 and 16:00 to 19:00. Since 1 November 2024 transit by vehicles over 3.5 t is banned on several central street sections in the Grizinkalns, Brasa and Skanste areas, including A. Deglava Street, Pernavas Street, the Jorga Zemitana bridge, Sencu Street, Zirnu Street and part of Krisjana Valdemara Street. Vehicles delivering or collecting cargo, special work vehicles such as truck-mounted cranes, and emergency vehicles are exempt. The fine for breaching the transit ban is EUR 30.
Basic driving rules for trucks
Outside built-up areas trucks over 7.5 t may drive up to 80 km/h, and up to 50 km/h in towns. The general blood alcohol limit is 0.5, lowered to 0.2 for professional drivers. Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on at all times. Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March.
FAQ
Are trucks banned on Sundays in Latvia?
No. Latvia has no nationwide Sunday truck driving ban. Freight transport may run on Sundays across the country. Local truck rules in Riga apply on working days only.
Do public holidays stop truck traffic in Latvia?
No. There is no national public holiday driving ban for trucks in Latvia. Driving stays legal on holidays, though border crossings and main roads can be busier.
Are there spring weight restrictions on Latvian roads?
Yes. During spring and autumn thaw, Latvijas Valsts celi restricts heavy vehicles, usually over 10 t, on state gravel road sections. No cargo permits are issued during a restriction, and the affected sections are shown on the LVC map.
What truck rules apply in Riga?
On working days trucks over 5 t are restricted on main city approaches from 07:00 to 10:00 and from 16:00 to 19:00. Transit by vehicles over 3.5 t is banned on several central street sections, with exemptions for local deliveries and work vehicles.
I transit Latvia towards Lithuania or Estonia. Do their bans affect my plan?
Latvia itself has no Sunday or holiday truck ban, so the Latvian leg stays legal on any day. Lithuania and Estonia set their own rules, so check each country's national, local and seasonal restrictions separately for your travel dates.
Which basic road rules apply to trucks in Latvia?
Outside built-up areas the speed limit for trucks over 7.5 t is 80 km/h and 50 km/h in towns. The blood alcohol limit is 0.5, lowered to 0.2 for professional drivers. Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on at all times, and winter tyres are mandatory from 1 December to 1 March.
Official source
- Celu satiksmes likums (Road Traffic Law)
- Latvijas Valsts celi (Latvian State Roads), weight restrictions map
- Ministry of Transport of Latvia, gravel road mass restrictions
- Riga City Municipality, truck transit restrictions
- Your Europe (European Commission), road rules in Latvia
- Par svetku, atceres un atzimejamam dienam (Law on Holidays)
Rules can change on short notice. Verify with the official sources above before dispatch.