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City Guide - Riga - Road | ||
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Road Road conditions in Latvia are variable and, while most main roads are of a fairly good standard, some minor roads become muddy bogs during heavy rainfall or snowmelt. Driving in Latvia is on the right and the minimum driving age is 18 years. It is compulsory to wear seat belts, and fines for minor offences, such as speeding, are given on the spot and a receipt should be issued. It is illegal to use handheld mobile telephones while driving. It is illegal to drink and drive, the legal blood alcohol limit for driving is zero. From the beginning of October to the beginning of April it is compulsory to drive with vehicle lights switched on. Speed limits are 50kph (31mph) in towns, 70kph (43mph) in suburban areas, 90kph (56mph) on open roads and 110kph (68mph) on motorways. The main routes in Latvia are designated by a number. Foreigners driving their own vehicles are required to carry a national licence, an International Driving Permit, proof of third-party insurance, such as the international Green Card, and registration documents at all times. The Auto-Moto Society of Latvia (LAMB; tel: 732 5111; e-mail: lamb@lamb.lv) can provide further information. Emergency breakdown service: Riga Autostavietas 737 4611 Routes to the city: The main transit corridors to Riga are: the north-south Via Baltica, which runs from Tallinn to Warsaw through Riga and Kaunas; Via Hanseatica, which runs from Berlin to Riga through Gdansk, Kaliningrad and Siauliai. Corridors also run east-west linking Riga to Moscow, Ventspils, Liepaja, Vitebsc and Pskow. Driving times to Riga: from Cesis - 1 hour 45 minutes; Vilnius - 5 hours; Tallinn - 5 hours 30 minutes. Coach services: Passenger facilities at Riga coach (Autoosta), Pragas 1, include ATM, bureau de change, café, left-luggage, pharmacy, shops, taxi park and barber shop. Telephone calls to the bus station are charged at a premium rate (tel: 900 0009). The bus station operates both international and domestic services. Tickets to some international destinations can be purchased at the ticket office, however, many services need to be booked on the telephone. Reputable operators include the main state motor firm Nordeka (tel: 246 4620), which operates regular long-distance and international services; Autostars (tel: 731 1810) who operate services to Kiev, Moscow and western European cities; and Eurolines (tel: 721 4080; fax: 750 3134) who operate services to Berlin, Bremen, Kiel, Warsaw, Prague, Vilnius, Tallinn, Munich, Kaliningrad, Cologne and London. Tickets for all domestic destinations can be purchased from the ticket office. |