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Driving in Fiji vs. Latvia: Key Safety Differences

Welcome to our driving comparison between Fiji and Latvia, where we explore essential distinctions in road regulations and practices. From driving sides—left in Fiji versus right in Latvia—to varying speed limits and lane usage rules, understanding these nuances is crucial for ensuring a secure journey abroad. Equip yourself with the knowledge to navigate safely in both countries.

Lanes

Driving Side
fiji:
Left
latvia:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
fiji:
Centerline on two-way roads; no crossing allowed.
latvia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
fiji:
Centerline on two-way roads; overtaking permitted.
latvia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
fiji:
No
latvia:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
fiji:
Yes
latvia:
Not commonly practiced; generally only when the lane is clear.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
fiji:
Use leftmost lane.
latvia:
Use rightmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Presence
fiji:
No
latvia:
Yes
Bus Lanes: Usage
fiji:
N/A
latvia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
Bus Lanes: Markings
fiji:
N/A
latvia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
Cycle Lanes: Presence
fiji:
No
latvia:
Yes
Cycle Lanes: Usage
fiji:
N/A
latvia:
Exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
fiji:
N/A
latvia:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
fiji:
N/A
latvia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
fiji:
N/A
latvia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
fiji:
50 kph
latvia:
50 km/h
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
fiji:
30 kph
latvia:
30 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
fiji:
80 kph
latvia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
fiji:
70 kph
latvia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
fiji:
60 kph
latvia:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
fiji:
100 kph
latvia:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
fiji:
90 kph
latvia:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
fiji:
80 kph
latvia:
80 km/h
Speed Units
fiji:
kph
latvia:
km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
fiji:
No
latvia:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
fiji:
N/A
latvia:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
fiji:
Yes; fines can be issued at the scene
latvia:
Common; fines are often issued immediately

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
fiji:
Not used in Fiji
latvia:
Not used in Latvia
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
fiji:
Signal when exiting
latvia:
Signal when entering and exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
fiji:
Unnecessary use discouraged; fines can apply
latvia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
fiji:
English; symbols are standard
latvia:
Latvian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
fiji:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background
latvia:
Triangle-shaped with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
fiji:
Not allowed.
latvia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
fiji:
Allowed only where indicated by signs
latvia:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
fiji:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
latvia:
Accepted, no International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
fiji:
Annual vehicle inspections are mandatory
latvia:
Annual vehicle inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
fiji:
Displayed on the windshield
latvia:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
fiji:
Not mandatory
latvia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
fiji:
Not mandatory
latvia:
Mandatory

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
fiji:
Often used for greetings or to alert pedestrians and other vehicles
latvia:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
fiji:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
latvia:
Pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
fiji:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
latvia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
fiji:
0.08%
latvia:
0.05%
Limits: Professional Drivers
fiji:
0.05%
latvia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
fiji:
0.00%; zero tolerance
latvia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
fiji:
Common; checkpoints frequently used
latvia:
Common, especially on weekends
Enforcement: Fines
fiji:
Substantial fines, potential loss of license
latvia:
Substantial, varies based on BAC
Test Refusal
fiji:
Can result in license suspension
latvia:
Can result in license suspension and fines

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
fiji:
911
latvia:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
fiji:
911 for emergencies; *000 for non-emergencies on mobile phones
latvia:
Varies; dial 112 for emergencies
Contact: Roadside Assistance
fiji:
Contact your insurance provider
latvia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
fiji:
Not mandatory, but recommended
latvia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
fiji:
Not mandatory, but recommended
latvia:
Mandatory

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
fiji:
Varies; $50 to $500
latvia:
Varies; €20 to €300, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
fiji:
Varies; substantial fines, possible imprisonment
latvia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
fiji:
Mandatory; fines can apply
latvia:
€20 to €40, fines vary
Common Fines: Phone Use
fiji:
Use while driving is prohibited, fines apply
latvia:
€10 to €30, fines vary
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
fiji:
Fines apply; obey signals
latvia:
€30 to €70, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
fiji:
Yes; fines can be issued at the scene
latvia:
Common; fines can often be settled at the time
Payment: Deadline
fiji:
Varies; typically within 7 to 14 days
latvia:
Varies; typically within 10 to 30 days