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Driving in Ireland vs. Latvia: Key Differences Explained

Comparing the road regulations of Ireland and Latvia reveals distinct contrasts that are vital for ensuring safety while navigating abroad. From driving on opposite sides to varied speed limits, these countries showcase unique approaches to traffic management. Understanding these nuances is essential for a secure and enjoyable journey in either destination.

LEFT

Driving Side

The driving side in ireland is the Left Side of the road

92

Driving Safety Score

The driving Driving Safety Score in ireland is 92

1.868 $

Gas Price in USD

The driving Driving Safety Score for ireland is 1.868 US Dollars

While the driving side of a country remains the same, the driving safety score is updated annually based on each countries car accident fatality rate. Lastly, the gas price is only an estimate. Due to frequent fluctuations, it serves as a general reference rather than an exact figure for each country.

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Lanes

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Driving Side
ireland:
Left
latvia:
Right
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
ireland:
Marks areas where passing is not allowed.
latvia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
ireland:
Used as centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
latvia:
Centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Left
ireland:
No, overtake on the right.
latvia:
Yes
Overtaking: On Right
ireland:
Yes, standard overtaking side.
latvia:
Not commonly practiced; generally only when the lane is clear.
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
ireland:
Use leftmost lane.
latvia:
Use rightmost lane.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
ireland:
N/A
latvia:
N/A
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
latvia:
N/A
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Speeds Limits

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Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
ireland:
80-100 km/h
latvia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
ireland:
80-100 km/h
latvia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
80-90 km/h
latvia:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
ireland:
120 km/h
latvia:
100 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
ireland:
100 km/h
latvia:
90 km/h
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
ireland:
90 km/h
latvia:
80 km/h
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
ireland:
No
latvia:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
ireland:
N/A
latvia:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
ireland:
More common; fines can be issued on the spot.
latvia:
Common; fines are often issued immediately
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Signals

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Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
ireland:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
latvia:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
ireland:
Indicates the light is about to turn green.
latvia:
Not used in Latvia
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
ireland:
Use between 11:30pm and 7:00am is generally prohibited in residential areas.
latvia:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Traffic Signs: Language
ireland:
English; symbols are standard
latvia:
Latvian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
ireland:
Triangles with red borders
latvia:
Triangle-shaped with red borders
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Turns

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Right Turn On Red
ireland:
Not allowed
latvia:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
ireland:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs
latvia:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
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Documentation

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Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
ireland:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
latvia:
Accepted, no International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
ireland:
Compulsory for vehicles older than four years; NCT certificate required.
latvia:
Annual vehicle inspection required
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
ireland:
Displayed on the windshield
latvia:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
latvia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
latvia:
Mandatory
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Road Etiquette

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Pedestrians Priority
ireland:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
latvia:
Pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
ireland:
Pull over to the left and stop if necessary
latvia:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary

Comparing the road regulations of Ireland and Latvia reveals distinct contrasts that are vital for ensuring safety while navigating abroad. From driving on opposite sides to varied speed limits, these countries showcase unique approaches to traffic management. Understanding these nuances is essential for a secure and enjoyable journey in either destination.

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Alcohol

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Limits: Professional Drivers
ireland:
0.02%
latvia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
ireland:
0.00%; zero tolerance
latvia:
0.00%
Enforcement: Random Checks
ireland:
Random breath testing is common.
latvia:
Common, especially on weekends
Enforcement: Fines
ireland:
Varies; can be substantial
latvia:
Substantial, varies based on BAC
Test Refusal
ireland:
Can result in license suspension
latvia:
Can result in license suspension and fines
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Emergency Services

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Contact: General Emergency
ireland:
112 or 999
latvia:
112
Contact: Traffic Police
ireland:
112 or 999
latvia:
Varies; dial 112 for emergencies
Contact: Roadside Assistance
ireland:
Check with your insurance provider or AA Ireland
latvia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
ireland:
Required
latvia:
Mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
ireland:
Not mandatory, but recommended
latvia:
Mandatory
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Penalties And Fines

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Common Fines: Speeding
ireland:
Varies; €80 to €120, and points on license
latvia:
Varies; €20 to €300, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
ireland:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
latvia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
Common Fines: Seat Belts
ireland:
€60 fine and two penalty points
latvia:
€20 to €40, fines vary
Common Fines: Phone Use
ireland:
€60 fine and three penalty points
latvia:
€10 to €30, fines vary
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
ireland:
€80 and three penalty points
latvia:
€30 to €70, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
ireland:
Possible; fines can be issued on the spot
latvia:
Common; fines can often be settled at the time
Payment: Deadline
ireland:
Varies; typically 30 days to pay
latvia:
Varies; typically within 10 to 30 days