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Driving in Latvia vs. Serbia: Key Differences Explained

When navigating the roads of Latvia and Serbia, it's crucial to understand their unique traffic regulations and customs. Key distinctions include speed limits—Serbia’s highways allow 120 km/h compared to Latvia’s 100 km/h—as well as varied alcohol limits for drivers. Familiarizing yourself with these driving nuances will enhance your safety and experience abroad.

Lanes

Overtaking: On Right
latvia:
Not commonly practiced; generally only when the lane is clear.
serbia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Markings
latvia:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
serbia:
Labeled 'BUS'; often with road signs.
Variable Speed Limits: Presence
latvia:
No
serbia:
Yes
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
latvia:
N/A
serbia:
Electronic signs display current limits.

Speeds Limits

Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
latvia:
90 km/h
serbia:
80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
latvia:
80 km/h
serbia:
70 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
latvia:
100 km/h
serbia:
120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
latvia:
90 km/h
serbia:
100 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
latvia:
Common; fines are often issued immediately
serbia:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
latvia:
Not used in Latvia
serbia:
Not used in Serbia
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
latvia:
Signal when entering and exiting
serbia:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
latvia:
Latvian; symbols are standard
serbia:
Serbian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
latvia:
Triangle-shaped with red borders
serbia:
Triangle-shaped with red border

Turns

U- Turns Allowed
latvia:
Permitted unless signs indicate otherwise
serbia:
Varies by city; check for signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
latvia:
Accepted, no International Driving Permit required
serbia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit may be required
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
latvia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
serbia:
International Driving Permit required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
latvia:
Annual vehicle inspection required
serbia:
Mandatory periodic inspections

Road Etiquette

Pedestrians Priority
latvia:
Pedestrians have right of way at zebra crossings
serbia:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
latvia:
0.05%
serbia:
0.03%
Limits: Underage Drivers
latvia:
0.00%
serbia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
latvia:
Common, especially on weekends
serbia:
Common; police regularly perform checks
Enforcement: Fines
latvia:
Substantial, varies based on BAC
serbia:
Substantial, varies by severity
Test Refusal
latvia:
Can result in license suspension and fines
serbia:
Can result in license suspension

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
latvia:
Varies; dial 112 for emergencies
serbia:
192
Contact: Roadside Assistance
latvia:
Check with your insurance provider or local services
serbia:
1987

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
latvia:
Varies; €20 to €300, points on license
serbia:
Varies; typically €20 to €100, points on license
Common Fines: Alcohol
latvia:
Varies; substantial fines, possible license suspension
serbia:
Varies; heavy fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
latvia:
€20 to €40, fines vary
serbia:
€20 to €40
Common Fines: Phone Use
latvia:
€10 to €30, fines vary
serbia:
€30 to €50
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
latvia:
€30 to €70, points on license
serbia:
€30 to €50, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
latvia:
Common; fines can often be settled at the time
serbia:
Yes, possible for smaller fines
Payment: Deadline
latvia:
Varies; typically within 10 to 30 days
serbia:
Varies; typically 8 days to pay