If you are learning to drive in Latvia or planning to visit the country as a tourist driver, understanding road signs is one of the most important things you need to know. Road signs in Latvia follow European standards and are designed to help drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians stay safe and organized on the road.
What Are Blind Spots and How to Check Them
Why Road Signs Matter
Road signs are like the silent language of the road. They give instructions, warnings, and information that keep traffic moving smoothly. For new drivers, learning them is not just about passing the driving test—it’s about building safe driving habits.
Warning signs
Shape and Color: Usually triangular with a red border and a white background.
Purpose: Warn drivers about potential dangers ahead.
Crossroads without priority (give way to the vehicles coming from the right)
Roundabout ahead
Dangerous curve to the right
Dangerous curve to the left
Double curve, first to the right
Double curve, first to the left
Road narrows on both sides
Road narrows on right side
Road narrows on left side
Steep descent
Steep ascent
Uneven road
Speed bumps
Changing the road surface
Slippery road
Loose chippings
Falling stones
Roadworks ahead
Dangerous shoulder
Pedestrian crossing
Children
Two-way traffic
Traffic signals ahead
Animals e.g for cattle
Animals e.g for deer
Swing bridge
Unproteceted quayside or riverbank ahead
Sidewinds
Low-flying aircraft
Cyclists
Tram Crossing
Level crossing ahead, with gates
Level crossing ahead, without gates
Level crossing (single track)
Level crossing (multiple tracks)
Level crossing countdown
Level crossing countdown
Level crossing countdown
Level crossing countdown
Level crossing countdown
Level crossing countdown
Dangerous road section
Traffic jams
Directional plate
(used with
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Directional plate
(used with
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Directional plate
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Priority signs
Shape and Color: Often diamond-shaped or rectangular, with yellow, white, or blue backgrounds.
Purpose: Show who has the right of way at junctions and intersections.
Priority road
End of priority road
Junction with minor road
Junction with minor road (from the right)
Junction with minor road (from the left)
Give priority to oncoming traffic
Priority over oncoming traffic
Prohibitory signs
Shape and Color: Circular with a red border.
Purpose: Tell drivers what they cannot do.
No entry
Closed to all vehicles in both directions
No motor vehicles except motorcycles
No motorcycles
No bicycles
No trucks
No trailers
No tractors
No pedestrians
Width limit
Height limit
Mass limit
Mass limit per axle
Length limit
No right turn
No left turn
No U-turn
Minimum separation
No overtaking
End of overtaking prohibition
No overtaking by trucks
End of overtaking prohibition by trucks
Maximum speed limit
End of maximum speed limit
No audible warning devices
No stopping or standing
No parking or waiting
No parking on odd dates
No parking on even dates
End of all prohibitions
Customs
Police
Driving further is dangerous
No vehicles carrying dangerous goods
Mandatory signs
Shape and Color: Circular, blue background with a white symbol.
Purpose: Show what you must do.
Ahead only
Turn right
Turn left
Straight ahead or right turn permitted
Straight ahead or left turn permitted
Turn left or right
Turn right before sign
Turn left before sign
Roundabout
Pass side from right
Pass side from left
Pass either side
Cycle path
End of cycle path
Pedestrian path
End of pedestrian path
Cycle and pedestrian path
End of cycle and pedestrian path
Segregated cycle and pedestrian path
End of segregated cycle and pedestrian path
Cycle and pedestrian path
End of segregated cycle and pedestrian path
Minimum speed
End of minimum speed
Proceed straight for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
Proceed right for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
Proceed left for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
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Special regulation signs
Shape and Color: Usually rectangular with blue or white backgrounds.
Purpose: Show what you must do.
One-way street
One-way street to the right
One-way street to the left
Bus lane
A road with a contraflow bus lane
Exit to the road with a contraflow bus lane to the left
Exit to the road with a contraflow bus lane to the right
Minimum driving speed limit in lanes
Maximum driving speed limit in lanes
Driving directions in lanes
Driving direction in the lane (proceed straight)
Driving direction in the lane (turn right)
Driving direction in the lane (turn left)
Driving direction in the lane (proceed straight or turn right)
Driving direction in the lane (proceed straight or keep left)
Settlement
End of settlement
Settlement
End of settlement
No parking area
Customs area
End of no parking area
End of customs area
Speed limit zone
End of speed limit zone
Pedestrian zone
End of pedestrian zone
Parking zone
End of parking zone
Recommended speed zone
End of recommended speed zone
Home zone
End of home zone
Pedestrian crossing
Parking
Bus stop
Tram stop
Taxi stop
Tunnel
Tunnel stop
Border area
End of border area
Borderland
End of borderland
Border control point
Road for motor vehicles
End of road for motor vehicles
Forced stop
Locality
End of locality
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Service signs
Hospital
Workshop
Telephone
Gas station
Hotel
Restaurant
Coffee
Park and Ride facilities
Car wash
Youth tourism center
WC
Camping
Caravan parking
Camping and caravan parking
Resting place
Pedestrian route
Swimming pool
Tourist information
Police
Traffic police
Mail
Radio channel for providing road traffic information
Airport (airfield)
Bus station
Railway station
Sea passenger station
Ferry
Cargo port
Information block
A remarkable place
Fire extinguisher
Emergency phone
Rural tourism seat
Direction signs
Preliminary direction indicator
Preliminary direction indicator
Preliminary direction indicator
Preliminary direction indicator
Preliminary direction indicator
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Direction indicator
Distance indicator
Distance indicator
River name
Driving scheme
Obstacle bypass direction
Dead end on the right
Dead end on the left
Start of lane on the right
Start of lane on the left
End of lane on the right
End of land on the left
Driving directions in lanes (no trucks allowed in one lane)
Driving directions in lanes
Driving directions in lanes
Lane adherence to base lanes
Lane adherence to base lanes
U-turn permitted
Traffic restrictions in Latvia
Recommended speed
Driving direction of trucks (proceed straight)
Driving direction of trucks (turn right)
Driving direction of trucks (turn left)
Pedestrian underpass or overpass
Scheme of bypass road
Direction of bypass road (proceed straight)
Direction of bypass road (turn right)
Direction of bypass road (turn left)
End of detour
Pointer to reorder
Pointer to reorder
Pointer to reorder
Pointer to reorder
Pointer to reorder
Kilometer indicator
European route number
Motorway number
Regional road number
European route number and direction
Motorway number and direction
Regional road number and direction
Road with reverse traffic
End of road with reverse traffic
Departure on a road with reverse traffic
EU country border
Name of the administrative territory
Emergency exit
Emergency exit direction
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Additional signs
Distance
Stop ahead
Length
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Coverage area
Directions of action
Directions of action
Directions of action
Driving lane
Type of vehicle (truck)
Type of vehicle (truck with lane)
Type of vehicle (car)
Type of vehicle (bus)
Type of vehicle (tractor)
Type of vehicle (motorcycle)
Type of vehicle (bike)
Working days
Weekends and holidays
Validity period
Validity period in working days
Validity period in weekends and holidays
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Type of vehicle parking
Parking time
Automobile viewing area
Limitation of the permitted maximum mass
Blind pedestrians
Disabled people
Wet cover
Slippery cover
Direction of the main road
A tow truck is working
Other additional information
Speed bump
Paid parking time
Turn off the engine
Photo radar
Information about the bicycle path
Information about the bicycle path
Information about the bicycle path
Bicycle route
EuroVelo cycle route
Supply of goods
Electric cars
Extra Tips for Beginners
Winter driving: Latvia experiences snow and icy roads. Look for snowflake or slippery road signs. Winter tires are mandatory between December 1 and March 1.
Wildlife crossings: Rural areas often have deer and moose crossing signs. Drive carefully at night.
Bilingual signs: Most signs are in Latvian, but important international ones use standard symbols.
Speed limits: Usually 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h outside towns, and 110 km/h on major highways (check for updates).
Final Thoughts
Learning road signs may feel overwhelming at first, but with practice, they become second nature. In Latvia, these signs are your best guide to staying safe and confident on the road.
Whether you are preparing for your Latvian driving exam or simply planning a road trip, keep this beginner’s guide in mind. With patience and attention, you’ll be navigating Latvian roads like a pro.
Image Source : wiki.aaroads.com
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