Latvia

Fines for speeding in Latvia

  • Up to 20 km/h over the limit: €40 fine.
  • 21–30 km/h over the limit: €80 fine.
  • 31–40 km/h over the limit: €160 fine.
  • 41–50 km/h over the limit: €240–€320 fine.
  • 51–60 km/h over the limit: €360–€460 fine.
  • 61–70 km/h over the limit: €540–€680 fine.
  • Over 70 km/h over the limit: €1,400–€2,000 fine and a driving ban of 12–36 months.

Note: Up to 20 km/h over the limit is tolerated on highways.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Italy, the road system is based on a toll system for highways (autostrade), rather than a vignette system. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • No vignette required for passenger vehicles in Italy.
  • Instead, Italy has a toll system for using autostrade (highways), which are the major motorways in the country.

2. Where Are Tolls Needed?

  • Autostrade (Highways): Most major highways in Italy are toll roads, especially those connecting cities and regions.
    • Key toll highways include:
      • A1: Milan to Naples
      • A4: Milan to Venice
      • A7: Genoa to Milan
      • A14: Bologna to Taranto
      • A22: Modena to Brenner Pass
      • A23: Udine to Tarvisio
  • Toll Bridges: There are also tolls for certain bridges, such as the Genoa Bridge.

3. Toll Prices

  • Toll Charges: Tolls in Italy are usually calculated based on the distance traveled and the type of vehicle.
    • Passenger Cars: Tolls typically range from €5 to €20 depending on the distance and highway.
      • For example, a trip from Milan to Rome could cost around €15 to €20 for a standard passenger car.
    • Motorcycles: Usually pay around 50% of the toll for cars.
    • Larger Vehicles: Trucks and buses pay significantly higher tolls, calculated based on weight and size.

4. Where to Pay Tolls

  • Toll Booths: Tolls are collected at toll booths on the autostrade, where drivers stop to pay.
    • Ticket System: When you enter a toll road, you take a ticket from a machine. You pay when you exit the highway based on the distance traveled.
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Euros are accepted at most toll booths.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Most toll booths accept major cards like Visa, MasterCard.
    • Telepass (Electronic Toll): For frequent users, there is an electronic toll system called Telepass, which allows for automatic toll payment without stopping at booths. You simply pass under the toll gate, and the charge is automatically deducted from your account.

5. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Failure to Pay Tolls: If you skip a toll booth or fail to pay the toll, you could face a €100 to €200 fine for non-compliance.
    • If using Telepass but without sufficient funds or malfunction, you could be fined as well.

6. Additional Information

  • Environmental Zones: Italy has low-emission zones (LEZs) in some cities, such as Rome, Milan, and Florence, where vehicles must meet emissions standards to enter. If you’re driving a non-compliant vehicle, you may face restrictions or fines.
  • Toll-Free Roads: While most major highways are toll roads, you can find alternative routes on non-toll roads. However, these tend to be slower and longer.

7. Tips for Travelers

  • Telepass: If you plan to travel frequently on toll roads, it’s worth getting a Telepass. It saves time and avoids the hassle of stopping at each toll booth.
  • Keep Euros or a Credit Card Ready: Be sure to have cash or a credit card available for toll payments.
  • Check Routes for Tolls: Plan your route in advance to know where the tolls are and estimate your travel costs.
  • Avoiding Tolls: If you want to avoid toll roads, you can use regional roads and smaller highways, but expect longer travel times.