Are winter tyres required in Latvia?

Yes. Winter tyres are mandatory on cars from the start of December to the start of March, marked with the M+S symbol or the alpine snowflake and with a minimum tread depth. Studded tyres are permitted over a wider winter window. Rental cars are equipped appropriately for the season you travel in.

Do I need headlights on during the day in Latvia?

Yes, always. Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times in Latvia, day and night, all year and on all road types. It is one of the most strictly enforced traffic rules, and driving without your lights on is a fineable offence, so switch them on whenever you drive, whatever the weather.

What are the driving rules in Latvia?

Latvia drives on the right, seat belts are mandatory, and the drink-drive limit is low. Drivers who have held a licence for under two years have a lower speed cap. Dipped headlights are required at all times, and winter tyres are mandatory in the colder months. Main roads are generally in good condition.

What do I need to rent a car in Daugavpils?

A valid driving licence, with an EU licence needing no International Driving Permit, and a credit card for the deposit. You usually must be at least 21 and have held your licence for a year. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars help you check availability and prices in Daugavpils in advance.

Car rental in Daugavpils, Latvia

Airport and downtown pickup, one-way options and clear insurance choices.

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Renting a car in Daugavpils is a practical way to explore southeastern Latvia and the Latgale region, and driving here is easy and well-regulated, EU-style, with a couple of Latvian specifics worth knowing: mandatory winter tyres, and headlights on at all times. Daugavpils is Latvia's second city, home to the vast Daugavpils Fortress and the Mark Rothko Art Centre. ## Who can rent, and the licence Latvia is in the EU, so if you hold an EU licence you do not need an International Driving Permit, and many other licences are accepted for short visits. To rent, you must usually be at least 21, with the requirement sometimes varying by car category, and have held your licence for at least a year. A credit card is normally needed for the deposit. Comparison sites such as DiscoverCars help you check availability and prices in Daugavpils in advance. ## Winter tyres and headlights Two rules matter especially in Latvia. Winter tyres are mandatory on cars from the start of December to the start of March, marked with the M+S symbol or the alpine snowflake and with a minimum tread depth, and studded tyres are permitted over a wider winter window; rental cars are equipped appropriately for the season. Separately, dipped headlights are mandatory at all times, day and night, all year and on all roads. This is one of the most strictly enforced rules, and driving without your lights on is a fineable offence, so switch them on whenever you drive. ## Road rules and booking tips Latvia drives on the right, seat belts are mandatory, and the drink-drive limit is low, with a lower speed cap for drivers who have held a licence for under two years. Main roads are generally in good condition. Read the rental terms for the deposit, fuel policy, insurance, and excess, and confirm the winter-tyre position if you travel in the colder months. Book ahead in busy periods to get the best choice of vehicle for exploring Daugavpils and the surrounding Latgale lakes.

Airport vs downtown car rental pickup in Daugavpils
Pickup option	Convenience	Typical price	Watch for
Airport desk	Land and drive, no transfer needed	Higher (airport surcharges)	After-hours return rules
Downtown office	Needs a transfer first	Often 10-25% cheaper	Limited weekend hours
Hotel delivery	The car comes to you	Varies by supplier	Availability outside major cities

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