
Road signs in Latvia conform to the general pattern of those used in most other European countries. They are regulated in Ceļu satiksmes noteikumi[1] and the standards documents LVS 77–1:2016 "Ceļa zīmes. 1. daļa: Ceļa zīmes", LVS 77-2:2016 "Ceļa zīmes. 2. daļa: Uzstādīšanas noteikumi" and LVS 77-3:2016 "Ceļa zīmes. 3. daļa: Tehniskās prasības" in conformity with the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals.[2] Latvia acceded to the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals on October 19, 1992.[3]
During the 1920s and 1930s, Latvia had developed various road signs but after Latvia was occupied and later annexed by the Soviet Union during the World War II, it used the Soviet road sign standard before adopting its own. In 1980, the standard for road signs GOST 10807-78 (ГОСТ 10807-78) was adopted in the Soviet Union before its dissolution in 1991.[4] After the restoration of the independence of Latvia in 1990, it became necessary to create its own standard for road signs in Latvia. Unlike most post-Soviet states, modern road signs in Latvia look different from those used in neighbouring Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Lithuania. Latvian road signs use the DIN 1451 typeface.[5]
The text used on signs is in the state language, Latvian. Recently, some signs have been introduced with Latvian supplemented by Livonian and Latgalian. In November 2021, the first standard-compliant road sign with Latgalian was placed on the border of Balvi Municipality, with others being gradually installed in other locations in Latgale.[6] In January 2023, the first of 171 approved signs with Livonian text were placed on the border of Talsi Municipality, with others expected to be placed in villages along the Livonian Coast.[7][8]
Warning signs
 Crossroads without priority (give way to the vehicles coming from the right) Crossroads without priority (give way to the vehicles coming from the right)
 Roundabout Roundabout
 Dangerous curve to the right Dangerous curve to the right
 Dangerous curve to the left Dangerous curve to the left
 Double curve, first to the right Double curve, first to the right
 Double curve, first to the left Double curve, first to the left
 Road narrows on both sides Road narrows on both sides
 Road narrows on right side Road narrows on right side
 Road narrows on left side Road narrows on left side
 Steep descent Steep descent
 Steep ascent Steep ascent
 Uneven road Uneven road
 Speed bumps Speed bumps
 Changing the road surface Changing the road surface
 Slippery road Slippery road
 Loose chippings Loose chippings
 Falling stones Falling stones
 Roadworks ahead Roadworks ahead
 Dangerous shoulder Dangerous shoulder
 Pedestrian crossing Pedestrian crossing
 Children Children
 Two-way traffic Two-way traffic
 Traffic signals ahead Traffic signals ahead
 Animals e.g for cattle Animals e.g for cattle
 Animals e.g for deer Animals e.g for deer
 Swing bridge Swing bridge
 Unproteceted quayside or riverbank ahead Unproteceted quayside or riverbank ahead
 Sidewinds Sidewinds
 Low-flying aircraft Low-flying aircraft
 Cyclists Cyclists
 Tram Crossing Tram Crossing
 Level crossing ahead, with gates Level crossing ahead, with gates
 Level crossing ahead, without gates Level crossing ahead, without gates
 Level crossing (single track) Level crossing (single track)
 Level crossing (multiple tracks) Level crossing (multiple tracks)
 Level crossing countdown Level crossing countdown
 Level crossing countdown Level crossing countdown
 Level crossing countdown Level crossing countdown
 Level crossing countdown Level crossing countdown
 Level crossing countdown Level crossing countdown
 Level crossing countdown Level crossing countdown
 Other dangers Other dangers
 Traffic jams Traffic jams
Priority signs
 Priority road Priority road
 End of priority road End of priority road
 Junction with minor road Junction with minor road
 Junction with minor road (from the right) Junction with minor road (from the right)
 Junction with minor road (from the left) Junction with minor road (from the left)
 
 
 Give priority to oncoming traffic Give priority to oncoming traffic
 Priority over oncoming traffic Priority over oncoming traffic
Prohibitory signs
 No entry No entry
 Closed to all vehicles in both directions Closed to all vehicles in both directions
 No motor vehicles except motorcycles No motor vehicles except motorcycles
 No motorcycles No motorcycles
 No cycles No cycles
 No trucks No trucks
 No trailers No trailers
 No tractors No tractors
 No pedestrians No pedestrians
 Width limit Width limit
 Height limit Height limit
 Mass limit Mass limit
 Total mass limit Total mass limit
 Length limit Length limit
 No right turn No right turn
 No left turn No left turn
 No U-turn No U-turn
 Minimum separation Minimum separation
 No overtaking No overtaking
 End of overtaking prohibition End of overtaking prohibition
 No overtaking by trucks No overtaking by trucks
 End of overtaking prohibition by trucks End of overtaking prohibition by trucks
 Maximum speed limit Maximum speed limit
 End of maximum speed limit End of maximum speed limit
 No audible warning devices No audible warning devices
 No stopping or standing No stopping or standing
 No parking or waiting No parking or waiting
 Alternate parking on odd days Alternate parking on odd days
 Alternate parking on even days Alternate parking on even days
 End of all prohibitions End of all prohibitions
 Customs Customs
 Police Police
 Driving further is dangerous Driving further is dangerous
 No vehicles carrying dangerous goods No vehicles carrying dangerous goods
Mandatory signs
 Ahead only Ahead only
 Turn right Turn right
 Turn left Turn left
 Straight ahead or right turn permitted Straight ahead or right turn permitted
 Straight ahead or left turn permitted Straight ahead or left turn permitted
 Turn left or right Turn left or right
 Turn right Turn right
 Turn left Turn left
 Roundabout ahead Roundabout ahead
 Pass side from right Pass side from right
 Pass side from left Pass side from left
 Pass either side Pass either side
 Cycle path Cycle path
 End of cycle path End of cycle path
 Pedestrian path Pedestrian path
 End of pedestrian path End of pedestrian path
 Cycle and pedestrian path Cycle and pedestrian path
 End of cycle and pedestrian path End of cycle and pedestrian path
 Segregated cycle and pedestrian path Segregated cycle and pedestrian path
 End of segregated cycle and pedestrian path End of segregated cycle and pedestrian path
 Cycle and pedestrian path Cycle and pedestrian path
 End of segregated cycle and pedestrian path End of segregated cycle and pedestrian path
.svg.png.webp) Minimum speed Minimum speed
.svg.png.webp) End of minimum speed End of minimum speed
 Proceed straight for vehicles carrying dangerous goods Proceed straight for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
 Proceed right for vehicles carrying dangerous goods Proceed right for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
 Proceed left for vehicles carrying dangerous goods Proceed left for vehicles carrying dangerous goods
Special regulation signs
 One-way street One-way street
 End of one-way street End of one-way street
 One-way street to the right One-way street to the right
 One-way street to the left One-way street to the left
 Bus lane Bus lane
 End of bus lane End of bus lane
 A road with a contraflow bus lane A road with a contraflow bus lane
 End of the road with a contraflow bus lane End of the 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 left
 Exit to the road with a contraflow bus lane to the right Exit to the road with a contraflow bus lane to the right
 Minimum driving speed limit in lanes Minimum driving speed limit in lanes
 Maximum driving speed limit in lanes Maximum driving speed limit in lanes
 Driving directions in lanes Driving directions in lanes
 Driving direction in the lane (proceed straight) Driving direction in the lane (proceed straight)
 Driving direction in the lane (turn right) Driving direction in the lane (turn right)
 Driving direction in the lane (turn left) 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 turn right)
 Driving direction in the lane (proceed straight or keep left) Driving direction in the lane (proceed straight or keep left)
 Settlement Settlement
 End of settlement End of settlement
 Settlement Settlement
 End of settlement End of settlement
 No parking area No parking area
.svg.png.webp) Customs area Customs area
.svg.png.webp) End of no parking area End of no parking area
 End of customs area End of customs area
 Speed limit zone Speed limit zone
 End of speed limit zone End of speed limit zone
 Pedestrian zone Pedestrian zone
 End of pedestrian zone End of pedestrian zone
 Parking zone Parking zone
 End of parking zone End of parking zone
 Recommended speed zone Recommended speed zone
 End of recommended speed zone End of recommended speed zone
 Home zone Home zone
 End of home zone End of home zone
 Pedestrian crossing Pedestrian crossing
 Pedestrian crossing Pedestrian crossing
 Parking Parking
 End of Parking End of Parking
 Paid parking Paid parking
 End of paid parking End of paid parking
 Bus stop Bus stop
.svg.png.webp) Tram stop Tram stop
 Taxi stop Taxi stop
 Tunnel Tunnel
 Tunnel stop Tunnel stop
 
 Border area Border area
 End of border area End of border area
 Borderland Borderland
 End of borderland End of borderland
 Border control point Border control point
 Road for motor vehicles Road for motor vehicles
 End of road for motor vehicles End of road for motor vehicles
 Forced stop Forced stop
 Locality Locality
 End of locality End of locality
Service signs
 Medical aid point Medical aid point
 Hospital Hospital
 Gas station Gas station
 Park and Ride facilities Park and Ride facilities
 Maintenance point Maintenance point
 Car wash Car wash
 Telephone Telephone
 Restaurant Restaurant
 Cafe Cafe
 Hotel, motel or guest house Hotel, motel or guest house
 Youth tourism center Youth tourism center
 Camping Camping
 Caravan parking Caravan parking
 Camping and caravan parking Camping and caravan parking
 Resting place Resting place
 Pedestrian route Pedestrian route
 Toilet Toilet
 Swimming pool Swimming pool
 Tourist information Tourist information
 Police Police
 Traffic police Traffic police
 Mail Mail
 Radio channel for providing road traffic information Radio channel for providing road traffic information
 Airport (airfield) Airport (airfield)
 Bus station Bus station
 Railway station Railway station
 Sea passenger station Sea passenger station
 Ferry Ferry
 Cargo port Cargo port
 Information block Information block
 A remarkable place A remarkable place
 Fire extinguisher Fire extinguisher
 Emergency phone Emergency phone
 Rural tourism seat Rural tourism seat
Direction signs
 Preliminary direction indicator Preliminary direction indicator
 Preliminary direction indicator Preliminary direction indicator
 Preliminary direction indicator 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
 Direction indicator Direction indicator
 Direction indicator Direction indicator
 Direction indicator Direction indicator
 Distance indicator Distance indicator
 Distance indicator Distance indicator
 River name River name
 Driving scheme Driving scheme
 Obstacle bypass direction Obstacle bypass direction
 
 Dead end on the right Dead end on the right
 Dead end on the left Dead end on the left
 Start of lane on the right Start of lane on the right
 Start of lane on the left Start of lane on the left
 End of lane on the right End of lane on the right
 End of land on the left End of land on the left
 Driving directions in lanes (no trucks allowed in one lane) Driving directions in lanes (no trucks allowed in one lane)
 Driving directions in lanes Driving directions in lanes
 Driving directions in lanes Driving directions in lanes
 Lane adherence to base lanes Lane adherence to base lanes
 Lane adherence to base lanes Lane adherence to base lanes
 U-turn permitted U-turn permitted
 Traffic restrictions in Latvia Traffic restrictions in Latvia
 Recommended speed Recommended speed
 Driving direction of trucks (proceed straight) Driving direction of trucks (proceed straight)
 Driving direction of trucks (turn right) Driving direction of trucks (turn right)
 Driving direction of trucks (turn left) Driving direction of trucks (turn left)
 Pedestrian underpass or overpass Pedestrian underpass or overpass
 Scheme of bypass road Scheme of bypass road
 Direction of bypass road (proceed straight) Direction of bypass road (proceed straight)
 Direction of bypass road (turn right) Direction of bypass road (turn right)
 Direction of bypass road (turn left) Direction of bypass road (turn left)
 End of detour End of detour
 Pointer to reorder Pointer to reorder
 Pointer to reorder Pointer to reorder
 Pointer to reorder Pointer to reorder
 Pointer to reorder Pointer to reorder
 Pointer to reorder Pointer to reorder
 Kilometer indicator Kilometer indicator
.svg.png.webp) European route number European route number
.svg.png.webp) Motorway number Motorway number
.svg.png.webp) Regional road number Regional road number
 European route number and direction European route number and direction
 Motorway number and direction Motorway number and direction
 Regional road number and direction Regional road number and direction
 Road with reverse traffic Road with reverse traffic
 End of road with reverse traffic End of road with reverse traffic
 Departure on a road with reverse traffic Departure on a road with reverse traffic
 EU country border EU country border
 Name of the administrative territory Name of the administrative territory
 
 Emergency exit Emergency exit
 Emergency exit direction Emergency exit direction
Additional signs
 Distance Distance
 Stop ahead Stop ahead
 Length Length
 Coverage area Coverage area
 Coverage area Coverage area
 Coverage area Coverage area
 Coverage area Coverage area
 Coverage area Coverage area
 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 Directions of action
 Directions of action Directions of action
 Driving lane Driving lane
 Type of vehicle (truck) Type of vehicle (truck)
 Type of vehicle (truck with lane) Type of vehicle (truck with lane)
 Type of vehicle (car) Type of vehicle (car)
 Type of vehicle (bus) Type of vehicle (bus)
 Type of vehicle (tractor) Type of vehicle (tractor)
 Type of vehicle (motorcycle) Type of vehicle (motorcycle)
 Type of vehicle (bike) Type of vehicle (bike)
 Working days Working days
 Weekends and holidays Weekends and holidays
 Validity period Validity period
 Validity period in working days Validity period in working days
 Validity period in weekends and holidays 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
 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 Parking time
 Automobile viewing area Automobile viewing area
 Limitation of the permitted maximum mass Limitation of the permitted maximum mass
 Blind pedestrians Blind pedestrians
 Disabled people Disabled people
 Wet cover Wet cover
 Slippery cover Slippery cover
 Direction of the main road Direction of the main road
 A tow truck is working A tow truck is working
 Other additional information Other additional information
 Speed bump Speed bump
 Paid parking time Paid parking time
 Turn off the engine Turn off the engine
 Photo radar Photo radar
 Information about the bicycle path Information about the bicycle path
 Information about the bicycle path Information about the bicycle path
 Information about the bicycle path Information about the bicycle path
 Bicycle route Bicycle route
 European Union cycle route European Union cycle route
 Supply of goods Supply of goods
 Electric cars Electric cars
References
- ↑ "Ceļu satiksmes noteikumi". Likumi.lv (in Latvian). 2015-06-02. Retrieved 2022-12-30.
- ↑ "Ceļa zīmes no bērza saplākšņa" (PDF). Troja.lv.
- ↑ "United Nations Treaty Collection". treaties.un.org. Retrieved 2023-12-09.
- ↑ Lazdiņš, Viesturs (1982). Autopārvadājumi (PDF) (in Latvian). p. 52.
- ↑ "Vertikālo ceļa zīmju piegādes tehniskie noteikumi TL-VZ 2004". europa.eu (in Latvian).
- ↑ "Balvu novadā ceļazīmes arī latgaliešu rakstu valodā" [Balvi Municipality gets road signs with written Latgalian]. Lsm.lv (in Latvian). 2021-11-24. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ↑ "Re:voice - The First Livonian Language Road Sign Unveiled in Latvia". revoice.falmouth.ac.uk. Retrieved 2023-07-19.
- ↑ Ozola-Balode, Zanda (2023-01-27). "Talsu novada nosaukums tagad arī lībiešu valodā; šādi uzraksti būs vismaz 14 piekrastes ciemos" [The sign of the name of Talsi Municipality now also in Livonian; similar signs will be placed in 44 Livonian Coast villages]. Lsm.lv (in Latvian). Retrieved 2023-07-19.