Drink-Driving in Latvia

Figures

In 2020 13 road deaths attributed to alcohol were registered. In 2021 there were 20 fatal road crashes due to alcohol.

National policies

In 2016 the BAC limit was reduced to 0.2g/l for bus and tram drivers.

In 2021 drink-driving penalties are applied to e-scooters riders (above 0.5g/l).

BAC limits and sanctions

0.5 standard

0.2 for bus and tram drivers

0.3 for novice drivers

Detailed sanctions can be found in the full report here

Enforcement

Alcohol tests are done systematically in practice for all active participants of a road collision, either alive or dead.

In 2020 there were 3 422 drivers tested and found with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) above the legal limit while in 2021 this number rose to 3 908.

Rehabilitation and Alcohol Interlock programmes

No Alcohol Interlock rehabilitation programme in place.

Campaigns

One of the latest campaigns was launched in June 2022 and is called “Nebrauc reibumā – dārgs prieks” (Expensive joy – the real cost of drink-driving). The campaign website shows, in an interactive way, the economic and social consequences of driving under the influence of alcohol.

To read the full country focus click here.