Foto: BB.LV / Осеннее шоссе и знак 90
Starting October 15, the season of increased speed limits on certain sections of state roads in Latvia will come to an end. The maximum permitted speed outside populated areas will be 90 km/h, except for the section of the Sigulda Highway equipped with electronic road signs. As reported by the LETA agency, citing the state enterprise Latvijas valsts ceļi (LVC), the transition to winter speed limits is associated with the onset of changeable weather, when road conditions can deteriorate rapidly. The only exception will be the section of the Vidzeme Highway from Riga to Sigulda, where variable information signs are installed. Here, even in the winter season, under very good weather and road conditions, a speed of up to 100 km/h will be allowed. However, this limit will not be permanent. In case of worsening conditions, electronic signs will be able to reduce the maximum permitted speed to 90, 80, or even 70 km/h. LVC reminds that in winter, road conditions can change several times a day. For example, dry pavement in the morning can turn wet or slippery within a few hours. Therefore, drivers need to rely not only on the usual speed limit for a specific section but also on the current instructions from electronic signs. Moreover, electronic road signs have the same legal force as regular ones. Exceeding the speed indicated on them is considered a violation of traffic rules and carries the penalties provided by law. If there are no restrictions or other instructions on the electronic display, the general speed limit of 90 km/h applies outside populated areas. However, even this speed is not always safe. In poor visibility, precipitation, or slippery conditions, the driver is required to choose a speed that takes into account the actual road conditions. The replacement of road signs on state roads will take place throughout Thursday, October 15. In this regard, LVC urges motorists to pay close attention to the current restrictions. On the Kekava Ring Road, sign replacement work is scheduled for the night of October 15 to 16. The seasonal speed reduction is carried out in anticipation of winter, when the risk of reduced tire grip on the road surface increases and daylight hours decrease. The state enterprise Latvijas valsts ceļi is responsible for managing the network of state roads with a total length of over 20,000 kilometers, as well as organizing road works and distributing funding. Thus, starting October 15, drivers should adhere to the limit of 90 km/h, and on the Riga — Sigulda section, rely on electronic signs that will determine the permissible speed depending on current conditions.
