Road safety agency urges Latvian drivers to switch to winter tyres now, not in December
Latvia's Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD) is asking drivers to swap summer tyres for winter ones ahead of the mandatory date. Winter tyres must carry the “mountain and snowflake” symbol.
The Road Traffic Safety Directorate (CSDD), the Latvian state company that oversees road safety, is urging motorists not to wait until 1 December to fit winter tyres. The appeal comes as the weather turns colder: in the mornings air temperatures can fall below zero, and roads may be icy in places.
Winter tyres are mandatory in Latvia from 1 December to 1 March. Studded tyres are permitted from 1 October to 1 May, but if a car is fitted with them, they must be on all wheels.
Tyre marking requirements
During the winter period, passenger vehicles with a gross weight of up to 3.5 tonnes may be driven only if their tyres are designed for snow and ice and carry the international “mountain and snowflake” symbol. It shows the tyre has passed set tests and is considered suitable for snow, ice and icy conditions. Tyres marked only M+S are not regarded as suitable for winter, and using them in this period is not allowed.
Tread depth and tyre condition
The minimum tread depth in winter is:
- 4 mm for passenger cars and other vehicles up to 3.5 t;
- 3 mm for buses;
- 2 mm for other vehicles above 3.5 t;
- 1.6 mm for trailers.
Used tyres should also be inspected visually for damage or cracks that may result from improper storage. CSDD advises against using winter tyres older than five or six years, as the rubber loses its properties over time.
Other safe-driving advice
CSDD reminds drivers to adapt speed to conditions: at 50 km/h, braking distance on a slippery road can be up to three times longer than on a dry one. Drivers should check tyre pressure and headlight alignment, keep lights clean, replace worn wiper blades and use winter washer fluid. On icy roads they should keep a safe distance and avoid sudden manoeuvres.
