Heavier vehicles in Latvia will undergo modifications in their road charge system
Latvia is set to implement a new Law on Road User Charge, replacing the current vignette system, as part of compliance with a European Union directive. The specific EU directive is most likely the Alternative Fuels Infrastructure Regulation (AFIR) or related legislation, which aims to regulate road charges based on distance, vehicle type, congestion, air pollution, noise pollution, and CO2 emissions.
Under the new law, the road infrastructure charge will consist of an infrastructure user charge, a congestion charge, and a charge for air, noise, and CO2 pollution. The charge will be dependent on the distance travelled and the type of vehicle, with the aim of encouraging the use of environmentally friendly vehicles.
However, the new law does not specify any changes to the payment methods for the road infrastructure charge. Additionally, it does not specify any exemptions for the service and payment requirements for specific types of vehicles or situations. The new law also does not define any penalties for non-compliance with the service and payment requirements.
The new law does not specify a date for the implementation of the service and payment requirements, but given recent EU infringement procedures initiated in July 2025 for delays or issues in implementation related to transport infrastructure rules, Latvia is expected to align with the EU rules shortly after or face further enforcement measures.
The new law does not specify any changes to the congestion charge, the charge for air, noise, and CO2 pollution, or the infrastructure user charge. It does, however, specify the requirements for the provider of the road infrastructure charge collection service.
One notable exemption is for zero-emission trucks, regardless of weight, which will be exempted from the time toll from 2030.
After the draft law is approved by the government, it will be submitted to the Saeima for consideration. The changes aim to promote sustainable transport and align Latvia with the EU's strategy for emissions reduction.
- The Latvian government, upon approving the draft law, will submit it to the Saeima for consideration, aligning with the EU's strategy for emissions reduction through sustainable transport.
- The new road infrastructure charge in Latvia will include an infrastructure user charge, a congestion charge, and a charge for air, noise, and CO2 pollution, based on distance and vehicle type to encourage environmentally friendly vehicles.
- Despite the new law, specific payment methods for the road infrastructure charge and requirements for service payment exemptions for certain vehicles or situations have yet to be defined, leaving room for further clarification.
- In an effort to promote zero-emission vehicles, zero-emission trucks, regardless of weight, will be exempted from the time toll from 2030, showcasing Latvia's focus on climate-change mitigation and industrial innovation in environmental-science and finance.
