When going to the capital of Latvia, drivers should study the traffic rules European state, before heading to tourist trip. They are also advised to find out the cost of parking in Riga. The traffic police strictly enforce the rules. The slightest violation will result in severe penalties. Even if you leave a vehicle in the wrong place for five minutes, you can see that the car is taken by a tow truck to an impound lot.
Parking rules vary in different areas of the city. The shorter the distance to the center, the higher the price.
Features of parking in the capital of Latvia
The rules for placing cars in parking lots are simple and clear. First of all, you need to find out where parking is in a particular area. How does it work and is there a fee for it?
You can pay for the service in two ways - using payment terminals installed in parking lots, or through the mobile application of the municipal enterprise of the capital Rigas Satiksme.
Parking spots are marked with a “P” sign and are easy to spot. Information about operating hours is also indicated here. Parking lots are divided into certain zones, which directly determine the price for a specific period of time. If drivers need to leave their car in guarded parking lots located near an office building, shopping or entertainment center, then you will have to pay a large amount.
There are signs in front of the signs indicating how the car is allowed to be parked. For example, standing on the side of the road or driving completely onto it.
Reference. Local residents strictly observe the rules, since the penalties for violating them are impressive. In addition, the amount doubles if the vehicle is sent to a impound lot.
Working hours and penalties
A special sign usually indicates the parking hours. Almost every paid street (municipal) parking is open from 8.00 to 20.00 (on weekdays). On weekends and holidays, opening hours are from 9.00 to 17.00. During other periods of time, cars are parked free of charge. However, this rule does not apply to places located near shopping and entertainment centers.
If the complexes are located in residential areas of the capital, or in its suburban area, places, as a rule, are not paid for (at any time of the day).
Parking lots in the center of Riga are divided into five zones, designated by letters: A, B, C, D, R. The last one is the most expensive. This is the old area of the city. A - municipal, also expensive for drivers. D – located in the distance, therefore one of the most budget-friendly.
Payment for parking is carried out in euros:
- A – for the first hour 2 euros, for all subsequent hours 3;
- B – 1.5 euros initially and hourly 2.3;
- C – 1.3 for the first 60 minutes, for the rest of the time – 1.8 euros each;
- D – 1 euro for the first hour, 1.2 for subsequent hours.
- R – 4.27 initially, for the rest of the time – 7.11 each.
Important information! It is more profitable to leave the vehicle for a long period of time near a business center or office building, where payment is made at three euros per 12 hours (from 8.00 to 20.00).
There is no cost to enter Old Riga, although getting around in this area is quite problematic due to the narrow streets. Most of them are one-way. In addition, many other difficulties arise. The capital of Latvia is a favorite destination for tourists. Therefore, there are always a lot of pedestrians in the central part, which causes difficulties with the movement of cars.
Experienced car enthusiasts traveling around Latvia give advice on how to save yourself from unnecessary problems:
- The best option is to choose a place to stay in close proximity to the parking lot. Then there are no difficulties with parking, and you can get to historical attractions without problems.
- Leave your vehicle away from the central part using free parking. And travel around the capital by tram, trolleybus or other public transport. Usually free parking lots are located close to Old Riga. You can reach them on foot in 15-20 minutes.
- Leave cars in budget zone D.
Attention! You can save money by using free parking lots located as close to the center as possible. These are the streets that adjoin the Stone Bridge, or the place near the Olympia shopping center. It is quite difficult to park a car on such sites; they are constantly filled. However, if you arrive at 9 am, this is quite possible.
This is an important question for many: where to stay in the center of Riga - and preferably without much damage to the budget. Periodically, this question comes up in online car communities, and users even offer each other a map free parking. Sometimes for money... Let's say right away: the map that was discussed the other day in the "Ezduna" community on Facebook is outdated, some of the parking lots marked there have already become paid. However, you can still find something.
We will start, oddly enough, with paid parking. But, as you know, in some cases they serve without money. Rīgas satiksme press secretary Viktors Zakis reminded us that the number of paid parking lots increases every year (this is one of the reasons why the mentioned map is outdated). There will also be more of them in 2018. You can keep track of where they appear and the tariffs using the map on the Rīgas satiksme website - https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/lv/pakalpojumi/autostavvietu–pakalpojumi/autostavvietu–pakalpojumi/. But on weekdays - after 20 o'clock, on Saturdays after 17 o'clock or on Sundays, Rīgas satiksme parking is FREE.
As for simply free parking, when such a question arises, many, as they say, unanimously declare: “Near Stargorod” in Old Riga ( see photo gallery at the bottom of the 1st page of the text - photo 3). As a result, they also state: “It’s advisable to arrive there at 6.50, otherwise you’ll end up standing in line.” In general, whoever arrived first parked." Indeed, you can leave your car at the restaurant on the embankment, beloved by many, but it’s difficult.
Let's complete the map!
A certain driver-activist several years ago made interactive map free parking in Riga. Unfortunately, he stopped monitoring her “due to regular vandalism.”
Well, we took the liberty of editing the map, removing from it those parking lots that have become paid during this time. And it turned out that although there are significantly fewer places, they still exist. True, competition is growing, and drivers have to fight or drive around for the right to park for free.
From the previous good Samaritan there were notes like: “Klavu St. - one place near the bridge (located behind the red line). Or a signature for the site on Abrenes St.: “Near the court.” Illegal but free parking in the green zone. I didn't see any fines there. Space for about 10 cars, no more."
In general, if you need to go to an important place, relying on such parking is dangerous. You might be late. But what if you get lucky? A TODAY journalist yesterday drove around the center of Riga and made sure that, for example, there are still places left at Cesu, Eveles, Thomson, Meness, Hospital, Vesetas, Nitaures, Malpils, Sport. In general, there is a lot of space in the Arena Riga area. There are parking lots around Ziedondarz: on the street. Chaka, Artilleryas, Spargel, Beauty, Lienes. The closest place to Old Riga is the street. Export. But in the area Central Station places are very difficult to find.
And now we turn to those who like to be active in online communities and communicate in in social networks. Let's review and expand the interactive map of free parking. You can view our version here - https://www.google.com/maps/d/viewer?mid=1nxshEu_ykQucnoV3DHfPOb0_kNb2stcc&ll=56.95512230493344%2C24.111792500000092&z=13. Your comments and corrections, dear readers, can be left in the comments to this text or on the “site” page on Facebook.
The center is not for cars!
“In any case, the center must be liberated!” - many people think. "Really, why are there people in the center of Riga? Free them!" - they respond ironically.
“You can’t get past the cars there anymore!” - Natalya is indignant in “Riders”. “This is how cars are connected to people - if there are no cars, there will be no people. Or do you think everyone will ride bicycles?” - Arvid answers her.
“I drive a car myself. If I need to go to the center, I look at the circumstances, public transport sometimes it’s more profitable, more convenient, faster!” Natalya shares her experience.
“The key word is “sometimes,” notes Arvid.
“During the day, 90% of the cars parked in the center, especially in free parking lots, are cars from the districts. People living in the center will only be glad if there are no free parking spaces left here - or, as in Germany, a ban on entry into the center is on old diesel engines,” assures Sergei.
“There have been no free parking in the center for a long time,” Arvid answers.
“There’s still a little left, I live here myself, and if I’m lucky, I use it, but there’s a lot of competition. That’s why it usually costs 2 euros per hour to park,” says Sergei.
“I myself lived in Brivibas and Lachplesha, so there’s no need to tell you how it is in the center with parking lots,” Arvid shrugs it off.
“Residents of the center have nowhere to park their cars! They need to run on foot, because you can’t even stop when you get there, especially on Brivibas Street. This issue needs to be resolved: only those who are declared in the center can park for free.”
Prepaid parking. UniPark parking lot is located in the courtyard at the address: st. Barona 38. The location of the parking lot provides a good opportunity for use both for nearby residents and for visitors to shops and restaurants. The parking lot is open 24 hours a day all year round . You can pay for parking using the UniPark mobile application, by prepaying in cash at a parking machine, or by signing a subscription agreement. Zone BAR38 The UniPark parking lot on Stirnu Street 26 is located near the RIMI store. This parking lot is very convenient both for store visitors and for those who want to leave their car for a few hours and go somewhere else. By registering in the UniPark mobile application or registration kiosk, the client will receive two hours of free parking.Stāvvieta pie veikala RIMIThe UniPark parking lot Balasta Dambis, 2 is located next to Preses Nams. This parking lot is suitable for those who are planning a meeting in Swedbank or Kipsala, want to visit nearby shops or go to the center of Riga without a car. ZONE PRESES The UniPark parking lot of the Olimpia shopping center is a convenient solution for store visitors. Two hours of parking per day are provided free of charge, regardless of the number of entries. Each additional hour costs 5 euros, but not more than 15 euros per day. If you park your car regularly, a subscription for 49 euros per month is suitable for you. I/C OLIMPIA PARKING UniPark parking lot on Kr. Valdemara 62 is located near the RIMI store. This parking lot is very convenient both for store visitors and for those who want to leave their car for a few hours and go somewhere else. By registering in the UniPark mobile application or registration kiosk, the client will receive thirty minutes of free parking. Parking next to RIMI Mukusalas Business Center is one of the largest business centers in Riga. It is located on the left bank of the Daugava River, at st. Mukusalas 41A. UniPark provides parking near the business center; there are more than 900 parking spaces. This is an open parking lot without barriers, controlled by video cameras that record every entry and exit of cars. Parking is paid 24/7 and payment for parking can be made using the UniPark mobile application, at the cash register or by concluding an agreement. The fine for leaving the parking lot without paying for its use is 25.00 EUR. Please be careful where you park your car, as the fine for parking in the wrong place is EUR 25.00. PARKING IN MUKUSALAS BUSINESS CENTER Parking on the street. Skolas 35 is a convenient solution for both nearby residents and short-term clients. Within a few minutes' walk you will find the school, Riga 1st. Hospital, Dailes Theater, as well as various shops and cafes. We offer favorable rates both for those who leave the car for an hour and for those who leave it for a longer time. Parking on the street Skolas 35 The Unipark parking lot is located at st. Lyelgabalu 4 opposite the multi-level parking area "Unipark". This parking lot is convenient not only for local residents, but also for visitors to the Abakhan store, the Bērnu Pasaule shopping center, as well as visitors to nearby office buildings. Lielgabalu st. 4 - Car parking in Riga Multi-level parking area “Unipark” at the address: st. Lyelgabalu 4, Riga, is located in the “quiet” city center, next to an ever-growing and developing area. This parking is convenient not only for local residents, but also for visitors to the Bērnu Pasaule shopping center, as well as visitors to nearby office buildings. The parking lot is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The automatic barrier at the entrance to the parking lot will rise as soon as the cameras recognize the license plates of your car. Short-term parking "Unipark" is convenient and easy to use - before leaving, you will pay exclusively for the time spent in the parking lot. Payment is charged at a rate per hour. Part of this parking lot is located under open air on the street, so our clients can choose a parking space at their discretion, including in the parking area next to the main parking building. Residents and businesses located near the parking lot can purchase monthly passes. Lielgabalu st. 4 - Car parking in Riga The UniPark parking lot on Dzirnavu street 111 in Riga is a 10-minute walk from Old Riga. This parking lot is an excellent choice for those going to meetings at nearby offices, as well as for those planning to visit the Origo and Galleria Riga shopping centers. The parking lot is open 24 hours a day all year round. The barrier at the entrance opens after the camera reads the license plate of your car. Short-term parking has become easy and convenient - payment is made upon delivery and only for the time used. You must pay to use the parking lot in any case. Residents of nearby houses and employees of local offices will be given the opportunity to purchase a monthly subscription. We answer your questions around the clock by phone. +371 66 77 88 50 Dzirnavu st. 111 - Car parking in Riga Multi-level parking area “Unipark” at the address: st. Pragas, 2, Riga, is located next to the Riga International Bus Station and the Riga Central Market, just a 2-minute walk from the Old Town. The parking lot is connected by a tunnel to the Forum Cinemas and shopping center"Stockmann". The parking lot is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. The automatic barrier at the entrance to the parking lot will rise as soon as the cameras recognize the license plates of your car. Short-term parking "Unipark" is convenient and easy to use - before leaving, you will pay exclusively for the time spent in the parking lot. Payment is charged at a rate per hour. Residents and businesses located near the parking lot can purchase monthly passes. We answer your questions around the clock by phone. +371 66 77 88 50 Pragas yl. Car parking in Riga A ZONA - Car parking in RigaA ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGAC ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGED ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGER ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGAV ZONA - CAR PARKING ILYA IN RIGA
Finishing the series of stories about Riga, I would like to show you some details from the city roads. Latvia has fairly law-abiding citizens (or are the fines high?). There is no other way to explain such total observance of the rules. For example, look 
Although sometimes you come across such cool things on Lexus 
Riga is full of parking payment terminals. Signs notifying this are also located everywhere. Everything is very accessible, simple and clear. The Moscow administration does not need to reinvent the wheel. Let them just go to Riga and be done with it 
Everything is very simple and clear
All parking lots in Riga are divided into zones. The price is determined depending on this. You can also pay by phone 
The parking machine is the most ordinary. Very easy to use
And closer. One hour in this parking lot in the city center costs 0.8 lats (45 rubles)
The city also has a sufficient number of guarded parking lots under the EuroPark brand. Such parking lots are located near business centers and small office buildings. The cost from 8:00 to 21:00 is about 230-240 rubles. Hourly parking here is not profitable (80 rubles per hour). Payments are also made via automatic machines. No dirty men in shirtfronts and galoshes for you 
There are easier and cheaper parking lots. This one is for locals in a residential area. Cost per day - approximately 150 rubles 
Of course, Riga is a relatively small city, but they have not yet adopted bicycles here. There are a lot of cars and they need to go somewhere. During my visits to the capital of Latvia, I never saw much less a traffic jam, or even a small congestion. And why? Because where there are two lanes for traffic, cars will drive in two lanes. What about us? On one lane there are parked cars, on the other there is slow traffic with all that it entails. Drivers in Russian cities can also be understood - not much is being done for them. But the administration must also get involved somehow. After all, we got out of the situation in some major cities Europe by restricting entry into the central regions... After all, you just need to turn on your brain
Other photo stories about Riga and Latvia:
Some owners of cars with foreign registration numbers have been fined dozens and hundreds of times in Riga for violating parking rules, most of them do not even think about paying the fines issued, the Delfi portal writes, citing representatives of the municipal police.
In total, last year the Riga police issued 3,624 protocols for cars with non-Latvian license plates for violations of parking rules, which is 7.5% of the total number. However, in reality there are much fewer violators than there are protocols.
According to municipal police, they already know many of the violators well by sight, and, although there are no exact statistics, it seems that in Riga there are cars with foreign license plates, the owners of which have been fined 100-250 times. At the same time, the Riga municipal police note that they, unlike the police of other countries, never ignore cars with foreign license plates and in any case issue a fine.
The fine for violating parking rules in Riga is 30-40 euros (55 for parking in a space for disabled people without having the right to do so). According to Delfi calculations, this means that in total “foreigners” had to pay the city from 108 to 150 thousand euros last year. However, the Riga municipal police do not know whether they paid. And they can only rely on the conscience of car owners, because there is no mechanism yet that would force owners of cars with foreign registration numbers to pay fines for improper parking.
The State Police confirmed this to Delfi, but noted that right now they are developing a mechanism that would allow such fines to be “delivered” at the place of registration to everyone, even the owners of “foreign cars.” For several years, there was a similar problem with fines for speeding, which were detected by radar. It was resolved long ago and today the European owner is fined in any case, regardless of the country of registration of his car’s license plates.
In the meantime, the only effective mechanism for “working” with violators on foreign numbers is evacuation vehicle. This is possible in three cases:
- If the intruder is standing where it is not allowed and is impeding traffic, he can be evacuated immediately;
- If a fine is issued for illegal parking and eight hours later the car is still parked, it can also be towed;
- If a violator has already been caught once in a parking lot in spaces for the disabled and is caught again within a year, he can be immediately evacuated.
During evacuation, the car is taken to an impound lot, from where it can only be picked up by paying all associated fines and expenses - regardless of whether registration numbers what country it is installed on.
