Driving to the capital of Latvia, drivers should study the traffic rules in a European state before going on a tourist trip. They are also advised to find out the cost of parking in Riga. Compliance with the rules is strictly monitored by the traffic police. For the slightest violation, severe penalties are imposed. Even leaving the vehicle for five minutes in the wrong places, you can see that the car is taken by a tow truck to the parking lot.
Parking rules differ in different parts 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 a car in parking lots are simple and straightforward. First of all, you need to find out where the parking lot is located 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.
The parking spaces are marked with a “P” and are easy to spot. It also contains information about the working hours. The parking lots are divided into certain zones, on which the price for a specific period of time directly depends. If drivers need to leave their car in guarded parking lots located near an office building, shopping or entertainment center, they will have to pay a large amount.
There are signs in front of the signs indicating how it is allowed to park the car. For example, standing on the side of the road or driving into it completely.
Reference. Local residents strictly follow the rules, as the penalties for their violations are impressive. In addition, the amount doubles if the vehicle is sent to a parking lot.
Working hours and penalties
A special sign usually indicates the parking opening hours. Almost every paid street (municipal) parking lot is open from 8.00 to 20.00 (on weekdays). On weekends and holidays, the opening hours are from 9.00 to 17.00. At other times, 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 the sleeping areas of the capital, or in its suburban area, places, as a rule, are not paid (at any time of the day).
Parking lots in the center of Riga are divided into five zones, marked with letters: A, B, C, D, R. The most expensive is the last. This is the old part of the city. A - municipal, it also costs drivers a lot. D - located in the distance, therefore one of the most budgetary.
Parking fees are paid in euros:
- A - 2 euros for the first hour, 3 euros for all subsequent hours;
- B - 1.5 euros initially and hourly at 2.3;
- С - 1.3 for the first 60 minutes, for the rest of the time - 1.8 euros each;
- D - 1 euro for the first hour, for the next 1.2.
- 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).
Entry to the old Riga is not paid, although getting around in this area is rather problematic due to the narrow streets. Most of them are one-way traffic. 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 in Latvia give advice on how to save themselves from unnecessary problems:
- The best option is to find a place to stay in the immediate vicinity of the parking lot. Then there are no difficulties with parking, and you can get to historical sites without any problems.
- Leave transport further from the central part using free parking lots. And to move 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 the cars in the budget area D.
Attention! You can save money using free parking 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 put a car on such sites, they are constantly full. However, if you arrive at 9 am, it is quite possible to do this.
This is an important question for many: where to stick to the center of Riga - and preferably without much damage to the budget. From time to time, this issue is raised in online car communities, and users even offer each other a free parking card. Sometimes for money ... Let's say right away: the card that was recently discussed in the "Ezduny" community on Facebook is outdated, some of the marked parking lots there have already become paid. However, something can still be found.
Oddly enough, we will start 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 card is outdated). In 2018, they will also be added. You can follow where they appear and tariffs using the card on the Rīgas satiksme website - https://www.rigassatiksme.lv/lv/pakalpojumi/autostavvietu–pakalpojumi/autostavvietu–pakalpojumi/. But on weekdays - after 8 pm, on Saturdays after 5 pm or Sundays, Rīgas satiksme parking is FREE.
As for simply free parking, when such a question arises, many, as they say, unanimously declare: "At Stargorod" in Old Riga ( see the photo gallery at the bottom of the 1st page of the text - photo 3). As a result, they also state: "Only it is advisable to come there at 6.50, otherwise you will stand in line later." In general, those who arrived earlier parked themselves. ”Indeed, you can leave your car at the restaurant on the embankment, beloved by many, but it's difficult.
Let's supplement the map!
A certain driver-activist made an interactive map of free parking lots in Riga a few years ago. Unfortunately, he stopped following her "due to regular vandalism."
Well, we took the liberty of editing the map, removing from it those parking lots that became paid during this time. And it turned out that although there were significantly fewer places, they are still there. However, the competition is growing, and for the right to park for free, drivers have to fight or travel around the district.
From the previous good Samaritan, there were notes like: "Klyavu street - one place near the bridge (located behind the red line). Or the signature to the site on Abrenes street:" Near the court. Illegal, but free parking in the green zone. I did not see that they were fined there. Space for about 10 cars, no more. "
In general, if you need to go to an important place, it is dangerous to rely on such parking. You can be late. But what if you're lucky? The journalist "TODAY" yesterday drove through the center of Riga and made sure that, for example, there are still places in Cesu, Eveles, Thomsona, Meness, Hospital, Vesetas, Nitaures, Malpils, Sport. In general, there is a lot of space in Arena Riga. There are parking lots around Ziedondarzs: on st. Chaka, Artillery, Spargel, Beauty, Lienes. The closest thing to Old Riga turns out to be st. Export. But in the area of the Central Station it is very difficult to find a place.
And now we turn to those who like to be active in Internet communities and communicate on social networks. Let's review and complement the interactive map of free parking lots. 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 remarks 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!
"The center must be liberated in any case!" - many believe. "Indeed, why are people in the center of Riga? Free them!" - sneer at them in response.
"There is no way to get from the cars!" - Natalya is indignant in "Ezduny". "So cars are connected with people - there will be no cars, there will be no people. Or do you think everyone will ride bicycles?" - Arvid answers her.
"I go by car myself. If you need to go to the center, I look at the circumstances, public transport is sometimes more profitable, more convenient, faster!" - Natalia shares her experience.
"The key word is sometimes," notes Arvid.
“During the daytime, 90% of cars parked in the center, especially in free parking lots, are cars from the districts. center on old diesel engines ", - says Sergey.
"There are no free parking lots in the center for a long time," Arvid replies.
"There is still a little left, I live here myself, and if I'm lucky, I use it, only the competition is great. Therefore, usually you have to park at 2 euros per hour," says Sergei.
“I myself lived on Brivibas and Lachplesha, so you don't have to talk about how it is in the center with parking lots,” Arvid dismisses.
"Residents of the center have nowhere to park a car! You have to run on foot, because you can't even stop by, especially on Brivibas street. This issue must be resolved: only those declared in the center should be allowed to park for free."
Prepaid parking lot. UniPark parking is located in the courtyard at st. Barona 38. The parking location provides a good opportunity for use, both for nearby residents and for visitors to shops and restaurants. The car park is open 24 hours a day all year round. You can pay for parking using the UniPark mobile application, prepayment in cash at a parking machine or by concluding a subscription agreement. This parking lot is very convenient for both shop visitors and those who want to leave their car for several hours and go somewhere else. By registering in the UniPark mobile application or registration kiosk, the client will receive two hours of free parking. This parking lot is suitable for those who are planning a meeting at Swedbank or Kipsala, want to visit the nearest shops or go to the center of Riga without a car. Two hours of parking per day are free, regardless of the number of entrances. Each next hour costs 5 euros, but no 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 for both shop visitors and those who want to leave their car for several 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 a parking lot near the business center, there are more than 900 parking spaces. This is an open type parking without barriers, control is carried out by video cameras that record every entry and exit of cars. Parking is paid 24/7 and parking can be paid 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 keep an eye on where you park your car, as the penalty for parking in the wrong place is 25,00 EUR. PARKING IN MUKUSALAS BUSINESS CENTER Parking on the street. Skolas 35 is a convenient solution for both residents and short-term clients. Within walking distance you will find a 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 for a longer time. Skolas 35 The Unipark parking lot is located at ul. Lyelgabalu 4 opposite the multi-level parking lot “Unipark”. This parking lot is convenient not only for local residents, but also for visitors to the Abakhan store, Bērnu Pasaule shopping center, as well as to visitors located near 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” center of the city, next to a constantly growing and developing area. This parking is convenient not only for local residents, but also for visitors to the shopping center "Bērnu Pasaule", as well as visitors who are near office buildings. The parking is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An automatic barrier at the entrance to the parking lot will rise as soon as the cameras identify your vehicle's license plate. Short-term parking "Unipark" is convenient and easy to use - before leaving you pay exclusively for the time spent in the parking lot. Payment is charged at the rate per hour of time. Part of this parking lot is located outdoors on the street, so our customers can choose a parking space at their own discretion, including in the parking area next to the main parking building. Residents and companies located near the parking lot can purchase monthly subscriptions. Lielgabalu st. 4 - Car parking in Riga UniPark car park at 111 Dzirnavu street, in Riga, is a 10-minute walk from Old Riga. This car park will be an excellent choice for those who are going to meet in the nearby offices, as well as for those planning to visit the Origo and Galleria Riga shopping centers. The car park is open 24 hours a day all year round. The barrier at the entrance opens after the camera reads your car's license plate. Short-term parking has become easy and convenient - payment is made after the fact and only for the used time. You must pay for the use of the parking lot in any case. Residents of nearby houses and local office workers will be given the opportunity to purchase a monthly subscription. Round the clock we answer your questions by phone. +371 66 77 88 50 Dzirnavu st. 111 - Car parking in Riga Pragas 2, Riga, is located next to Riga International Bus Station and Riga Central Market, just 2 minutes walk from the Old Town. The car park is connected by a tunnel to the Forum Cinemas and the Stockmann shopping center. The parking is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. An automatic barrier at the entrance to the parking lot will rise as soon as the cameras identify your vehicle's license plate. Short-term parking "Unipark" is convenient and easy to use - before leaving you pay exclusively for the time spent in the parking lot. Payment is charged at the rate per hour of time. Residents and companies located near the parking lot can purchase monthly subscriptions. Round the clock we answer your questions by phone. +371 66 77 88 50 Prague yl. CAR PARKING IN RIGA A ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGA A ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGEZ ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGED ZONA - CAR PARKING IN RIGER ZONA - VEHICLE PARKING IN RIGER ZONA - VEHICLE PARKING IN RIGER - ZONA CAR PARKING
Finishing the series of stories about Riga, I would like to show you some details from the city highways. There are quite law-abiding citizens in Latvia (or are the fines large?). There is no other way to explain such a total observance of the rules. For example, see 
Although sometimes you come across such cool ones on Lexus 
Riga is full of parking payment terminals. Signs announcing this are also located everywhere. Everything is very accessible, simple and straightforward. The Moscow administration does not need to reinvent the wheel. Let them just go to Riga and be done 
Everything is very simple and clear
All parking lots in Riga are divided into zones. Depending on this, the price is also built. You can also pay by phone 
The parking machine is the most ordinary one. 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 organized near business centers and small office buildings. The cost from 8:00 to 21:00 is about 230-240 rubles. Hourly parking is not profitable here (80 rubles per hour). Payment is also made at the machines. No dirty men in bibs and galoshes 
There are simpler and cheaper parking lots. This one is for local residents in a residential area. Cost per day - about 150 rubles 
Of course, Riga is a relatively small city, but they have not yet switched to bicycles. There are a lot of cars and they need to be put somewhere. During my visits to the capital of Latvia, I have never seen not so much traffic jams, even a small congestion. And all why? Because where there are two lanes for traffic, cars will go in two lanes. And how are we? On one lane there are parked cars, on the other - slow traffic with all the consequences. Drivers in Russian cities can also be understood - little is being done for them. But the administration must also somehow turn on. After all, they got out of the situation in some large cities of Europe by restricting entry to the central regions ... After all, you just need to turn on the brain
Other photo stories about Riga and Latvia:
Individual owners of cars with foreign registration numbers have been fined in Riga for violating parking rules dozens and hundreds of times, most of them do not even think to pay the issued fines, writes portal Delfi, citing representatives of the municipal police.
In total, last year, 3624 protocols were issued by the Riga police for violations of parking rules for cars with non-Latvian numbers, which is 7.5% of their total number. However, in reality, there are far fewer violators than protocols.
According to municipal police officers, they already know many offenders by sight and, although there are no exact statistics, it feels like there are cars in Riga with foreign license plates, whose owners were fined 100-250 times. At the same time, the Riga municipal police note that, unlike the police of other countries, they never ignore cars with foreign plates and in any case write out a fine.
The fine for violation of parking rules in Riga is 30-40 euros (55 - for parking on site for disabled people, without having the right to do so). According to Delfi's calculations, this means that all "foreigners" last year had to pay the city from 108 to 150 thousand euros. However, the Riga municipal police do not know whether they paid. And they can only rely on the conscience of car owners, because so far there is no mechanism that would force the owners of cars with foreign registration numbers to pay fines for incorrect parking.
The State Police confirmed this to Delfi, but at the same time noted that a mechanism is currently being developed that would allow such fines to be "delivered" at the place of registration to everyone, even the owners of "foreign cars". For several years, a similar problem was with speeding tickets, which were recorded by radars. It was resolved long ago and today the fine is found by a European owner in any case, regardless of the country of registration of his car numbers.
So far, the only effective mechanism for "working" with violators on foreign license plates is to evacuate the vehicle. It is possible in three cases:
- If the intruder stands where it is impossible and interferes with the movement, he can be evacuated immediately;
- If a parking ticket is issued and eight hours later the car is still standing, it can also be evacuated;
- If the offender has already been caught in a parking lot at places for disabled people and has been caught again within a year, he can be immediately evacuated.
When evacuating, the car is taken to a parking lot, from where it can be picked up only by paying all associated fines and expenses - regardless of which country registration numbers are installed on it.
