In Latvia, the Green and Farmers' Union (ZZS) members of the Saeima have introduced amendments to the Road Traffic Act aimed at significantly tightening regulations for drivers holding licenses from third countries. The proposed changes are intended to improve overall road safety by requiring individuals who have resided in Latvia for more than six months to obtain a Latvian driving license rather than being able to participate in traffic with a third-country license for up to a year. This initiative reflects growing concerns over road safety and the qualifications of third-country drivers.

Currently, the existing legislation allows individuals with third-country driving licenses to operate vehicles in Latvia for an extended period without taking necessary qualification tests. The new amendments would mean that simply exchanging a third-country driving license for a Latvian one will no longer be sufficient; these drivers will need to pass both theoretical and practical driving exams. This change is particularly significant given the increasing number of transport services organized through digital platforms, which have seen a rise in drivers who may not be adequately trained under Latvian driving standards.

The ZZS highlights that the current regulations have led to numerous safety issues, as individuals from third countries can participate in traffic without undergoing any qualification checks. This situation poses a serious risk, especially as the number of transport services continues to grow. The proposed amendments are part of a broader effort to tighten regulations within the transport sector to ensure that all drivers possess the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate a vehicle on Latvian roads.