Tips for driving in Lithuania
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Updated:
19 April 2024
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Advice, Checklist & Legal Requirements
If you are looking to drive in Lithuania then you you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.
What do I need to drive in Lithuania?
Driver's checklist:
- · Valid driving licence
- · Proof of identification (passport)
- · Insurance documents (third part or above)
- · Proof of ownership (registration certificate)
If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission from the registered owner.
Driver safety
In 2012 there were 301 road deaths in Lithuania. This equates to 10.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2012.
Legal Requirements
Seat belts are required for all passengers, whether in the front or back seat of the vehicle. No children under the age of twelve are allowed to travel in the front seat without the appropiate restraint.
Kit You Need to Carry On Board
It is compulsory in Lithuania to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle with more than 2 wheels:
- · A Warning triangle
- · Fire extinguisher
- · First aid kit
- · Headlamp converters
Speed Limits
Standard speed limits (km/h) unless otherwise stated by traffic signs:
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (56 -43 mph). Asphalt and concrete 90 km/h, other roads and amateur drivers (2 years) 70 km/h.
(80 mph). Highways: Cars from 1 April to 31 October.
(68 mph). Highways: Cars from 1 November to 31 March and Vans. Motorways: Cars from 1 April to 31 October.
(62 mph). Motorways: Cars from 1 November to 31 March and Vans.
(56 mph). Amateur drivers (2 years).
Towing
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (56 -43 mph). Asphalt and concrete 90 km/h, other roads and amateur drivers (2 years) 70 km/h.
Motorways / expressways (56 mph).
In-car radar detectors are illegal whether they are in use or not and on-the-spot fines are issued for the infringement of traffic regulations.
Drinking and Driving
Lithuania has stricter drink driving laws than many other countries. The legal limit is 0.40 milligrams of alcohol per millimitre of blood, being 0.8 in the UK. We recommend not to drink if you are going to drive.
Mobile Phones
Using a mobile phone while driving is not allowed but the use of 'hands free' equipment is allowed.
Headlights
The use of dipped headlights is compulsory at all times.
Driving in Winter
Winter tyres are mandatory from December to March.
General Driving Advice
So to recap here is our checklist for driving in Lithuania:
- Ensure you have proper documentation: valid driving licence, ID, driving insurance covering driving in Lithuania, proof of ownership (registration certification).
- Take plenty of breaks when driving long distances.
- Ensure rear passengers are wearing seat belts and remember children 12 and under are not allowed to travel in the front seat without the appropiate restraint.
- Ensure your car is equipped with the following safety equipment: A Warning triangle, Fire extinguisher, First aid kit, Headlamp converters and winter tires. Especially if travelling to snowier parts of Lithuania.
- Check fuel compatibility as some fuels may not be compatible with your vehicle.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Observe local speed limits – as a general rule the limit on motorways is only 110 km/h (68 mph). In car radar detectors are illegal.
- Dipped headlights are compulsory even in daytime conditions.
Driving through Lithuania to another destination? You might like to read our guides to:
Need breakdown cover for Lithuania? Eurobreakdown.com can provide you with comprehensive single trip breakdown cover or annual multi trip breakdown policies with a best price guarantee.
Reference: The statistics mentioned on this page were sourced from the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain:2012 Annual Report and, to the best of Eurobreakdown.com’s knowledge, are correct at the time of publication (June 2014).
For general European driving tips click here