Car hire Lithuania - Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

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Traffic Safety and Road Conditions

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Lithuania is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation: Good
Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance: Good
Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance: Fair
Availability of Roadside Assistance: Good (on major highways)

Roads in Lithuania range from well-maintained two to four-lane highways connecting major cities, to small dirt roads traversing the countryside. Violation of traffic rules is common. It is not unusual to be overtaken by other automobiles, traveling at high speeds, even in crowded urban areas. Driving at night, especially in the countryside, can be particularly hazardous. In the summer, older “seasonal” vehicles and inexperienced drivers are extra hazards. During the winter, most major roads are cleared of snow. Driving with caution is urged at all times. Driving while intoxicated is a very serious offense and carries heavy penalties. The speed limit is 50 km/hr in town and 90 km/hr out of town unless otherwise indicated. The phone number for roadside assistance is 8-800-0000 from a regular phone and 188 from a GSM mobile phone.

Seatbelts are mandatory for the driver and all passengers except children under the age of 12. Winter or all season tires are required from November 10th through April 1st. However, studded tires are not allowed from April 10th through October 31st. Headlights must be turned on at all times from September 1st through April 1st. The Police allow Americans to drive in Lithuania with an American driver's license for up to 6 months.

Public transportation may be slow but is generally safe.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road-safety.html. For specific information concerning Lithuanian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance, contact the Lithuanian State Department of Tourism at Vilnius gatve 4/35, 2600 Vilnius, telephone: (370)(5) 262-2610, e-mail: info@tourism.lt, website: http://www.tourism.lt. See also road safety information from the Lithuanian Road Administration at http://www.lra.lt/index-en.html.