LTO Motorcycle A/A1 cheat sheet

Priority order in Latvia: traffic controller signals override traffic lights, traffic lights override road signs, and road signs override general rules and road markings.

A circular sign with a red border is prohibitory (e.g. 50 km/h speed limit); a red-bordered triangle is a warning sign; a blue circle is mandatory; a blue square or rectangle is informational.

A flashing yellow light at an intersection means the light is out of service: follow the priority signs and the right-hand rule instead of the light.

A steady yellow light means stop unless stopping would be dangerously abrupt; the red-and-yellow pair before green means get ready but do not move.

A red border octagon (STOP) requires a full stop at the stop line even when the road is clearly empty; a give-way (inverted triangle) sign requires yielding only if traffic is coming.

A traffic controller facing you with the arm raised vertically or with a red signal means stop; if the arm points at your direction of travel, you may proceed.

Direction indicators must be given before any change of direction or lane and must continue until the manoeuvre is complete; they do not grant priority.

A horn may be used only to warn of danger; it is prohibited in built-up areas except to avert an accident, and at night outside built-up areas flashing headlights replaces it.

Braking distance grows with the square of speed: doubling speed from 50 to 100 km/h multiplies braking distance by about four, while reaction distance only doubles.

Total stopping distance = reaction distance (speed x reaction time) + braking distance; at 50 km/h with a 1-second reaction the bike travels about 14 m before the brakes bite.

The front brake provides roughly 70-80% of stopping power on a dry surface; squeeze progressively to let weight transfer load the front tyre before full pressure.

On a wet or gravel surface, brake earlier and more with the rear, keep the bike upright, and avoid sudden front-brake grabs that can lock the wheel.

Countersteering: to turn right at speed, push the right handlebar forward; the bike leans right and turns right.

Ride in a staggered formation in a group, keep a two-second gap to the bike ahead (four seconds in rain or at night), and never ride side by side in a curve.

A motorcycle is hard to see: position yourself where you appear in other drivers' mirrors, avoid blind spots, and cover the brake when approaching junctions.

In a curve, slow down before entry, look through the bend to the exit, and use gentle constant throttle; braking hard mid-corner stands the bike up and widens the line.

Riding gear is the rider's only crash protection: a certified helmet fastened under the chin, abrasion-resistant jacket and trousers, gloves, and boots covering the ankles.

Chain slack is measured at the midpoint of the lower run: typically 20-30 mm depending on the model; too tight damages the output shaft bearing, too loose risks the chain jumping the sprocket.

Tyre pressure is checked cold (before riding); under-inflation heats the tyre, reduces grip and increases the risk of a blowout, and pressures rise about 10% when warm.

The legal minimum tread depth for motorcycle tyres is 1 mm across the central three-quarters of the tread; replace tyres showing cracks, bulges, or exposed cord.

Engine oil is checked with the bike upright on level ground, either on the centre stand or held vertical, with the dipstick wiped and screwed back in per the manual.

A cold battery loses cranking power; a battery resting below about 12.4 V is partly discharged and needs charging, and terminals must be clean and tight.

Brake fluid is hygroscopic: it absorbs water over time, lowering its boiling point; replace it per the manufacturer interval (commonly every two years).

The kill switch, side-stand cut-out, and clutch switch are safety interlocks: a bike that will not start in gear often has a side stand down or a switch fault.

Lights, horn, indicators, and brake light are checked before every ride; a failed brake light removes a key signal to following traffic.

The AM category covers mopeds up to 45 km/h and 50 cc; A1 covers light motorcycles up to 125 cc and 11 kW; A2 covers up to 35 kW; A is unrestricted.

Minimum ages in Latvia: AM from 14, A1 from 16, A2 from 18, and A from 24 unless the rider has held A2 for at least two years (then 20).

Riding a motorcycle requires a valid category licence, registration, compulsory third-party liability insurance (OCTA), and a roadworthiness certificate where applicable.

The default speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them, and 110 km/h on motorways during the summer season; a lower sign always prevails.

The blood alcohol limit for drivers and riders is 0.5 g/L (0.2 g/L for novice drivers in their first two years and for professional drivers); any alcohol is a risk.

A helmet is compulsory for the rider and any passenger; carrying a passenger requires a proper pillion seat, footrests, and a licence that permits it.

Documents to carry: driving licence, vehicle registration certificate, and proof of OCTA insurance; police may also require an identity document.

Penalty points accumulate on the driving licence; serious offences (drink-riding, large speeding margins) can lead to disqualification and loss of the category.

A solid white centre line must not be crossed; a broken line may be crossed to overtake or change lanes when it is safe and no sign forbids it.

A double solid line (or a solid line on your side of a broken one) forbids crossing from your direction; the broken side may cross.

A zebra crossing gives pedestrians absolute priority once they have stepped onto it; approach at a speed that lets you stop.

At an unmarked equal-priority junction, yield to traffic approaching from the right (the right-hand rule); a give-way or STOP sign removes that obligation.

When turning left across oncoming traffic, yield to vehicles coming straight ahead or turning right; when turning right, yield to pedestrians and cyclists crossing the road you enter.

Entering a roundabout marked with give-way lines, yield to traffic already circulating; the roundabout is treated as a series of T-junctions and signals are used on exit.

A bus pulling out of a marked stop in a built-up area has priority if it signals its intention to rejoin the flow; give way when it is safe to do so.

Emergency vehicles with blue flashing lights and sirens have priority; pull over to the right and stop if necessary to clear the way.

Lane discipline: keep right except when overtaking, do not straddle lanes, and use the left lane only for overtaking or turning.

At an accident: stop, switch on hazard lights, put on a high-visibility vest, place a warning triangle about 50 m behind the scene (further on fast roads), and call 112.

Do not move an injured motorcyclist unless there is immediate danger (fire, traffic); suspected spinal injury makes unnecessary movement dangerous.

The emergency call should state location, number of casualties, type of injuries, and hazards; stay on the line and follow the operator's instructions.

Severe bleeding: apply direct pressure with a clean cloth or dressing and keep pressing; a tourniquet is a last resort for limb bleeding that pressure cannot control.

An unresponsive casualty who is breathing should be placed in the recovery position; check breathing for up to 10 seconds before starting CPR.

CPR for an adult: 30 chest compressions (about 5-6 cm deep, 100-120 per minute) followed by 2 rescue breaths; use an AED as soon as one is available.

Do not remove a crashed rider's helmet unless the airway is blocked and you cannot clear it otherwise; if you must, support the head and neck throughout.

If your bike breaks down on a motorway, get off the carriageway, exit on the passenger side if possible, stand behind the barrier, and call for assistance.

After any collision, exchange details (name, address, insurer, registration) and, if injuries are involved, wait for the police; do not leave the scene.

Smooth riding saves fuel: hard acceleration and late braking can raise consumption by 20-30% compared with steady riding in the same conditions.

Correct tyre pressure and a well-maintained chain and air filter reduce rolling and engine losses, lowering fuel use and emissions.

An engine left idling wastes fuel and emits pollutants; switch off when stationary for more than about a minute where it is safe to do so.

Avoid unnecessary engine revving and modified exhausts: noise is a recognised pollutant and excessive noise can lead to fines.

Ride with a plan: combining errands, using public transport for short trips, and choosing routes with fewer stops reduces total emissions.

Do not dump oil, brake fluid, coolant, or batteries with household waste; take them to a collection point or authorised workshop.

Respect protected areas and tracks: riding off-road where it is prohibited damages soil and vegetation and is an offence.

Eco-riding also means courtesy: keep noise and speed low near homes, hospitals, and wildlife, and do not leave litter on the roadside.