Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija

CSDD, officially known as Ceļu satiksmes drošības direkcija, is Latvia's road traffic safety authority operating under the supervision of the Ministry of Transport. Its primary mandate encompasses the registration of motor vehicles, the issuance and renewal of driving licences, and the administration of technical inspections for vehicles in circulation. The agency also maintains the national vehicle register, which records ownership details, technical specifications, and insurance status for every registered vehicle in the country. In addition to these administrative functions, CSDD is responsible for implementing national road safety policies and coordinating campaigns aimed at reducing traffic accidents and fatalities. It provides electronic services through an online portal that allows citizens and businesses to perform registrations, licence exchanges, and inspection bookings remotely. The organisation oversees the theoretical and practical examinations for prospective drivers, ensuring that testing standards comply with national regulations and EU directives. CSDD also manages the demerit point system that tracks traffic violations and can lead to licence suspension or retraining requirements. Furthermore, it supervises driving schools and instructors, granting licences to training entities and monitoring the quality of instruction provided. The agency handles the issuance of standard and personalised licence plates, as well as the processing of vehicle deregistration and export documentation. It also deals with the registration of imported vehicles, verifying conformity with safety and environmental standards before they can be used on Latvian roads.

As a state institution, CSDD exercises regulatory authority over all road users and vehicle operators within Latvia’s territory, ensuring compliance with both domestic legislation and European Union directives on road safety and vehicle standards. The agency’s reach extends to every municipality, supported by a network of regional offices that facilitate local access to its services and inspection stations. Its specialised expertise lies in the integration of data systems that link vehicle registration, licence records, and inspection results to support enforcement and policy‑making functions. CSDD’s structural status is that of a direct subordinate of the Ministry of Transport, with no private ownership or parent‑company relationships, reflecting its role as a public service entity. The organisation regularly participates in international road safety forums and contributes to the development of cross‑border initiatives such as the European Union’s Cross‑Border Enforcement Directive. It also collaborates with the Latvian State Police and other law‑enforcement bodies to share data on traffic offences and to support targeted safety operations. In addition, CSDD is responsible for the periodic review and updating of vehicle technical inspection procedures to incorporate advances in automotive technology and emissions testing. The agency publishes annual statistics on road traffic incidents, which are used by policymakers to assess the effectiveness of safety measures and to allocate resources accordingly. Through these responsibilities, the agency contributes to the overall safety and efficiency of Latvia’s transportation infrastructure.