Traffic rules Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, the heart of Europe, is known not only for its rich history, picturesque landscapes and the famous city of Prague, but also as a popular destination for motorists.

Whether you want to walk in the historical footsteps of the old towns, drive through the picturesque wine regions in the south, or experience the rugged beauty of the Ore Mountains: in order to travel through the country safely and without legal problems, it is important to know and understand the traffic regulations that apply there.

This comprehensive guide provides you with in-depth information on all the relevant differences from the traffic regulations in Germany.

The Most Important Facts

• The blood alcohol limit is 0.0 - unlike in Germany, where it is 0.5.

• The speed limit on some well-developed motorway sections was raised to 150 km/h at the beginning of 2024.

• In 2024, fines were increased by up to five times.

What You Need to Bring

So that you don't run into trouble because you're missing documents or don't know the requirements for what you must carry with you, we've summarized the most important things for you here. First, it's good to know that a German driving licence is sufficient. Of course, you must have this with you, as well as the vehicle registration certificate Part I (or the vehicle registration document).

As proof of valid motor vehicle liability insurance, the German licence plate is sufficient, but we recommend bringing the IVK (International Insurance Card). This shows that your car has motor vehicle liability insurance. You can request the card free of charge from your car insurance provider. In addition, you should check with your car insurer before starting your journey to make sure you have sufficient insurance cover.

In addition, the national identification symbol must either be affixed to the car or included in the Euro licence plate.

Toll

The collection of toll fees in the Czech Republic, as in many other countries, serves to finance infrastructure measures. The fees collected are used to finance both the maintenance as well as the expansion and modernisation of the road network. This helps to ensure the quality and safety of the transport network in the long term and at the same time supports economic and regional development. In some cases, the fee is also used to control traffic, for example through higher fees during peak times to avoid traffic jams. Toll regulations, systems and rates can vary depending on the country, region and road type, and different provisions often apply for different vehicle classes and weights.

In the Czech Republic, a digital vignette has been required for motorways and expressways since 2021. The sticker vignette, which became known under the name "Klebe Pickerl", therefore no longer needs to be stuck onto the car and was abolished as part of this reform. In order to avoid long queues at the vending machines at the border, travellers are generally advised to purchase the toll vignette before entering the country. To make the process as easy as possible for you, you can register a digital vignette directly on this page. Once purchased, it is immediately valid throughout the entire Czech Republic.

The toll obligation in the Czech Republic applies to all motor vehicles travelling on motorways and expressways. The obligation to pay tolls applies to both domestic and foreign vehicles, provided they have at least 4 wheels, as long as the permissible maximum weight does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, and when driving on a motorway or expressway. Trailers and motorcycles are not subject to the toll obligation. Vehicles with a total weight of over 3.5 tonnes are required to carry a transmitter device, which can be purchased locally. In this case, the toll amount is calculated based on the kilometres driven and the vehicle category.

However, there are also some exceptions: you can drive on almost the entire D0 motorway, as well as parts of the D1 and D5, without paying a toll. Country roads in the Czech Republic are also exempt from the requirement to purchase a vignette. You can drive your vehicle here without any concerns. You can recognise the motorway sections that you may drive on free of charge by the motorway sign with a crossed-out vignette.

There is an exemption for vehicles that run on electricity or hydrogen. Plug-in hybrids also do not need to purchase vignettes. However, this requires you to state this fact on a specially set up page. In this case, a corresponding note is entered in the database, and you can use the motorways and expressways as normal.

General Traffic Regulations in the Czech Republic

Basically, there are many rules that also apply in Germany. Nevertheless, there are also some differences and new rules. So that you can get an overview of the general traffic regulations in advance, here is a summary of the most important basic rules.

Speed Limits

• Within built-up areas: 50 km/h

• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

• Motorways: 130 km/h

In 2024, the permitted maximum speed on particularly well-developed motorways was raised to 150 km/h. However, these stretches are still an exception, and you should pay attention to the signage.

You should also observe the other speed limits, as, for example, within towns - especially in tourist areas such as Prague - there are narrow streets and a large number of pedestrians may be present. On country roads outside built-up areas, there are some poorly developed roads and many bends that you cannot see well.

Right of Way

Trams have the right of way.

Blood Alcohol Limit

The zero-tolerance limit for alcohol while driving applies. This regulation is one of the strictest in Europe and is intended to ensure that drivers are able to control their vehicle safely at all times.

In the Czech Republic, there is no tolerance for alcohol in the blood while driving a vehicle, and even the slightest violation can have serious legal consequences. The penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are high and include not only fines, but also immediate revocation of the driving licence and, in severe cases, even imprisonment. This strict regulation reflects the Czech Republic's efforts to minimise the number of alcohol-related accidents and make the roads safer.

Lights-On Requirement

The year-round requirement to use lights applies. This regulation requires you to switch on your dipped headlights even during the day, regardless of whether you are driving within or outside built-up areas. This regulation was introduced to improve the visibility of vehicles, especially in the changeable weather conditions that are common in the Czech Republic. Czech roads are often surrounded by forests or hilly landscapes, where light conditions can change quickly.

Use of Mobile Phones

Making phone calls is only permitted if a hands-free device is used. This regulation is intended to prevent the driver from being distracted by holding a phone to their ear or typing on the screen.

Conduct in the Event of an Accident

In the event of an accident, strict regulations regarding accident reporting apply in the Czech Republic. If you are involved in an accident, you must immediately secure the accident scene, notify the police and, if necessary, administer first aid if you know the basics of first aid. This applies especially to accidents involving personal injury or significant property damage. The police will document the accident and prepare a report, which is necessary for further processing by the insurance company.

Radar Detectors

The use of ready-to-use speed camera or radar detectors is prohibited in the Czech Republic, just as it is in Germany.

Tyres

The winter tyre requirement is another important regulation that applies in the Czech Republic from November to March. This requirement takes effect as soon as winter conditions prevail, i.e. when there is snow, ice or slush on the road. The winter tyre requirement applies not only to heavy vehicles or trucks, but to all vehicles, regardless of size and type.

Fines

Since 1 January 2024, the Road Traffic Act has been in force, under which fines have been increased by up to five times.

• 20 km/h too fast within built-up areas: up to 400 euros (previously up to 100 euros)

• 30 km/h too fast outside built-up areas: up to 400 euros (previously up to 100 euros)

• 40 km/h too fast within built-up areas: up to 1,000 euros (previously up to 200 euros)

• 50 km/h too fast outside built-up areas: up to 1,000 euros (previously up to 200 euros)

• Running a red light: up to 1,000 euros (previously up to 200 euros)

• Driving under the influence of alcohol: up to 1,000 euros (previously up to 800 euros)

• Refusal of an alcohol test: up to 3,000 euros (up to 2,000 euros)

The amounts have been converted into euros and rounded.

Other Penalties Besides Fines

• The Czech Republic has a strict points system, similar to that in Germany. If you violate traffic regulations, points are added to your account, which can lead to the revocation of your driving licence in the case of repeated violations. However, these are not transferred to your points account in Germany.

• Driving under the influence of alcohol: possible immediate confiscation of the driving licence and, in extreme cases, imprisonment

Refuelling and Charging

Most petrol stations are open Monday to Friday from 6am to 8pm and Saturday from 8am to 8pm. Outside these hours, you can refuel yourself at automated pumps without needing an open, staffed petrol station to pay. Petrol stations can be found almost everywhere. In rural areas, you may need to drive a little further to find a petrol station.

You are allowed to carry up to 10 litres in a canister.

You can charge your car without any problems in the centre of the country, as there are many charging stations around the main traffic routes and in larger cities. In rural areas, there are significantly fewer, and you should check availability beforehand. However, the road network is continuously being expanded.

Road Conditions

The road network is predominantly modern and well-developed. You can also drive on the motorways without any problems.

Nevertheless, especially in rural areas, there are some stretches whose mixed conditions can make your trip a challenge. Therefore, it is best to find out in advance which roads you will need to take if you are planning a trip to more remote locations.

Once you have read our guide, you will be well informed about all the differences and can start your journey completely relaxed.

The Czech Republic is a fascinating country with a rich history and breathtaking landscapes, which is ideal to explore by car. However, in order to make your trip safe and stress-free, it is very important to know and comply with the country's traffic regulations.

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a good journey to the Czech Republic and are happy to help with any questions about toll regulations. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and have suitable toll products displayed for you. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please contact us by email.