Advice for driving in the Czech Republic
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Updated:
19 April 2024
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Tips, Checklist & Legal Requirements
If you are planning to drive to the Czech Republic, you may like to consult a local motoring hotline, available in Czech and English on (tel: 00 420 1230).
Since July 2006 new rules have been in force concerning driving in the Czech Republic. You should familiarise yourself with local motoring regulations and the penalty point system in advance of driving in the Czech Republic. Also both national and municipal police have the power to prevent drivers from continuing their journeys and to confiscate their licenses on the spot if they have good reasons.
What do I need to drive in the Czech Republic?
You should check arrangements for driving on motorways in the Czech Republic. A user tax vignette must normally be purchased for motorway driving. These can be purchased from most Post Offices, petrol stations and from some bureaux de change and other outlets at the border. Failure to display a valid vignette can result in a fine.
Driver's checklist:
- · Valid driving licence
- · Proof of identification (passport)
- · Insurance documents (third part or above)
- · Proof of ownership (registration certificate)
- · International Driving Permit
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 738 road deaths in the Czech Republic. This equates to 7.0 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
Safety belts are mandatory for drivers and all passengers. Children less than 150cm in height or 36kg in weight must use child restraints.
Essential Equipment
It is a requirement under Czech law that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry the following items:
- · A Warning triangle
- · Fluorescent Green High Visibility Safety Jacket
- · First Aid Kit
- · Spare pair of prescription glasses (if necessary) - kept in the glove compartment
- · Complete set of spare bulbs
Speed Limits
Standard speed limits (km/h) unless otherwise stated by traffic signs:
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (56 mph).
Motorways / expressways (80 mph).
Towing
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (50 mph).
Motorways / expressways (50 mph).
In-car radar detectors are illegal whether they are in use or not. On-the-spot fines are severe.
Alcohol & Drugs Consumption
Drivers should be aware that there is a zero-tolerance policy in the Czech Republic for drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Motorcycles
The wearing of crash helmets is also compulsory for both driver and passenger of any two-wheel motorised vehicle.
Headlights
You must have your headlights on dipped beam when driving anywhere in the Czech Republic, at any time.
General Driving Advice
So to recap here is our checklist for driving in the Czech Republic:
- Ensure you have proper documentation: valid driving licence, ID, driving insurance covering driving in the Czech Republic, proof of ownership (registration certification) and International Driving Permit.
- Take plenty of breaks when driving long distances.
- Ensure rear passengers are wearing seat belts.
- Ensure your car is equipped with the following safety equipment: A Warning triangle, reflective jacket, first aid kit, spare pair of prescription glasses and complete set of spare bulbs.
- 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 built up areas have limits of 50km/h (31 mph), outside built up areas are 90km/h (56mph). In car radar detectors are illegal.
Driving to the Czech Republic through another destination? You might like to read our guides to:
Need breakdown cover for the Czech Republic? 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