Before you embark on your journey, it's important to gather information on what you need to be aware of in your destination country. Therefore, we are happy to provide you with an overview of the key topics for your trip.
The border crossing represents cross-border cooperation with Poland and the Czech Republic. This collaboration also influences the Free State of Saxony. Through cross-border cooperation, measures with cross-border impacts are coordinated and implemented in a partnership. Therefore, the expansion of transportation connections contributes to the development of the Saxony-Bohemia-Lower Silesia economic and cultural region.
Especially in recent years, the road network in the Czech Republic has significantly improved! The Czech Republic has invested heavily in the expansion of its highway network, making it one of the best in Europe! With the highway network, major cities from the west (Prague, Brno, and Pilsen) are connected to the northeast (Ostrava). On some highways, you can already get a first glimpse of the picturesque valleys of the Giant Mountains in the north and the vast plains in the south. The roads in the Czech Republic are generally in excellent condition, well-lit, and well-signposted. This makes navigation easier and gives you a good driving experience.
The old, underdeveloped state of roads in Poland is long behind us. Especially in recent years, Poland has made significant improvements to its road network. Thanks to a number of modern highways and expressways, traveling within the country has become a seamless experience. With its extensive road network (4,890 kilometers), Poland ranks among the TOP 5 European countries with the longest highway and expressway networks. Additionally, another 3,300 kilometers are planned, so the expansion is far from finished. You can therefore travel to and within Poland with peace of mind and safety! The speed limit for vehicles under 3.5 tons total weight is 140 km/h on Polish highways.
Whether you need a vignette in your destination country depends on the country itself. Below are the key details!
A vignette is required on Czech highways. This applies to all vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons gross vehicle weight (GVW). For vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons GVW, the vignette requirement is waived. Instead, a (electronic) route-dependent toll applies.
Attention: Vignette Requirement for vehicles under 3.5 tons GVW!
If you're traveling by car, we recommend getting a vignette! You can easily purchase your digital vignette for your unforgettable trip to the Czech Republic. Motorcycles and trikes (three-wheeled motorcycles) are exempt from the vignette requirement.
In Poland, there is no vignette requirement in addition to the route-dependent toll system. If you're unsure about the difference between a toll and a vignette, you can find more information here.
The toll system in the Czech Republic varies depending on whether you drive a vehicle weighing under or over 3.5 tons GVW.
There is no toll requirement for vehicles weighing less than 3.5 tons GVW. However, they do require a vignette.
If you are traveling with a vehicle over 3.5 tons GVW, please note that a toll will be charged on highways, expressways, and marked sections of roads. This toll is indicated by a sign with a yellow background and the letter “M.” The satellite-based device (On-board unit OBU 5051) ensures toll collection.
Note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and a deposit of 2468 CZK must be made before using a toll road. Additionally, your device must be properly installed in your vehicle. If you do not yet have a device, you can purchase one at a Mytocz sales point. There, you can buy the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech on-board unit for automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. This provides a convenient and simple option for frequent travelers and foreign vehicles that often cross the Czech Republic.
The toll amount varies depending on the road category, the length of the route (number of kilometers), vehicle category (weight class, axle count, and emissions class), CO2 emission class, and time of day (higher prices from 10 PM to 5 AM). From March 2024, electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 tons will be subject to the toll. You can pay the toll in advance or after use (pre-pay vs. post-pay).
The toll system in Poland is based on route-dependent tolls, which differ by vehicle and type of financed highway sections.
Currently, only two highway sections in Poland are toll-based for cars and motorcycles. These are the A2 and A4 highways, which are considered concession highways, meaning they are privately financed. Toll sections on the A2 and A4 are:
The toll is a distance-based toll, calculated by the distance traveled. It's important to note that there is no nationwide uniform per-kilometer price, meaning the prices vary across different highway sections. At concession highways, you can pay either with cash or a card.
For all vehicles over 3.5 tons, tolls apply on both private (concession) and publicly funded highways, as well as expressways and federal roads.
The toll is a distance-based toll, calculated by the distance traveled. Like for lighter vehicles, there is no nationwide uniform price per kilometer, meaning prices vary across different highway sections. While you can pay by cash or card on concession highways, for publicly funded sections, vehicles over 3.5 tons must pay electronically via the e-TOLL system. To use the e-TOLL system, your vehicle must be registered (online or on-site). This allows payment via the e-TOLL PL app, on-board unit (OBU), or external GPS device installed in the vehicle. Important: The viaBOX and viaTOLL devices can no longer be used! For more information, see here.
The toll amount varies depending on the road category, the gross vehicle weight (GVW) of the vehicle or vehicle combination, and the Euro emissions class.
We wish you a pleasant journey and are happy to offer you our digital vignette. Order your vignette easily and conveniently from home. Enjoy the immediate validity of your vignette with no waiting period! If you'd like to prepare even better for your destination, feel free to check out our guide! Discover tips on delicious Czech culinary specialties or also popular cities.
