Most countries in Europe charge toll fees. This is known as toll obligation. But what does that mean? Tolls are charged for the use of certain roads, tunnels, and bridges. The funds generated from tolls are invested into the road network, enabling you to enjoy a smooth and safe journey. The main areas of investment include infrastructure, traffic management and safety, and environmental protection measures.
Tolls can be collected in different ways. These include the vignette obligation, the distance-based toll, and special toll routes.
With the vignette obligation, tolls are charged not per kilometer but as a flat-rate fee that varies based on the duration of your trip. You purchase a digital vignette before your journey and choose from various validity periods. The price of a vignette can vary depending on the vehicle class. In the Czech Republic, vehicle classes are differentiated by fuel type.
Purchasing a vignette is a one-time transaction that allows you to drive on all toll-required roads (except for special toll routes). The vignette obligation in the Czech Republic applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW. However, there are exceptions. Motorcycles do not require a vignette in the Czech Republic, meaning you do not need a vignette to use the road network with a motorcycle. Detailed information about the different vehicle classes and whether a vignette is required can be found in our guide.
The distance-based toll applies in the Czech Republic to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (trucks, buses, motorhomes). Unlike the vignette, the distance-based toll is not a flat-rate fee, but varies based on road category, route length (number of kilometers), vehicle category (weight and axle count), CO₂ emissions class, and time of day (with higher prices from 10 PM to 5 AM in some cases). Therefore, toll amounts can vary significantly. The toll is collected using a transponder (transmitting device).
Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay tolls in the Czech Republic on highways, expressways, and marked first-class roads. These are identified by an “M” on a yellow background. A satellite-based transmitting device (On-Board Unit OBU 5051) is used for toll collection. For vehicles subject to the distance-based toll (those over 3.5 t GVW), the vignette obligation (for vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW) does not apply. More information about vehicle classes subject to the distance-based toll can be found in our guide.
Please note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and a deposit paid before using a toll road. Your transponder must also be correctly installed in your vehicle. If you do not yet have a transponder, 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. These electronic toll boxes (like the MYTO CZ OBU) are especially convenient for frequent travelers and foreign vehicles that regularly drive through the Czech Republic, allowing for simple and automatic toll processing.
Previously toll-exempt electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 t have been subject to tolls since March 2024. You can pay the toll either in advance (pre-pay) or afterward (post-pay).
There are no special toll routes in the Czech Republic. However, if your trip through the Czech Republic includes a detour into other countries like Austria, you might encounter special toll routes there. More information about special toll routes in Austria (also called route tolls) can be found in our guide.
We wish you an enjoyable trip through the Czech Republic and are happy to assist with any questions regarding toll regulations. Feel free to contact us via email.
