Czechia, 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 drivers.
Whether you’re walking in the historical footsteps of the old towns, driving through the picturesque wine regions in the south, or experiencing the rugged beauty of the Ore Mountains: To travel safely and without legal issues through the country, it is important to know and understand the traffic rules in place there.
This comprehensive guide provides in-depth information on all the key differences from the traffic rules in Germany.
To avoid getting into trouble for missing papers or not knowing what you need to carry, we’ve summarized the most important things here. First, it’s good to know that a German driver's license is sufficient. You must, of course, carry it, as well as the registration certificate part I (vehicle registration document).
As proof of valid car liability insurance, the German license plate is sufficient, but we recommend carrying the IVK (International Insurance Card). This proves that your car is covered by liability insurance. You can obtain the card free of charge from your car insurer. Additionally, make sure to check with your insurer before you travel that you have adequate coverage.
Also, the national license plate must be displayed on the car or included in the Euro plate format.
The collection of toll fees in Czechia, as in many other countries, serves to finance infrastructure projects. The collected fees are used to maintain, expand, and modernize the road network. This helps ensure the quality and safety of the traffic system in the long term and also supports economic and regional developments. In some cases, the toll fee is also used to manage traffic, such as higher fees during peak times to avoid congestion. Toll regulations, systems, and fees can vary by country, region, and road type, and often have different rules for various vehicle classes and weights.
Since 2021, Czechia has implemented a digital vignette for highways and expressways. The sticker vignette, known as the "Klebe Pickerl," is no longer required and has been abolished with this reform. To avoid long lines at the toll stations at the border, travelers are generally advised to purchase the toll vignette before entering the country. To make this process as simple as possible for you, you can directly register for a digital vignette on this page. Once purchased, it is valid throughout Czechia immediately.
The toll obligation in Czechia applies to all motor vehicles traveling on highways and expressways. The toll obligation applies to both domestic and foreign vehicles if they have at least 4 wheels, do not exceed the allowable maximum weight of 3.5 tons, and are driving on a highway or expressway. Trailers and motorcycles are exempt from tolls. Vehicles weighing over 3.5 tons are required to carry a transponder, which can be purchased on-site. In this case, the toll is calculated based on the kilometers driven and the vehicle's category.
However, there are some exceptions: You can drive almost the entire D0 highway, as well as parts of the D1 and D5 highways, without a toll. Regional roads are exempt from purchasing the vignette. On these, you can drive freely. The sections of the highway that can be driven toll-free are marked with a highway sign featuring a crossed-out vignette.
Exemptions apply to vehicles powered by electricity or hydrogen. Plug-in hybrids are also not required to purchase vignettes. However, it is necessary to declare this on a specially designed website. In this case, a corresponding note will be made in the database, and you can use the highways and expressways normally.
Further information on tolls in Czechia and the possibility of purchasing the digital vignette can be found here.
Basically, many rules are similar to those in Germany. However, there are also some differences and new regulations. Here’s a summary of the most important basic rules for an overview of the general traffic regulations.
In 2024, the maximum allowable speed on particularly well-developed highways was increased to 150 km/h. However, these sections are still an exception, and you should pay attention to the signage.
Also, be mindful of other speed limits, as for instance, in inner-city areas, especially in tourist-heavy regions like Prague, there are narrow streets with a high number of pedestrians. On rural roads outside built-up areas, there are some poorly developed roads and many curves that you may not have a good view of.
Trams have priority.
The zero tolerance policy applies for alcohol behind the wheel. This regulation is one of the strictest in Europe and is meant to ensure that drivers are always able to safely control their vehicles.
There is no tolerance for alcohol in the blood when driving a vehicle in Czechia, and even the slightest violation can have serious legal consequences. Penalties for driving under the influence are high, including not only fines but also an immediate driving ban and, in severe cases, even imprisonment. This strict rule reflects Czechia’s effort to minimize alcohol-related accidents and make the roads safer.
There is a year-round headlight requirement. This regulation requires you to turn on your dipped headlights during the day, regardless of whether you’re driving within or outside urban areas. The rule was introduced to improve the visibility of vehicles, especially during changing weather conditions, which are common in Czechia. Czech roads are often surrounded by forests or hilly landscapes where lighting conditions can change rapidly.
Phone calls are only allowed if a hands-free device is used. This regulation aims to prevent distractions caused by holding a phone to your ear or tapping on the screen.
In the case of an accident, Czechia has strict regulations for accident reporting. If you are involved in an accident, you must immediately secure the scene, notify the police, and, if necessary, provide first aid if you are trained. This applies especially to accidents involving personal injuries or significant property damage. The police will record the accident and prepare a report, which is necessary for insurance processing.
Like in Germany, the use of operational speed camera or radar detectors is prohibited in Czechia.
The winter tyre requirement is another important regulation, which is in effect from November to March in Czechia. This obligation takes effect as soon as winter conditions exist, such as 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.
Since January 1, 2024, the traffic law has imposed fines up to five times higher than before.
The amounts have been converted to Euros and rounded.
Most gas stations in Czechia accept major international payment methods. For those with electric vehicles, the charging infrastructure is expanding rapidly. Charging stations can be found in larger cities, along highways, and in other key areas. Many of them support the use of cards or apps from various providers to pay for charging. Make sure to always check beforehand which charging options are available for your electric vehicle.
Czechia’s traffic rules are largely similar to those in Germany, with only a few differences and stricter regulations, especially when it comes to fines, alcohol limits, and tolls. To avoid unpleasant surprises, it’s important to be well-prepared and stay up-to-date with any changes in the rules. Always drive responsibly and pay attention to local road conditions.
