Czech Republic Traffic Guide
Exploring the Czech Republic by Car
In addition to well-known cities such as Prague, the Czech Republic has many picturesque villages, castles, nature parks and remote places to offer. You can reach and discover them more easily by car. The Czech Republic is also easy to reach by car thanks to its central location in Europe. All this makes the country a popular destination for a road trip.
In this guide, you will learn about important traffic rules in the Czech Republic. You will also find out more about the road conditions and the country's refuelling and charging infrastructure.
Czech Republic Traffic Regulations at a Glance
- Driving in the Czech Republic is permitted from the age of 18.
- In road traffic in the Czech Republic, you drive on the right.
- Within built-up areas, the speed limit is 50 km/h. Outside these areas, a maximum of 90 km/h is permitted. A maximum of 90 km/h is permitted outside built-up areas. A speed limit of 110 km/h applies on dual carriageways, while maximum speeds of up to 130 km/h are permitted on motorways.
- In the Czech Republic, seatbelts must be worn by all passengers in the vehicle.
- Drivers are not permitted to operate their mobile phones or hold them in their hands. Phone calls are only permitted via a hands-free device.
- You must also drive with your lights on during the day on Czech roads.
- Radar detectors are prohibited in the Czech Republic. However, navigation systems with POI function may be used.
- The mandatory equipment in the vehicle in the Czech Republic is very extensive. This includes a warning triangle, a first-aid kit, high-visibility waistcoats for all occupants, a spare set of bulbs, a spare tyre or tyre repair kit, a jack, a wheel nut spanner and spare fuses.
- There is a strict alcohol ban for drivers in the Czech Republic (0.0 per mille). In addition, a breathalyser test is standard procedure during a traffic stop.
- Only people aged 15 and over or 1.50 metres tall are allowed to ride in the passenger seat.
- Trams generally have right of way in the Czech Republic.
- Solid yellow lines on the edge of the carriageway indicate that stopping is prohibited. Dashed yellow lines and blue lane markings on the carriageway indicate no parking.
Driving in the Czech Republic
Roads in the Czech Republic
Road conditions in the Czech Republic are mixed. The country is characterised by an extensive road network, which makes all towns and villages accessible by car over a distance of more than 130,000 kilometres.
The Czech Republic's major cities are connected by motorways, most of which are in mint condition.
Rural routes, on the other hand, are characterised by their picturesque views. Depending on the region, the condition of the roads leaves a lot to be desired. Deep potholes and other road damage are not uncommon, especially on rural roads.
So if you are travelling by car in the Czech Republic, you should be prepared for everything: from perfectly passable motorways to badly damaged roads on which you can only make slow progress.
Petrol Stations and Charging Points
Petrol and diesel: Fuels such as petrol and diesel are available throughout the country and at average prices in all parts of the Czech Republic. During the week and on Saturdays, most petrol stations are open until 8 pm.
In large cities and on motorways and other major connecting roads, petrol stations are often open around the clock. In other regions, too, more and more petrol stations are being built where you can refuel around the clock on a self-service basis.
Electric cars: There are already numerous charging points for electric cars on major roads, especially in the capital city of Prague. In other parts of the country, it is currently still difficult to charge electric cars. A trip to the Czech Republic in an electric car should therefore be well prepared.
Hydrogen cars: There are currently only one or two hydrogen refuelling stations in the Czech Republic. However, further refuelling stations for hydrogen cars are already under construction or at least being planned. In the future, it should therefore also be possible to travel to the Czech Republic in a hydrogen car.
Rental Car or Own Car?
The Czech Republic is a member of the European Union. Vehicles from EU countries can therefore generally enter the country without any problems. To enter the country, you will need a valid Euro licence plate and your usual vehicle documents. Although the International Insurance Card is not required for entry, you should carry it with you to make it easier to clarify insurance matters in the event of a claim.
Please note, however, that vehicles with significant damage to the bodywork may only leave the country with a police damage certificate. If there is damage, you should therefore have a damage certificate issued when you enter the country. If you are involved in an accident with material damage in the Czech Republic, you should inform the police and also request a damage report.
If you prefer to use a hire car instead of your own car, you must be at least 21 years old and have held your driving licence for at least two years. If you are over 60 years old, you will also need a medical certificate to be allowed to drive a hire car.
Fines
Police officers in the Czech Republic are authorised to demand fines directly on the spot or to collect security deposits. Anyone who does not comply with these requests can be prevented from continuing their journey, for example by confiscation of the registration certificate or a parking ticket.
Extract from the catalogue of fines:
- Exceeding the speed limit (20 km/h): from 40 euros (approx. £34)
- Exceeding the speed limit (from 50 km/h): from 50 euros (approx. £175)
- Violation of the seatbelt requirement: from 65 euros (approx. £56)
- Mobile phone at the wheel: from 40 euros (approx. £35)
- Drink driving: from 105 euros (approx. £90)
Summary: How to Drive in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has a well-developed road network with petrol stations available throughout the country. The mixed condition of the roads makes travelling overland a challenge at times. However, driving is usually very comfortable on the motorways, which are in mint condition.
►HERE you can find more information about the toll regulations in the Czech Republic to be optimally prepared for your journey.