Driving in Czechia
Complete guide for tourists and expats. Learn the road rules, speed limits, and essential information before you drive in Czechia.
Can You Drive in Czechia?
Accepted Licenses From
Validity Period: EU/EEA: valid indefinitely. Non-EU: IDP valid for 1 year.
Important Note
EU/EEA licenses are valid. Non-EU visitors should carry an IDP along with their national license. Licenses must be in Latin script or accompanied by a certified translation or IDP.
What to Carry in Your Car
Mandatory Items
- Warning triangle
- First aid kit
- Reflective vest
- Spare tire or repair kit
- Valid driving license
- Vehicle registration document
- Insurance certificate
Recommended Items
- Snow chains (mandatory on roads signposted with chain symbol)
- Headlamp beam deflectors (for UK vehicles)
- Spare bulb set
Speed Limits
Urban Areas
km/h
Rural Roads
km/h
Highways/Motorways
km/h
Toll Roads
Payment Methods
Average Cost
E-vignette: CZK 310 (10 days), CZK 440 (30 days), CZK 1,500 (annual) for vehicles up to 3.5t
An electronic vignette (e-vignette) is required for all vehicles under 3.5t on motorways and expressways. Purchase online at edalnice.cz or at gas stations and border crossings. Linked to your license plate — no physical sticker needed.
Parking
Line Colors
Parking Tips
- In Prague, use the ParkSimply or Parkdots app for mobile payment
- Blue zones are strictly for residents with permits — do not park here as a tourist even briefly
- Park & Ride lots on the outskirts of Prague connect to metro stations and are very affordable
Average Cost: CZK 40–80 per hour in Prague center; much cheaper in smaller cities
Common Mistakes Tourists Make
- 1Driving on a motorway without a valid e-vignette — fines up to CZK 20,000 and enforcement is automated by cameras
- 2Turning right on red — this is NOT allowed in Czechia unless a green arrow signal is specifically displayed
- 3Driving with any alcohol — Czechia has a strict 0.0% BAC limit with severe penalties including criminal charges
- 4Not yielding to trams — they have absolute priority
- 5Parking in Prague blue zones without resident permit
Traffic Fines
Speeding
CZK 1,000–CZK 10,000+ on the spot; up to CZK 25,000 in proceedings; license suspension for serious offenses
No Seatbelt
CZK 2,000
Phone Use
CZK 2,500–CZK 4,000
Red Light
CZK 2,500–CZK 5,000
Illegal Parking
CZK 500–CZK 2,500 depending on city and zone
Ready to Drive in Czechia?
Take a quick quiz to test your knowledge of the road rules.
Emergency Contacts
Police
158
Ambulance
155
Fire
150
Roadside Assistance
ÚAMK (Czech automobile club): 1230; European emergency: 112
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
Want to Master Czechia Driving Rules?
Practice with our driving test questions and learn all the rules before you drive.
