Documents
All drivers driving on Czech highways must have on them, besides an identity card (usually Czech ID or passport), a valid driver’s license permitting them to drive in a foreign state and technical documents for the automobile. We also recommend that all drivers have green card. Automobiles from a foreign state must be marked with identification tags from that state.
Speed Limits
Regulation of the maximum speed allowed is exercised on all types of Czech highways.
- Motorcycles – in the city limits: 50 km/hr. – out of the city limits: 90 km/hr. – highways and freeways for motorcycles: 130 km/hr.
- Personal automobiles up to 3,500 kg – in the city limits: 50 km/hr. – out of the city limits: 90 km/hr. – highways and freeways for motorized vehicles: 130 km/hr.
- Personal automobiles with trailers (caravans) – in the city limits: 50 km/hr. – out of the city limits: 80 km/hr. – highways and freeways for motorized vehicles: 80 km/hr.
- Freight automobiles over 3,500 kg – in the city limits: 50 km/hr. – out of the city limits: 80 km/hr. – highways and freeways for motorized vehicles: 80 km/hr.
- Â Buses – in the city limits: 50 km/hr. – out of the city limits: 90 km/hr. – highways and freeways for motorized vehicles: 130 km/hr.
- A minimum allowed speed is also set for highways, which is 80 km/hr.
Required All-Day Lighting of the Vehicle
In the Czech Republic, drivers are required to have their lights on all day throughout the year.
Toll Roads
There are no toll roads in the Czech Republic. To use the country’s network of highways, drivers are required to purchase a special sticker with the highway symbol (available at gas stations, border crossing and post offices) and place it in the lower-left corner of the windshield (as viewed from the driver’s seat). Currently, they are three types of stickers: for one year (1200 CZK), one month (350 CZK), and ten days (250 CZK). For more info, please visit www.motorway.cz/stickers
Alcohol
Drivers cannot be under the influence of alcohol or other habitual substances while driving. There is no tolerated blood-alcohol level in the Czech Republic (i.e. zero tolerance), thus being aware of residual alcohol and even low alcohol content is important.
Other driver requirements
- All passengers must wear a seat belt.
- Motorcyclists and passengers must use helmets (even within city limits)
- Children (up to150 cm, 36 kg) must use car seats.
Insurance
The owner of the vehicle who should be registered and going on Czech communications must have liability insurance. The driver can decide which insurance company conditions this liability insurance for operating a vehicle he will have.
This type of insurance is called “obligatory insurance”, which ensures payment of damages that the driver may cause during the vehicle’s operation. Exceptions are causing an accident while under the influence of habitual substances, technical reasons, the unworthiness of the vehicle or damaged steering. In that case, the insurance pays for health and property but will expect the vehicle owner to repay it.
Besides obligatory insurance, drivers often buy other types of insurance, including:
* Above-standard obligatory liability
* Accident insurance
* Assistant services
Pedestrians and Cyclists
Some regulations of highway transport also apply to pedestrians and cyclists.
Pedestrians are required to use sidewalks. Where sidewalks aren’t available, they can walk on the left side of the road. However, in that case, if walking in dark conditions, a group of pedestrians must be marked with reflector lights at the front and back and walk on the right side of the road.
Pedestrians should cross the road at crosswalks or in a well-arranged place, always perpendicular to the direction of the road. As long as a pedestrian is standing at the crosswalk and it is obvious that he wants to cross, the driver has an obligation to make it possible for him (as long as traffic lights or a police officer doesn’t direct traffic). The pedestrian, however, must make sure not to endanger drivers or himself by crossing suddenly or unexpectedly.
Cyclists can use all highways, except for freeways and express highways. The same highway transport regulations apply as those for automobiles. Cyclists can also ride on the sidewalk, but only in a way so as not to endanger pedestrians. At the same time, cyclists are not allowed to enforce the right of way in the same way as pedestrians. Cyclists younger than 18 must wear an approved safety helmet. Helmets are recommended for cyclists of all ages.
New Rules
On July 1, 2006, law No. 411/2005 Sb. Concerning motorway traffic came into effect. This law is an amendment to law No. 61/2000 Sb., concerning land communications and changes of other laws. These amendments to the traffic regulations were instituted, namely to improve safety on Czech motorways.
