Driving in the Czech Republic: the rules every visitor should know
Last checked: 24 October 2026
In the Czech Republic the speed limit is 50 km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h outside them and 130 km/h on motorways. The alcohol limit is 0.0 for every driver, dipped headlights must be on all year round, even in daylight, and a handheld phone may not be used while driving. On tolled motorways, cars up to 3.5 tonnes also need an e-vignette.
Speed limits
| Road type | Limit for cars |
|---|---|
| Built-up areas | 50 km/h |
| Outside built-up areas | 90 km/h |
| Motorways | 130 km/h |
| Expressways | 110 km/h in places, as signed |
Signs always take precedence. On a 47 km section of the D3 motorway, a trial running until the end of 2026 allows up to 150 km/h when shown on the variable signs. Elsewhere, 130 km/h is the maximum.
Alcohol: zero tolerance
The legal limit is 0.0, which applies to all drivers, not only to novices or professional drivers. In practice this means no alcohol at all before driving, including a single beer at lunch. Keep this in mind if you are driving the morning after an evening out.
Headlights all year
Dipped headlights, or daytime running lights, must be switched on at all times, all year round and in daylight too. Most modern cars do this automatically, but check if you are in a rental car you do not know well.
Winter tyres
From 1 November to 31 March, winter tyres are compulsory whenever there are winter conditions on the road: continuous snow cover, ice or hoarfrost on the road, or when such conditions can be expected. On roads marked with the "Zimní výbava" (winter equipment) sign, they are required throughout this period regardless of the weather. For cars, the minimum tread depth of winter tyres is 4 mm.
If you are hiring a car for a winter trip, ask the rental company to confirm that it has suitable tyres. If you are only crossing the country, our guide to driving through the Czech Republic helps with planning.
Compulsory equipment
Cars must carry:
- a warning triangle,
- a high-visibility vest, kept within reach of the driver rather than in the boot,
- a first-aid kit.
Phones
Holding a phone in your hand while driving is prohibited, whether for calling, texting or using apps. If you need to buy a vignette or check your route, pull over safely first.
The motorway vignette
Vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3.5 tonnes need a valid e-vignette on tolled motorway sections. Motorcycles are exempt, and so are fully electric and hydrogen cars, although on foreign plates the exemption must be notified in advance. The vignette is linked to the number plate and checked by cameras, so there is nothing to display.
- Prices for a petrol or diesel car in 2026: 230 CZK for 1 day, 300 CZK for 10 days, 480 CZK for 30 days, 2,570 CZK for a year. See Czech vignette prices.
- Ordinary roads and city streets are free. See Czech toll roads.
- Driving without a valid vignette can be fined up to 5,000 CZK on the spot. See fines.
Quick checklist before a Czech road trip
- Vignette bought for the right dates and the correct number plate.
- No alcohol before driving.
- Headlights on.
- Winter tyres if travelling between November and March in wintry conditions.
- Triangle, vest and first-aid kit on board.
- Phone in a holder, not in your hand.
Tips for rental cars
If you hire a car in the Czech Republic or drive one in from a neighbouring country, take a minute before setting off to check the basics: where the warning triangle, vest and first-aid kit are kept, how the headlights are set, and whether the tyres suit the season. Also ask whether the car already has a valid motorway vignette, and if you buy one yourself, use the exact number plate and country of registration of the car you collect. Rules apply in the same way to Czech and foreign vehicles.