Czech Republic 

Driving in Czech Republic

You can drive in the Czech Republic on a UK Driving licence.

In 2005 there were 1,286 road deaths in the Czech Republic (source: DfT). This equates to 12.6 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005.

If you are planning to drive to the Czech Republic, you may like to consult a local motoring hotline, available in Czech and English on (tel: 00 420 1230). You should check arrangements for driving on motorways in the Czech Republic. A user tax vignette must normally be purchased for motorway driving. These can be purchased from most Post Offices, petrol stations and from some bureaux de change and other outlets at the border. Failure to display a valid vignette can result in a fine.

Since July 2006 new rules have been in force concerning driving in the Czech Republic. The main changes and penalty point system is available on http://www.novapravidla.cz/english/the_main_changes/ and you should familiarise yourself with local motoring regulations in advance of driving in the Czech Republic.

Drivers should be aware that there is a zero-tolerance policy in the Czech Republic for drivers under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.

You must have your headlights on dipped beam when driving anywhere in the Czech Republic, at any time.

It is a requirement under Czech law that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry the following items:

• 1 x Fluorescent Green High Visibility Safety Jacket
• 1 x First Aid Kit
• 1 x Spare pair of prescription glasses (if necessary) - kept in the glove compartment
• 1 x Warning triangle
• 1 x Complete set of spare bulbs