Driving laws

Speed limits and alcohol

Driving laws

There are three speed limits in the Czech Republic. In towns themaximum is 50 km/h, when you get outside the town the maximum is 90km/h, and on highways you should not go more than 130 km/h.

A special speed limit is for cars pulling a caravan, these cannot exceed 80 km/h both on highway or outside the town.

Czech law states that if there is no other signalling at the zebra crossing, drivers must stop their car when a pedestrian wants to cross the street.

Police check-up and fines

A lot of radars are placed along the roads and if a driver is overspeeding they fine them on the spot. Be aware that the Czech policemen are very strict and do not like arguing.

The Czech Republic is one of the countries where the penalty point system of driving has been introduced. You have a maximum of 12 points and in case that all of these points are taken from you, you are forbidden to drive in Czech Republic for one year. For moderate speeding, which means up to 20 km/h in town and 30 km/h outside the town, the fine is usually between CZK 500 – 2,000. However, for a rough infringement of the laws the policeman can fine you up to CZK 5,000.

There is a zero tolerance policy in Czech Republic for those who drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The Czech police (policie) executes routine checks for presence of alcohol and has the right to test any driver any time on the spot. These checks are especially done during the night time.

If alcohol or drugs have been confirmed in your blood by the breathalyser, the consequences can be an imprisonment for up to 3 years and a payment of CZK 25-50,000. If a driver refuses to pass the breath test, the monetary fine is the same as in case of a person declared under the influence of alcohol.

In case of offending a Czech official or causing a traffic accident under the influence of alcohol, your driving licence will be withdrawn for up to one year and you will have to pay a fine up to CZK 10,000.

If you happen to have an accident which does not exceed claims of CZK 50,000 and nobody is hurt, you can set the compensation with the participants by a mutual agreement. If this is not the case, you have to call the police who will then write a police report with you.

Further reading

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