CZECH REPUBLIC – drives on the right
Please read the general notes in conjunction with those below.

Essential Safety Equipment

• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Reflective vest
• Headlamp converters
• GB plate (see note 1)
• Spare bulbs (see note 2)
• Spare pair of prescription spectacles (if worn for driving)

Recommended Safety Equipment (by the Czech Republic and/or EUroadlegal.co.uk)

• Fire extinguisher
• Torch

Seatbelt Requirements
The wearing of front and rear seatbelts is compulsory when fitted.

Children Passengers
There is a front seat minimum of 12 yrs/1.5m.

Drink Driving Limits
The Czech Republic has zero tolerance for any amount of alcohol in a driver’s system.

Minimum Driving Age
The minimum driving age using a full UK licence is 18

Speed Limits

Lights
Headlights must be on when weather impairs visibility in summer period, and must be on at all times in winter. When waiting at level train crossings use sidelights only.

Fuel
Nowadays, nearly all petrol (benzín) stations in Prague stock unleaded fuel. Most are open from 6am to 10pm, although 24hr service is now widely available at Shell, Esso, OMV, Avanti and Aral stations. Fuel octane ratings are: 98 (super plus), 96 (super), 95 unleaded (natural), 91 octane (special), diesel (nafta) and LPG (PLYN or LPG). Self-service stations are on the increase, although for attended service, tips should be given.

Tolls
For high-speed carriageways, the Czech authorities also levy a motorway tax which is paid by way of a vehicle sticker (affixed to the upper right hand corner of the windscreen). Available at border crossing points, filling stations and post offices, drivers can purchase 10 day, one month or full year versions. Costs vary according to the weight of the vehicle, with cars and SUVs falling into the 'under 3.5 ton' category. The fine for failing to display a motorway sticker is assessed on-the-spot (up to 15,000 CZK). For more details visit: www.uamk.cz .
Cars hired in the Czech Republic will have the sticker on the windscreen.

Current Prices

Parking
Parking is only allowed on the right side of the road, but this restriction does not apply to one-way roads. Parking along a tram line is prohibited unless a 3.5-metre wide lane is left between the vehicle and the tram lane. Don't park within 5 metres of a junction, pedestrian crossing, or public transportation stop. Don't park within 15 metres of a train crossing.

In Prague, parking at "automats", indicated by a green stripe, have a six-hour maximum and those indicated with an orange stripe have a two-hour maximum. Areas, marked with a blue line (the Blue zone), are only for cars with resident parking permit. NO parking in "Yellow zones".

Fines
Policemen are empowered to collect fines of up to 2000 crones on the spot. Fines of up to 15,000 crones may be imposed for later collection. The police are strict with serious infringements (alcohol in blood); with insignificant infringements (Eg: the delayed payment for a parking) it is possible to keep within the penalty of 300-500 crones. It is better to follow the traffic rules and to not break them.

Mobile Phones
Radar/laser detectors and talking on a mobile phone (except with hands-free) are illegal

Emergency Numbers
Dial 112 anywhere in the EU to reach the emergency services.

Local numbers:
Fire – 150
Ambulance – 155
Local Police - 156
National Police – 158

Other Useful Information
Traffic travels on the right and passing occurs on the left. Trams, however, should be passed on the right side.

Horns can be used only to warn of danger or to signal that you are about to pass. Horns are prohibited in central Prague between 9pm and 5am, from 15 March to 15 October, and from 8pm to 6am the rest of the year.

Useful Words and Phrases

Embassy Details
Address:
British Embassy
Chancery, Consular/Visa, Economic, Press and Public Affairs Section, Defence Section
Thunovska 14
118 00 Prague 1

Telephone:
(420) 257 402 111

Email:
info@britain.cz
Consular/Visa.Prague@fco.gov.uk  (Consular/Visa)

Office Hours:
GMT/BST:
Mon-Fri: 0730-1600

Visa Section: Mon-Fri: 0800-1000
Consular Section: Mon-Fri: 0800-1100
Emergency consular cases: Mon-Thurs: 1300-1600/Fri: 1300-1500

Website:
http://www.britain.cz

Note 1: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates (circle of 12 stars above the national identifier on blue background) no longer need a GB sticker when driving in European Union countries.  Countries outside the EU still require national identification.

Note 2: Regardless of local requirements it is always a wise precaution to carry a spare set of vehicle bulbs and adjust headlamp beams for driving on the right. A spare bulb kit will not prevent a fine if you are travelling with faulty lights, but it may avoid the cost and inconvenience of a garage call out. On some cars it is inadvisable or impossible for anyone other than a qualified technician to change a headlamp bulb or lamp unit e.g. high intensity discharge (HID) headlamps and carrying spare bulbs is not an option. However, it is recommended that spare bulbs are carried for any lights which may be easily and/or safely replaced by the owner/driver. Do not forget to ensure that you also carry any tools that might be required to change the various bulbs.

Disclaimer
EUroadlegal has made every effort to ensure that the information contained on this page is accurate and up-to-date.  In most instances the information has been collated from either an official document from the country concerned or from two or more reliable sources.  EUroadlegal cannot be held responsible for any actions resulting from the adherence to or ignoring of the information contained on this page. If you would like to contribute by adding, removing or modifying the data on this page based on your own experience, please us.