The points system can be difficult to navigate for the layman – different offences are assessed different numbers of points and with different penalties. That’s why we’ve put together this handy guide, which tells you everything from how it works to a specific overview of points-based offences, to what to do if you reach 12 points and face a driving ban.
Every road user is confronted daily with rules designed to protect them and others. In order to ensure that these rules are followed consistently, the driver point system was created in the Czech Republic in 2006. Its essence is that points are recorded for selected traffic offences or criminal offences in addition to fines and other penalties. If a driver accumulates too many of them, he or she risks losing his or her driving licence.
The purpose of this system is not to punish for punishment’s sake, but to act as a preventive measure. Drivers who know that every offence counts usually drive more cautiously and with more respect for the rules. As a result, demerit points have become one of the most important tools the state has to motivate motorists to drive more safely.
Or are you not sure how many points you have? Contact an Affordable Advocate. Our attorneys can advise you on how to defend against improperly awarded points and help you protect your driving privileges.
The points system for drivers is enshrined in the Road Traffic Act. In practice, the way it works is that for each offence detected and included in the points list, the police record points in the drivers’ register in addition to the fine. This register is administered by the Ministry of Transport and the data is available to any driver on request.
Each offence has a fixed value, ranging from minor offences (such as driving without a seatbelt), which are scored at four points, to the most serious (such as drink-driving), where a driver can receive up to six points at a time.
The key threshold is 12 points. Once a driver reaches it, they lose their licence. This is not an automatic “suspension” for several months. In fact, the driver must go through the entire process to regain his or her licence, which includes a psychological examination, a medical examination and a driving test.
Importantly, the points are not on the register forever. If a driver does not commit any new point offences for 12 months, 4 points are automatically deducted. This mechanism encourages decent drivers who have learned from their mistakes and will avoid future offences.
To keep things simple, we have prepared a summary table of the most common offences and penalty points. The table is based on the law and current rules.
| Offence | On-the-spot fine | Administrative proceedings | Points |
| Failure to wear a seat belt | up to CZK 1 500 | up to 2 500 CZK | 4 |
| Talking on the phone while driving | up to CZK 1 500- CZK 2 500 | 4 000-10 000 CZK | 4 |
| Failure to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk | up to CZK 2 500 | 4 000-10 000 CZK | 6 |
| Speeding in a village by 20-40 km/h | up to CZK 2 500 | 4 000-10 000 CZK | 4 |
| Danger when overtaking or turning | up to CZK 2 500 | 4 000-10 000 CZK | 6 |
| Alcohol over 0.3‰ or refusal to take a test | cannot be dealt with by block | 25 000-50 000 CZK + ban | 6 |
The table shows that some offences may appear “trivial” at first glance (e.g. not wearing a seatbelt), but when repeated can quickly add up and bring the driver close to the dangerous 12 point limit. Therefore, it is useful for everyone to know how many points a driving record currently puts at risk.
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Reaching 12 points is a very serious moment for a driver. The administrative authority will automatically notify him of the loss of his driving licence and ask him to surrender his licence. If he continues to drive, he commits the offence of obstructing the execution of an official decision, which carries a prison sentence.
The driver must then wait 12 months before he can apply for his licence back. Even then, it is not a formality. The driver has to undergo a medical examination, a psychological examination and a driving school proficiency test.
This process is not only time-consuming but also financially demanding. That’s why we recommend that you keep track of your points and respond in a timely manner – because sometimes legal aid can lead to a successful appeal against incorrectly imposed points.
Every driver can easily find out how many points they have. There are three ways to do this:
We recommend that you check your points at least once a year so that you are not unpleasantly surprised to find that you are approaching the limit.
Statistics show that speeding is one of the most common point offences, especially in the village. Many drivers don’t realise that a 20 km/h difference is already a point. Then there is the problem of using a phone without hands-free, for which the driver can get 6 points and a hefty fine. A common offence in town is then failing to give way to a pedestrian. A more minor offence, which often results in a driving ban, is drink-driving.
How to avoid problems? The basics are simple: obey the traffic rules. It also helps to keep track of what offences are scored. If a driver knows that each phone call costs 4 points, he or she usually prefers to reach for a hands-free kit or use the option of connecting the phone to the car.
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Getting into trouble with the points system is not unusual. It can happen that the police impose points on you unfairly or that the administrative authority makes a mistake in the proceedings. At such a time, it is advisable to contact a specialist.
One of our solicitors can check whether the offence has been correctly assessed, help you appeal against the decision, represent you at a hearing with the administrative authority or advise you whether it makes sense to go to court.
The points system is sometimes seen as harsh, but its purpose is primarily one of prevention. It sends a clear message to drivers who ignore the rules that their behaviour will not be tolerated. Conversely, those who drive responsibly can be assured that their points will not jeopardise their licence.
If you’ve already gotten into trouble and accumulated more points than is reasonable, don’t let the situation escalate to the point of having your driving privileges revoked. There is often a way to fight back, whether through an appeal, a review of police action, or other legal action.
The driver points system has been in place since 2006 as a deterrent to dangerous driving – for selected traffic offences, drivers receive penalty points in addition to a fine, which are recorded on a register. Depending on the severity, 2, 4 or 6 points are awarded, and when the threshold of 12 points is reached, driving licence revocation automatically follows. It can be regained after one year and after passing a medical and psychological examination and a driving school test. However, points can also be deducted – if a driver does not commit any further point offences for a year, four points are deducted. The most common offences are speeding, talking on the phone while driving, failing to yield to a pedestrian or drink-driving. It is therefore worth keeping track of your points balance, which can be done online on the Transport Portal, at the post office via Czech POINT or at the local authority. Knowing the points system and following the rules is the best way to avoid not only fines but also losing your driving licence.
The limit is 12 points. After that, you automatically lose your driving licence.
If you do not commit any point offences for a year, 4 points will be deducted.
Yes, you can challenge the decision of the administrative authority. Legal aid is advisable.
Our team of experienced attorneys will help you solve any legal issue. Within 24 hours we’ll evaluate your situation and suggest a step-by-step solution, including all costs. The price for this proposal is only CZK 690, and this is refunded to you when you order service from us.
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