Driving Rights and Responsibilities in the Czech Republic

JUDr. Ondřej Preuss, Ph.D.
3. January 2026
3 minutes of reading
3 minutes of reading
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Driving in the Czech Republic comes with a set of clearly defined rules and responsibilities. Whether you’re a new resident seeking to obtain a Czech driver’s license or a foreigner looking to exchange an existing one, it’s essential to understand the procedures involved as well as the regulations that apply on Czech roads.

How to Obtain a Czech Driver’s License

To be eligible for a Czech driver’s license, you must meet several criteria. First, you need to be at least 18 years old and hold either permanent or temporary residency in the country. An essential part of the process includes obtaining a medical certificate from your doctor—this must be issued no more than three months before submitting your application.

The application itself requires personal identification documents, proof of residency, and the mentioned medical certificate. Once your paperwork is in order, you must enroll in a certified driving school, where you’ll attend both theoretical and practical lessons. The final step is to pass both the written and practical driving exams.

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Exchanging a Foreign Driver’s License

If you hold a valid driving license from a non-EU country and have been living in the Czech Republic for over a year (either permanently or temporarily), you’re required to exchange your license for a Czech one. This can be done at any municipal office with extended powers.

To complete the exchange, bring your valid foreign driving license along with a valid identity document. Additionally, there are certain situations when you’ll need to apply for a new license—such as if your current one is lost, stolen, damaged, expired, or if your personal details (like your name) change.

Rules of the Road

Speed Limits

Speed limits in the Czech Republic are strictly enforced, and police officers are authorized to issue on-the-spot fines for violations. These must be paid immediately.

  • Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
  • Outside towns/cities: 90 km/h (56 mph)
  • Motorways: 130 km/h (81 mph)

Alcohol Policy and Driver Responsibility

The Czech Republic enforces a zero-tolerance policy for alcohol while driving. If stopped by police, drivers must submit to a breath test. A positive result leads to a mandatory blood test to determine the exact blood alcohol content.

Safety Regulations

Wearing seatbelts is mandatory for all passengers. Children under 36 kg or shorter than 150 cm must travel in a proper child safety seat or booster appropriate to their size and weight.

The use of mobile phones while driving is only allowed with a hands-free system. Holding a phone while driving is strictly prohibited.

Important Road Rules

Certain rules in the Czech Republic may differ from what foreign drivers are used to:

  • Headlights must be on at all times, day and night, throughout the year.
  • No right turn on red unless indicated by a specific green arrow signal.
  • Do not block intersections—enter only when you can fully clear the crossing.
  • Always yield to public transport vehicles (buses, trams) merging back into traffic.
  • Car horns are subject to local noise restrictions, especially in Prague:
  • October–March: banned from 8 PM to 6 AM
  • April–September: banned from 9 PM to 5 AM

In Case of an Accident

It is mandatory to call the police (dial 158 or 112) in the following situations:

  • One or more vehicles have sustained damage making them unfit for safe driving (e.g., leaking fluids, broken lights).
  • The total material damage exceeds CZK 100,000 (approx. €4,000).
  • Anyone is injured or killed.
  • Property owned by someone not involved in the accident—like a fence, parked car, or road infrastructure—is damaged.

If you’re ever unsure, calling 112 is the safest choice, as it connects you to the unified European emergency line, and the operator will direct your call to the correct service.

Emergency Contacts

Keep the following emergency numbers in mind:

  • Police: 158
  • Firefighters: 150
  • Ambulance: 155
  • General Emergency (EU-wide): 112

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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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Author of the article

JUDr. Ondřej Preuss, Ph.D.

Ondřej is the attorney who came up with the idea of providing legal services online. He's been earning his living through legal services for more than 10 years. He especially likes to help clients who may have given up hope in solving their legal issues at work, for example with real estate transfers or copyright licenses.

Education
  • Law, Ph.D, Pf UK in Prague
  • Law, L’université Nancy-II, Nancy
  • Law, Master’s degree (Mgr.), Pf UK in Prague
  • International Territorial Studies (Bc.), FSV UK in Prague

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