In this article, we look at the most common offences on Czech roads – from running red lights to failing to stop at a stop sign, speeding and even being banned. We’ll explain how high the fines are and how many points are involved, as well as looking at practical issues such as “how long does it take to get a speed camera ticket”.
Any driver can get into a situation on the road where they break the rules. Some traffic offences are rather minor, but others can lead not only to heavy fines but also to points being deducted or even a driving ban. The Road Traffic Act sets out exactly what the penalties are for each offence. So if you want to drive confidently and avoid unpleasant consequences, it pays to be clear about these rules.
The points system has been in place in the Czech Republic since 2006 and is the main tool used by the state to motivate drivers to obey the rules. In addition to fines, penalty points are awarded for selected traffic offences and are entered in the driving register. The maximum limit is 12 points. Once a driver reaches this number, he automatically loses his driving licence.
Once the 12 points are reached, a driving ban follows, which lasts for at least 1 year. After the ban expires, you must pass a proficiency test again, i.e. a driving test and a medical examination. If the driver has not committed any offences for which points are recorded for 12 months, 4 points will be deducted.
When you’re clocked by radar or caught on a traffic light camera, the police often don’t know exactly who was behind the wheel. In such cases, the rule is that the operator of the car, i.e. the person who is registered on the registration certificate as the owner or keeper of the vehicle, is liable. This means that the fine will go directly to him, even if someone else in the family was driving.
This system is mainly used for automatic measuring devices, typically speed cameras, red-light cameras or no-entry cameras. This is because the authorities cannot remotely ascertain exactly who was behind the wheel. Therefore, it simply assumes that the person who owns the car is responsible.
If you are facing a fine, points deduction or even a driving ban, do not hesitate to contact an Affordable Lawyer. Our attorneys can help you with the administrative process, writing an appeal, or reviewing your case.
One of the most serious offences is running a red traffic light. This act is one of the most dangerous as it often leads to traffic accidents.
Running a red light is one of the most common reasons why drivers lose their licence. Many rely on amber lights, but it is important to remember that an amber light means you have a duty to stop if it is safe to do so.
The “Stop, Yield” traffic sign is one of the most significant. Failure to stop at a stop sign is therefore penalised quite severely.
Many drivers make the mistake of just slowing down before the sign. However, the law requires the vehicle to come to a complete stop before the junction boundary. This makes the offence easy to prove by CCTV footage.
Speeding is one of the most common traffic offences. The penalty is based on how much the speed limit has been exceeded.
A common question from drivers is how long it takes to get a speed camera ticket. The answer is usually between 2 and 8 weeks, depending on how quickly the administrative authority processes the offence.
Tip: Do you have a company car and wonder what happens if you damage it? Take a quick test and get a general idea of whether you are liable to your employer for damages if you are involved in an accident in their car and under what conditions.
Another common situation is entering a street with a “No Entry” sign or parking where it is not allowed.
While this is a less serious offence than running a red light, it can still cause considerable complications, for example if you block the passage of emergency services.
Modern times also bring new pitfalls. Talking on the phone while driving or texting is one of the riskiest offences.
Failure to wear a seatbelt or car seat is similarly punishable. Although this may seem like a small thing, the consequences in an accident can be fatal.
Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is considered the most serious offence.
If the level of alcohol exceeds 1 per mille, it is a criminal offence of endangering under the influence of an addictive substance. The penalties can then be even more severe, including a suspended prison sentence.
This is a question that plagues most drivers. Usually, the police or municipal authorities must deal with the offence without undue delay. The radar fine will usually arrive within 30 to 60 days of the offence. A fine imposed by the police on the spot is usually paid immediately or imposed by way of an order. If the matter is dealt with through the administrative process, the whole process can drag on for several months.
Drivers should keep an eye on their mail and inbox. Just because you don’t pick up a letter from the office doesn’t mean you can avoid a fine. After a certain period of time, the mail is automatically considered delivered even if you have not physically received it. The authorities can then enforce the fine in the same way as if the letter had arrived in your hand.
Tip: A car parked across two parking spaces, at a fire hydrant, or blocking half the sidewalk. These are just a few examples of inconsiderate parking. Can the police issue a ticket?
If you feel you have been fined unfairly, you don’t have to accept it right away. You can refuse to pay the police officer on the spot, in which case the offence will be referred to administrative proceedings. There you have the opportunity to defend yourself: you can present your own evidence, suggest witnesses or even challenge the accuracy of the radar measurement.
But it’s fair to know that you could face a higher fine in the administrative procedure if the authorities uphold your offence. That’s why it’s always a good idea to think about whether it’s worth fighting. When the situation is more complicated or you are unsure, it pays to contact a lawyer. He or she can help you assess the chances and advise you on how to proceed so that you don’t end up worse off.
The most common traffic offences in the Czech Republic include running a red light (fine up to CZK 25,000, 6 points and possible driving ban), failing to stop at a stop sign (fine up to CZK 25,000 and 4 points), speeding (from CZK 1,000 to CZK 10,000 and up to 5 points depending on the severity), entering a no-parking zone or improper parking (fine up to CZK 2,000, up to 2 points and the possibility of being towed or “booted”), using a phone while driving or not wearing a seatbelt (fine up to CZK 2,500 and 2 points) and driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (fine up to CZK 50,000, 6 points and a driving ban for up to a year). Under the points system, if 12 points are reached, the driving licence is automatically withdrawn and can only be regained after a year and a test; conversely, if 12 months without an offence are passed, 4 points are deducted. For offences caught on radar or camera, the operator of the vehicle is liable, so the fine goes to the owner of the car, even if they were not driving. Radar fines usually arrive within 30-60 days, on-the-spot orders are due immediately, and administrative proceedings can drag on for months. Failure to collect the letter from the office will not relieve you of the fine – after a certain period of time it is deemed to have been served. If the driver feels that the fine has been imposed unfairly, they can refuse it and defend themselves in the administrative procedure, where evidence or witnesses can be presented, but it is important to take into account that the resulting penalty may be higher.
Yes. In the case of automatic measurement, the vehicle operator is responsible.
You can request an extract from the driver’s register at Czech POINT or at the local authority.
The fine may be enforced by the enforcement authorities.
Yes. As long as the car is registered in your name, you are responsible for it. So if the new owner commits an offence and the authority doesn’t have a documented transfer, you’ll be fined. That’s why it’s always important to make a transfer to the Vehicle Register as soon as possible after selling a vehicle, otherwise you risk unnecessary problems and penalties.
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