Please enjoy your hire car in Czech
Republic
Are you going on holiday to Czech Republic?
To see as much as possible and to get the most out of Czech
Republic, the best way of transport is certainly by car. But
of course you will have to abide by Czech Republic's law of
driving. Below you will find some useful information about
driving in Czech Republic.
Documents you need when driving
in Czech Republic:
To drive a foreign registered car legally in Czech Republic
you must have the following documents with you, which is an
International Driving Permit unless you have the new Photo
card licence.
Special rules you must follow:
When driving in Czech Republic all vehicles must carry a Warning
Triangle and a First Aid Kit. The police are able to issue
and collect 'on the spot fines' for not obeying these rules.
For all passengers it is compulsory to wear both front and
rear seatbelts.
Minimum age:
The minimum age of a driver in Czech Republic is 18 years.
It is mandatory to use child restrain devices for occupants
of cars younger than 18 years and smaller than 150 cm in height
on rear seats. Under 12 years and or less than 1.5 metres
not allowed in front.
Parking:
Parking in Czech Republic is similar to Britain with car parks
and parking meters. Parking is only allowed on the right side
of the road, but this restriction does not apply to one-way
roads. Parking along a tramline is prohibited unless a 3.5-metre
wide lane is left between the vehicle and the tram lane. Do
not park within 5 metres of an intersection, pedestrian crossing,
or public transportation stop. Always park facing the same
direction as traffic flow and remember that illegally parked
cars will be wheel clamped or towed away.
A few basic rules:
In Czech Republic, they drive on the right hand side and overtake
on the left, pay full attention especially at roundabouts.
Dipped headlights should be used in built-up areas at night.
It is mandatory to use daytime running lights while driving
during wintertime. It is prohibited to use mobile telephones
while driving with exception of hands-free kits. Change from
dipped headlights to sidelights while waiting at level crossings.
Any damage to your vehicle must be notified to the police
before entering the country or if damage occurs while there,
as you will not be able to leave without the correct documentation.
Speed limits:
Built-up areas: 50 kph (31 mph)
Major roads outside towns: 90 kph (56 mph)
Motorways: 130 kph (81 mph)
Bus:
There is an extensive bus network that mostly covers areas,
which are not accessible by rail, this bus network is very
efficient and comfortable. The State Bus Company mostly runs
buses
Urban:
The public transport in the Czech Republic is excellent. There
is a metro service in Prague, which runs from 0500-0000. There
are three flat fares charged. There are also tram and bus
services where tickets must be purchased in advance from tobacconist
shops, newsagents, metro stations, information centres or
travel agents. There are night trams and buses that run from
0000-0430 in Prague. Buses, trolleybuses and trams also exist
in several other towns. Separate ticket is required when changing
routes. In all the main towns there are taxis available, which
are metered, be aware as higher fares are charged at night.
Travel times:
The following chart below gives approximate travel times (in
hours and minutes) from Prague to other major towns/cities
in the Czech Republic.
Road
Brno 2.15
Karlovy Vary 2.00
Ostrava 6.45
Driving in Czech Republic will be a pleasurable experience
as long as you remember you are in their country and abide
by their laws. Please remember it is not a good enough excuse
to plead ignorance, as you are a foreigner, you are the driver
and it's your responsibility to know the law.