Driving in Czechia from the UK: what you need
Checked against official sources on 8 November 2026 · Sources at the bottom of this page
Driving your own car to Czechia? You need:
- An e-vignette, bought before you use the motorways From CZK 230 a day, on the official site only. See below
- A UK sticker, unless your number plate shows "UK" with the Union flag GB stickers are no longer valid: remove or cover them
- Your photocard driving licence, logbook (V5C) and insurance certificate Still have an old paper licence or an Isle of Man licence? You may need an international driving permit (£5.50 at a PayPoint) Hire or lease car from the UK? Take a VE103 certificate instead of the logbook
- A passport for everyone in the car See the passport rules for Czechia below
- A hi-vis vest, a warning triangle and a first-aid kit Wear the vest if you get out on the road after a breakdown
- Dipped headlights on at all times, set for driving on the right Many newer cars adjust for the right from a menu setting, others need beam deflector stickers
- No alcohol at all before driving
🛂 Your border check happens before Czechia
Driving through France, Belgium and Germany? You enter the Schengen area when you cross the Channel, so your passport is checked, and the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints, at Dover, Folkestone or your arrival port. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for 3 months after you leave.
Check your passport for Czechia →The e-vignette
You need an e-vignette to drive on Czech motorways (all cars up to 3.5 tonnes). It's digital, linked to your number plate, and checked by cameras.
Speed limits in Czechia
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Motorways | 130 km/h≈ 81 mph |
| Expressways | 110 km/h≈ 68 mph |
| Roads outside towns | 90 km/h≈ 56 mph |
| Towns and villages | 50 km/h≈ 31 mph |
Motorways and expressways inside towns are 80 km/h. Going 20 km/h too fast in a town (or 30 km/h outside) is a CZK 2,500 to 3,500 on-the-spot fine.
Rules that catch UK drivers out
🍷 Zero alcohol
The limit is zero for all drivers. Driving after drinking is a CZK 7,000 to 25,000 fine and a driving ban.
💡 Headlights on at all times
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on whenever you drive, all year.
🚋 Trams
If a tram stops at a stop with no island, you must stop behind it while passengers get on and off. Trams have right of way on zebra crossings.
📵 No handheld phones
Holding a phone while driving is a CZK 2,500 to 3,500 on-the-spot fine.
📡 Radar detectors banned
Carrying one is a CZK 7,000 to 25,000 fine and a driving ban.
🚑 Rescue lane and zip merging
Leave a gap for emergency vehicles in motorway queues, and merge in turn where a lane ends.
❄️ Winter tyres 1 Nov – 31 Mar
From 1 November to 31 March, whenever there's snow, ice or frost on the road, or it's expected, winter tyres are compulsory. They need at least 4 mm of tread.
Breakdowns and emergencies
- Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire.
- Put on your hi-vis vest before you get out on the road.
- Place the warning triangle at least 50 m behind the car, or 100 m on a motorway.
Hiring a car in Czechia instead
- Hire companies may ask for an international driving permit, so check first.
- Czech hire cars should come with an e-vignette and, in winter, winter tyres: check both.
- Police can ask foreign drivers suspected of an offence for a deposit on the spot.
FAQs
Do I need a vignette for the Czech Republic?
Yes. To use Czech motorways you need an e-vignette linked to your number plate. In 2026 it costs CZK 230 for 1 day, CZK 300 for 10 days, CZK 480 for 30 days or CZK 2,570 for a year. Driving without one can mean a fine of up to CZK 20,000.
Where should I buy the Czech e-vignette?
On the official site, edalnice.gov.cz, at Czech Post branches, EuroOil and RoBiN OIL petrol stations or kiosks at the border. The official site advises against buying from anyone else, because other websites charge more.
What is the drink-drive limit in the Czech Republic?
Zero. You mustn't drink any alcohol at all before driving. Fines run from CZK 7,000 to CZK 25,000, with a driving ban.
Do I need headlights on during the day in the Czech Republic?
Yes. Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on at all times, all year.
Do I need winter tyres in the Czech Republic?
From 1 November to 31 March, whenever there's snow, ice or frost on the road or it's expected, winter tyres are compulsory, with at least 4 mm of tread.
Do I need an international driving permit for the Czech Republic?
No, not with a UK photocard licence. You may need one with an old paper licence or an Isle of Man licence.
More for your trip
Sources
Checked on 8 November 2026. Rules change, so check the official sources before you travel.