Drivin' in Czechia
All you need to drive smart in the Czech Republic
Visiting the Czech Republic and don’t speak Czech? No wonder – it’s a seriously tricky language. But when driving around the Czech Republic, you can’t avoid it. Not every road sign comes with a translation. Add unfamiliar traffic signs and occasional police checks to the mix, and you’ve got a recipe for unnecessary stress. This quick phrasebook will help you stay calm on Czech roads and save money.
1. Pozor, zúžení [Pozor-zu:-ʒe-nyee] – “Lane constriction ahead”
This sign warns that the road narrows. In practice, it means one thing: slow down and merge in time, so you don’t block the lane.
2. Zákaz vjezdu [Za:-kaz VYEZ-du] – “No entry”
A red circular sign with a white horizontal bar. Entering can mean an on-the-spot fine of up to CZK 2,000, or up to CZK 2,500 in administrative proceedings.
3. Objížďka [OB-yeezd-kah] – “Detour”
Often marked with temporary yellow-black signage. Follow the arrows; apps like Waze sometimes lag behind reality.
4. Stůj, kontrola [STOO-ee KON-tro-la] – “Police stop”
Be prepared to show:
- driver’s license
- passport or ID
- proof of insurance (green card)
- vehicle registration document
5. Pokuta [PO-ku-ta] – “Fine”
Parking in a no-standing zone: CZK 2,500–3,500 on the spot, CZK 4,000–10,000 via administrative proceedings.
Speeding by 20 km/h in town: same range
Most fines can be paid by card – patrols on the road carry terminals.
6. Parkovací automat [PAR-ko-vat-see aʊ-to-mat] – “Parking meter”
Check the display:
- Mon–Fri 8 am–6 pm = paid hours
- Sat–Sun = free, or credit card icon
Prague uses color-coded zones (blue = residents, purple/red = short-term parking). The “Virtual Parking App” saves you change.
7. Maximální povolená rychlost [MAK-see-mál-nyee po-vo-le-nah RIHKH-lost] – “Speed limit”
Standard limits in the Czech Republic are:
- 50 km/h in the city
- 90 km/h in the countryside
- 130 km/h on the highway.
A white circle with a red border and number means that’s the speed limit.
8. Sněhové řetězy [SNYE-ho-veh RZHE-ty-zi] – “Snow chains mandatory”
Blue circular sign with a chain icon. From November to April, especially in the Krkonoše and Jeseníky mountains. No snow chains = fine + possible uninsured accident.
9. Plná čára [PL-nah CHAA-ra] – “Solid line”
Overtaking across a solid line means up to CZK 1,500 fine. Respect it on narrow backroads – the surface can be slippery.
10. Servisní stanice [SER-viss-nee STA-nye-tsye] – “Service station”
Look for the gas station icon. Most are open 24/7; restrooms are usually free (on highways sometimes CZK 10 – keep coins handy).
Quick phrase guide
| Czech phrase | Pronunciation | English | Use when… |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pozor, zúžení | po-zor zoo-žeh-nee | Lane constriction | Road narrows |
| Zákaz vjezdu | zaa-kaz vyez-du | No entry | One-way, pedestrian zones |
| Objížďka | ob-yeezd-kah | Detour | Road closure |
| Stůj, kontrola | stoo-ee kon-tro-la | Police stop | Police check |
| Pokuta | po-koo-ta | Fine | Offense, parking |
| Parkovací automat | par-ko-vat-see ow-to-mat | Parking meter | Paid parking |
| Maximální povolená rychlost (Max. pov. rychlost) | mak-see-maal-ny po-vo-le-naa rychlost | Speed limit | Speed rules |
| Sněhové řetězy | snye-ho-veh rze-ty-zi | Snow chains | Winter in mountains |
| Plná čára | pl-nah chaa-ra | Solid line | No overtaking |
| Servisní stanice | ser-viss-nee sta-nye-tsye | Service station | Fuel, toilets |
Conclusion
If you’re familiar with these 10 Czech driving expressions, you’ll be able to enjoy your journey through the Czech Republic with a smile and without getting fined.
Keep our glossary handy, share this article with fellow expats, and feel free to share your own road stories in the comments!
Wishing you safe travels and lots of joyful miles – both in the Czech Republic and beyond!
