Drivin' in Czechia
All you need to drive smart in the Czech Republic
If you plan to drive in the Czech Republic – whether as a tourist or as an expat living here long-term – it’s important to know the local traffic rules. One of the most important is the maximum speed limit. The Czech police regularly monitor compliance with speed limits, and fines can be high. This guide will help you understand how fast you are allowed to drive, how tolerance rules work, and what to watch out for.
Speed Limits in the Czech Republic
The following basic limits apply in the Czech Republic:
| Type of Road | Maximum Permitted Speed | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Built-up area (including towns and villages) | 50 km/h | Locations marked with a sign indicating the municipality |
| Outside built-up area | 90 km/h | Class I, II, and III roads |
| Expressway | 110 km/h | Marked with a blue “Expressway” sign |
| Motorway | 130 km/h | Marked with a green “Motorway” sign. On selected sections of motorways, speeds of up to 150 km/h will be permitted |
| Residential zone | 20 km/h | Pedestrians and cyclists have priority in these zones |
Exceptions and Special Zones
In addition to the basic rules on speed limits, there are also exceptions or locations with special permitted limits:
- Residential and pedestrian zones – max. 20 km/h, pedestrians always have priority.
- School zones – often reduced to 30 km/h, especially during school hours.
- Construction zones – temporary speed limits, often 30 km/h in towns, often 80 km/h or 110 km/h on motorways
- Noise reduction zones – specially in cities
- Roundabouts and narrow streets – even without a sign, it is recommended to slow down for safety.
Tolerance Rules for Speed Measurement
The police apply a so-called technical tolerance when measuring speed:
- Up to 100 km/h: 3 km/h subtracted
- Above 100 km/h: 3% of the measured speed subtracted
However, Czech drivers often drive at speeds of 140 km/h on motorways and 100 km/h on district roads.
Fines and Penalties for Speeding
| Speeding Offence | On-the-spot Fine | Administrative Proceedings | Possible Additional Penalties |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 5 km/h | 0–500 CZK | usually not pursued | – |
| 6–19 km/h in built-up area | 1,000–2,500 CZK | 1,500–2,500 CZK | – |
| 6–29 km/h outside built-up area | 1,000–2,500 CZK | 1,500–2,500 CZK | – |
| 20–39 km/h in built-up area | 2,500–5,000 CZK | 2,500–5,000 CZK | Possible driving ban 1–6 months |
| 30–49 km/h outside built-up area | 2,500–5,000 CZK | 2,500–5,000 CZK | – |
| 40 km/h or more in built-up area | 5,000–10,000 CZK | 5,000–10,000 CZK | Driving ban 6–12 months |
| 50 km/h or more outside built-up area | 5,000–10,000 CZK | 5,000–10,000 CZK | Driving ban 6–12 months |
Practical Tips for Foreign Drivers
- Watch for “Start/End of Built-up Area” signs – the speed changes immediately.
- Navigation apps (Google Maps, Waze) often display the speed limit, but always trust the road sign.
- In winter, adjust your speed to road conditions even if higher speed is allowed. The police can penalize unsafe speed even below the limit.
- In some cases, speed cameras are hidden; measurements are also carried out from unmarked police cars.
Conclusion
Observing the speed limits in the Czech Republic is key to safe and trouble-free driving. The limits are clearly marked, the tolerance is small, and fines are high. If in doubt, it’s always safer to slow down – besides saving money and points, you’ll save yourself a lot of stress.
