Driving in the Czech Republic

The minimum age of a driver is 18 years. Children must be at least 12 years of age to sit in the front seat. The use of seat belts is compulsory for front- and rear-seat passengers. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0 mg. Speed limits are as follows: 50 kph (30 mph) in built-up areas, 90 kph (56 mph) outside built-up areas, 130 kph (78 mph) on expressways, 80 kph (50 mph) for a car with a caravan or trailer traveling outside built-up areas or on expressways.

Headlights must be on when weather impairs visibility. Motorcyclists must use low beams at all times. When waiting at level train crossings use sidelights only. Horns can be used only to warn of danger or to signal that you are about to pass. Horns are prohibited in central Prague between 9pm and 5am, from 15 March to 15 October, and from 8pm to 6am the rest of the year.

Trams should be passed on the right; if there is no room on the right, trams can be passed on the left. It's illegal in Prague to pass trams on the left.

Police are empowered to collect fines of up to 2000 Kc on the spot. Fines of up to 15,000 Kc may be imposed for later collection. Laws and regulations are enforced with vigor in the Czech Republic - follow the rules.

Parking

Parking is only allowed on the right side of the road, but this restriction does not apply to one-way roads. Parking along a tram line is prohibited unless a 3.5-metre wide lane is left between the vehicle and the tram lane. Don't park within 5 metres of an intersection, pedestrian crossing, or public transportation stop. Don't park within 15 metres of a train crossing.

Your vehicle is banned from the Prague city centre unless you're staying in a hotel there. But don't worry, the true city centre is really a rather small area. If you're staying in a private room near Wenceslas Square (Vacavske namesti), try parking on one of the streets behind the National Museum; parking on these streets is unrestricted and free of charge. Illegally parked vehicles may be towed or clamped.

Licence

You are required to carry an International Driving Permit.

Equipment

You must carry a warning triangle and a first aid kit in or on your vehicle; though the warning triangle requirement does not apply to motorcyclists. Helmets and goggles are compulsory for motorcyclists and their passengers riding a machine with a 50 cc or larger engine.

Fuel

Fuel stations are usually located on the edge of towns. Stations on international roads and in large towns are open 24 hours. Credit cards are accepted in main towns and in popular tourist areas. Finding a station in Prague is difficult. Leaded regular petrol has an octane rating of 91; the octane rating of super is 96. Lead-free petrol is known as natural; its octane rating is 95 or 98. Diesel is designated by a sign that reads TT Diesel.

Tolls

To travel the expressways your vehicle must bear a special sticker on its windscreen. The sticker costs 800 Kc and is valid for a year.