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Czech Republic
Following the First World War, the closely related Czechs and Slovaks of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire merged to form Czechoslovakia. During the interwar years, the new country's leaders were frequently preoccupied with meeting the demands of other ethnic minorities within the republic, most notably the Sudeten Germans and the Ruthenians (Ukrainians). After World War II, a truncated Czechoslovakia fell within the Soviet sphere of influence. In 1968, an invasion by Warsaw Pact troops ended the efforts of the country's leaders to liberalize Communist party rule and create "socialism with a human face." Anti-Soviet demonstrations the following year ushered in a period of harsh repression. With the collapse of Soviet authority in 1989, Czechoslovakia regained its freedom through a peaceful "Velvet Revolution." On 1 January 1993, the country underwent a "velvet divorce" into its two national components, the Czech Republic and Slovakia. The Czech Republic joined NATO in 1999 and the European Union in 2004.
Towns in Czech Republic (click town name for more information)
Driving Advice in Czech Republic
Driving in Czech Republic - some useful information:
Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
The flashing of headlights is used as a warning. Dipped headlights should be used in built-up areas at night. It is mandatory to use daytime running lights while driving during winter time. When waiting at level train crossings use sidelights only. It is prohibited to use mobile telephones while driving with exception of hands-free kits.
Drivers approaching a roundabout must give way to vehicles driving on it (general rule which can be changed by road signs on the spot)
It is prohibited to use radar detectors or devices which influence technical equipment used by the police
Vehicles using blue flashing lights have priority over other vehicles
Rules in force for the behaviour of drivers and passengers of motor vehicles in case of breakdown of the vehicle or accidents in tunnels - e.g. it is prohibited to smoke and passengers are obliged to leave the tunnel or to find shelter immediately.
Change from dipped headlights to sidelights while waiting at level crossings.
Spare fuel in a can (max 20 Litres) may be brought into the country but not out.
Vehicle damage 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.
Pedestrians have the priority on pedestrian crossings but they must give way to trams and vehicles using blue flashing lights even on pedestrian crossings.
SIGN TRANSLATIONS
Prujezd Zakazab = Closed to Vehicles
Obji Zdka = Diversion
Jednosmerny Provoz = One Way Traffic
H Nemocnice = Hospital
Dalkovy Provov = By-pass
CHODTE VLEVO Pedestrians walk on the left
The Czech word nádrazí indicates a train station.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Equipment
You must carry a warning triangle and a first aid kit in your vehicle also a spare bulb kit.
Speed limits for cars without trailers.
Built-up areas = 50 kph (31 mph)
Major roads outside towns = 90 kph (56 mph)
Motorways = 130 kph (81 mph)
Seat belt regulations are front seat is compulsory use for all. Rear seat is compulsory if fitted. Children, 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.
DRIVING LICENCE
International Driving Permit is required unless you have a photo card licence.
Minimum driving age 18.
INSURANCE
If you are driving your own car or have crossed a border you need Third-Party insurance which is compulsory. A Green Card recommended.
FINES
Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine of up to 2,000 Kc. An official receipt should be issued. Police are empowered to collect these fines of up to 2000 Kc on the spot but fines of up to 15,000 Kc may be imposed for later collection if you do not pay there and then. Laws and regulations are enforced with vigor in the Czech Republic - follow the rules.
DRINKING and DRIVING
Drinking and Driving is not permitted.
Blood / Alcohol limit is 0mg (zero tolerance).
EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS
Police
158
Fire Service
150
Ambulance
155
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.
PARKING
Do not park anywhere near tram or bus stops. Park facing the same direction as traffic flow.
Illegally parked cars will be wheel clamped or towed away.
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. Diesel is designated by a sign that reads TT Diesel.
We offer car hire in the following locations in the Czech Republic
Prague Airport (PRG), Prague Ostrava Airport, Bratislava and other locations.
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