Like all big European cities, Prague has quite heavy traffic. Drivers in Czech Republic are some of the worst in Europe. If you can, just avoid driving there. Especially in the city centre where narrow and winding streets get jammed every minute. If thinking of driving or taking a taxi to the city centre in the peak hours, from around 4pm onwards consider using a metro (a much faster option). Also Friday and Sunday afternoons are not recommended for driving in the city as many people will be leaving or returning from their (weekend houses) weekend city escapes. Core centre has quite a lot of pedestrian streets only, where you cannot drive.

Don’t forget that to drive a car in Czech Republic you must be at least 18. Most foreign driving licences are accepted, Australian and New Zealand drivers should obtain an International Driving Licence.

If entering the Czech Republic by car you will need the following: a valid driving licence, vehicle registration card, hire certification (if a car is not yours then a signed agreement by owner that you’re allowed to drive that car is recommended), Green Card (an international motoring certificate for insurance) and highway sticker (can be purchased at the border).

If driving in Czech Republic you must carry a first-aid kit, a set of replacement bulbs, a spare tire and red warning triangles. Safety belts must be worn both in and outside towns and villages. Speed limits are 130kph on motorways, 90kph on other roads and 50kph in build-up areas (in towns and villages). Drive carefully, there is no four way stop intersections as in the USA. When turning at junctions be also careful, as you get a green light, the pedestrians will also get a green man. This sometimes results in drivers rear-ending. In Czech you have to give way to pedestrians crossing at a marked crossing place. If you want to you use some motorways outside of Prague you will need to pay a special tax. If you pay this you will receive a round sticker which you put on the car (can be bought at post offices - 15days tax cost 200CZK or 1 year 900CZK). In the winter time the motor vehicles must be alighting all day.

Prices of petrol are a little bit cheaper compare to some EU countries (particularly UK). You can expect to pay between 25 CZK to 30 CZK (around 0.70 GBP) for a litre of unleaded or leaded fuel.

Remember: You are required to have a zero blood alcohol level when driving.  Breath testing is quite rare but still be careful when driving late night or early Fri or Sat morning. If you are caught first time you pay a hefty fine around 5000CZK and even worst, you can go to the court or be arrested.

In the Prague and Czech Republic we drive on the right side.

Last year new law makes Czech roads safer. But it's on a collision course with public, political opinion. So from the day when new point system was established drivers are more careful as they can easily loose their driving licence.

Emergency Breakdowns and Road Assistance.
ABA - Autoklub Bohemia Assistance - phone 1240
Ustredni automotoklub - phone 1230
Servis 24 - phone 261 104 477 (for buses, coaches, lorries and trucks)
Skoda Assistance - phone 261 104 666