The Czech Republic is crossed by 18 separate highways for rapid transportation. When planning a Czech trip, it is particularly important to check whether the pre-planned route requires the purchase of an e-vignette. If during the planning it turns out that the route includes roads that can only be used with an e-vignette, then arrangements should be made in time to purchase it.
When traveling to the Czech Republic, e-vignettes are continuously checked by cameras installed on control gates, and the relevant authorities also often conduct random stationary and moving inspections. Since it is mandatory to provide the license plate number when purchasing a Czech e-vignette, the cameras can easily track whether there is a valid e-vignette for the given vehicle. The fastest and most modern option for this is online purchase, as it arrives in your email within minutes and becomes valid.
If the e-vignette has not been purchased, or if the order was placed with incorrect information accidentally, then unfortunately a high fine should be expected. It is important to know that a retrospectively purchased e-vignette is not valid retroactively and does not waive the fine either.
In the Czech Republic, minimum two-lane roads also belong to the highway category. Two lanes are usually complemented by an emergency lane. Currently, the speed limit on highways is 130 km/h.
When selecting a route, it should be taken into account that 1-2 of the existing highways are usually under continuous renovation. The highways that are fully completed are: D1, D56, D2, D5, D8, D10, and D46. The completion date for the D50 highway was scheduled for the year 2022.
The D1 highway running through the center of the country is currently the busiest road in the Czech Republic. The section before Prague was expanded from four to six lanes for this reason, and further similar conversions are planned for sections around Brno. The D11 highway and the R35 expressway can also provide relief.
The numbering system for highways is based on the numbers of former national roads, as new roads receive the numbers of old regional roads. When the construction of a highway is completed, the leading road is converted into a regional road, marked with 3 digits, usually starting with the number 6.
For example, the section between Prague and Lovosice used to have a highway, but since the D8 highway is now completed, the original road was renamed to road number 608 according to the rules. Regional roads are maintained by county-level administrations.
These roads are also strictly monitored to see whether the driver has consumed alcohol or drugs. The driver's license may be revoked, even if the driver is a citizen of another country. Drivers caught using their phone while driving can also expect a high fine.
The 2024 Official Czech Highway e-Vignette can be purchased here, in the shop.
