Czech Republic By car in the Czech Republic

If you are visiting the Czech Republic temporarily or staying here for a longer period, renting a car is a convenient way to get around. This is especially true if you plan to travel between cities or outside the country. However, there are some details to consider before booking.

What documents are required?

Ukrainian drivers can rent a car provided they have a standard set of documents:

• Foreign passport or ID card with translation;
• Ukrainian national driver's license — it is recognized in the Czech Republic for 1 year from the date of first entry or official registration;
• International Driving Permit (IDP) — not always required, but recommended. Some companies require an IDP along with a national license;
• Bank card (Visa/Mastercard) — required to block a deposit (from €200 to €1,000 depending on the car);
• Valid visa or residence permit (for residents or temporary protection).

Another important point is age and experience. The minimum age for renting is 21, but for certain classes of cars (e.g., premium or minivan), it can be 23 to 25, and an additional fee applies for young drivers (the so-called “young driver surcharge”). Some companies require at least 1 year of driving experience, while others require up to 2 years.

A deposit is mandatory. Rental companies only accept credit cards: Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, which must be in your name. Debit cards are usually not accepted because the deposit is blocked in cash and returned after the car is returned undamaged.

Additional requirements may include:

• For drivers aged 60+, a medical certificate of fitness to drive is required, which must be presented when picking up the car.
• If you plan to travel to other EU member states, you should inform the company in advance — additional insurance or permission to cross the border is usually required.

Where to rent?

You can rent directly from the offices of international companies such as Hertz, Sixt, Avis, and Budget, or through online platforms such as Rentalcars, Localrent, or DiscoverCars. Platforms often offer better prices, promotions, and extended cancellation terms.

Check whether the necessary options are included in the price: child seat, GPS, winter tires, border crossing, etc.

Rental cost in 2026

The cost depends on the season, car class, and rental duration. On average:

• a small city car (such as a Fiat Panda or Skoda Fabia) will cost €25-30 per day;
• a compact sedan or hatchback — €35-50;
a minivan or SUV — €70 and above;
• electric cars and premium models can cost €100–150 or more.

It is cheapest to rent a car for a week or longer. It is also cheaper to rent outside the airport, where additional fees often apply.

Insurance

Most rental companies already include mandatory civil liability insurance, which protects against damage to third parties, as well as fire and theft insurance. However, even such basic insurance may have a deductible — that is, a portion of the damage that you cover.

To completely reduce the risks, additional options are often offered:

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) — reduces your liability in case of damage to the bodywork, but has limitations: it does not cover tires, windows, underbody, mirrors, or interior equipment.
• Super Collision Damage Waiver (SCDW) — even broader coverage — can reduce the deductible to zero and covers additional areas of the car (such as tires or glass). This is especially useful if you are driving in difficult weather conditions or on rural roads.

Some rental companies also offer Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) for additional protection for the driver and passengers in case of injury.

Before purchasing an additional package, be sure to:

• check whether your credit card already covers such risks — some provide Collision Damage Waiver or even full coverage at no extra cost;
• familiarize yourself with the terms of the deductible (excess) — it can be hundreds or even thousands of euros, depending on the class of the car.

Traveling outside the Czech Republic

Most rental companies allow travel to EU countries such as Germany, Austria, Poland, or Slovakia. However, you must indicate this intention in advance when booking — not all cars have the appropriate insurance, and some companies charge an additional fee.

Trips to the Balkan countries or Ukraine are generally prohibited.

If you are traveling through the Czech Republic in a car with Ukrainian license plates or have rented a car, don't relax. Roadside checks in the country are strict, and the penalty system leaves no room for “maybe they won't notice.” Rules are respected here, otherwise you pay. To avoid unpleasant surprises, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the main nuances.

Speed limits

In the Czech Republic, it's like a Swiss watch: what is written on the sign is what you have to follow. If you exceed the speed limit, be prepared for a fine. Even for +5 km/h.

The main limits are:

• in cities — up to 50 km/h;
  
• in residential areas — often 30 km/h;
  
• on interurban roads — up to 90 km/h;
  
• on highways — up to 130 km/h.

Violations are recorded by automatic radars, which are often hidden. The fine may arrive even a week later — directly to your email or to the address of the car owner, if it is a rental company.

Typical rules that are better not to break

• Headlights — must be on at all times, day and night.
• Seat belts — for all passengers. Even in the back seats.
  
• Using a phone while driving — only in hands-free mode. Anything else will result in a fine.
  
• Alcohol — zero tolerance. Yes, even “one beer with friends” while driving is a violation.

🚨 If you are stopped by the police, stay calm and cooperate. The police can check your documents or conduct a breathalyzer test even without a clear reason — it is legal.

Fines

The size of the fines may surprise you, especially if you are used to Ukrainian realities:

• speeding — from 1,000 to 10,000 CZK (40–400 euros);
  
• passenger not wearing a seatbelt — up to CZK 2,000;
• talking on the phone — up to CZK 2,500;
  
• driving under the influence — from CZK 25,000, plus possible revocation of your license and even deportation;
  
• parking on a pedestrian crossing or in a disabled parking space — from CZK 1,000 to CZK 5,000.

In addition, an administrative fee is often added to the fine, especially if the car is rented. The rental company will simply debit the money from your card without further consultation.

If the fine was issued by the police on the spot

In the Czech Republic, there is a so-called block fine (bloková pokuta) — this is a standard practice where patrol officers immediately offer to pay the fine on the spot.

How it works:

• they explain the nature of the violation to you;
  
• they announce the amount of the fine (up to CZK 5,000 on the spot);
  
• if you agree, you can pay immediately by bank card through a terminal in the patrol car;
  
• if you are unable to pay, you will receive a receipt for later payment.

💡 Please note: the police do not have the right to demand payment in cash if you are unable to pay — they are obliged to issue you with an official receipt for payment.

If the fine was sent by mail (in the case of camera recording)

Such fines are sent:

• to the address of the car owner (if it is a rental, to the company);
  
• or to the email address provided during rental/registration.
  

You will receive a letter (or email) with payment details. It will contain:

• the reason for the fine;
  
• the date and place of the violation;
  
• the amount;
  
• bank details for the transfer (IBAN, SWIFT/BIC);
  
• the payer's index (variabilní symbol) — this must be specified in the payment description so that your payment can be identified.

A traffic accident is always stressful, especially in a foreign country. If you are involved in a traffic accident in the Czech Republic in your own or a rented car, it is important to remain calm and act consistently. Firstly, stop, turn on your hazard lights, and make sure that no one is injured.

In the event of a serious accident with injuries or significant damage:

• call the police immediately at 112;
  
• call an ambulance if necessary;
  
• stay at the scene until emergency services arrive;
  
• do not move the car (unless it is necessary for safety reasons).

In the event of a minor accident in the Czech Republic, it is permissible to file a report “without the police” if:

• there are no injuries;
  
• only property (car) damage has been caused;
  
• both parties agree on the circumstances;
  
• the parties have completed the Europrotocol — the “Záznam o dopravní nehodě” form.

The form must include:

• the date, location, names, and contact details of the drivers;
  
• car and insurance numbers;
  
• a description of the events and damage;
  
• a diagram of the collision;
  
• signatures of both parties.

📌 The form can be obtained from the rental car company or downloaded in advance. It should be kept in the glove compartment.

Important: even if the police were not called, you are required to notify your insurance company as soon as possible (usually within 24 hours). If the car is rented, also inform the rental company.

For Ukrainian drivers, Czech roads seem mostly convenient — the asphalt is of high quality, the markings are clear, and the rules are familiar. However, there are a number of local features that are worth knowing in order to avoid violations or misunderstandings.

Driving manners

Czechs behind the wheel are mostly restrained and predictable. It is not customary here to:

• honk without extreme necessity;
  
• flash your headlights to “drive out” the left lane;
  
• overtake across a solid line or within pedestrian crossings.

On highways, the left lane is intended exclusively for passing. If you stay there unnecessarily, you may be flashed or even fined.

Behavior at intersections and roundabouts

At unregulated intersections, the right-hand rule applies — you must yield to traffic on your right. At roundabouts, on the contrary, the driver already on the roundabout has the right of way.

In some cities, such as Brno or Plzeň, there are separate lanes for public transport. Driving in them is prohibited unless otherwise indicated by a sign.

Use of lights

Low beams must be turned on at all times, regardless of the time of day or weather conditions. This rule applies year-round.

Also, don't forget:

• from November to March, you must use winter tires if the temperature drops below 4°C;
• low beams must also be turned on in tunnels and underground parking lots.

Parking

Cities have a system of colored zones:

• white — public (payment via parking meter or app);
  
• blue — for residents only;
  
• yellow — no parking.

In Prague, we recommend using the mobile app PID Lítačka or Parkuj v klidu to find permitted parking spaces.

📌 Do not leave your car with the engine running or unattended at public transport stops — this is grounds for a fine.