Why Czechs drive on the right. Nowadays, Britain and some of its former colonies are almost the only countries where people drive on the left. Sticking to the left was originally the general rule, and was legislated by a papal decree around 1300.
Dangerous roads in the Czech Republic
If you are driving yourself around the country, drive carefully – particularly at night. Be aware that driving in the Czech Republic can be dangerous due to poorly repaired roads, lack of safe infrastructure and poor or inadequate signage.No, you do not need to rent a car in Prague; in fact, you should NOT rent a car in Prague. When we visited Prague, we stayed in a hotel near Old Town Square, and walked everywhere. All of the adjoining countries are easy to get to by train or car.
All vehicles with a permissible total weight of more than 3.5 tons (also mobile homes) must pay the route-based toll with an electronic toll box (Premid Box). Road sections free of charge also exist which are identified by a sign with the lettering “BEZ POPLATKU” or by a crossed out vignette.
Safety in Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic
| Safety walking alone during daylight | 91.67 | Very High |
|---|
| Safety walking alone during night | 66.67 | High |
A vignette obligation exists in the Czech Republic for all vehicles, up to and including 3.5 tons, on all roads which are identified with sign-posting “Highway” and “Express Way”. Road sections free of charge also exist which are identified by a sign with the lettering “BEZ POPLATKU” or by a crossed out vignette.
Thanks for your question. Yes, most likely you will need to purchase a highway sticker for your trip. Although it also depends on the route you take to Prague from Germany. Not all roads require a highway sticker.
To access a number of Czech highways, you must buy a sticker which you can get at almost every gas station, post office or when crossing borders. The sticker is called “Dálniční známka”. The sticker must be placed at the bottom right of the windscreen and can be used for 1 vehicle only.
Provisions of the law on road safety stipulate that short term visitors to the Czech Republic who hold a U.S. driver's license may drive in the Czech Republic with a U.S. license under the condition that they have an International Driving Permit to accompany their license. Please note that the IDP expires in one year.
For the most part, German rental cars can be driven throughout Western Europe. You will pay a small premium to take those cars to Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary, Slovenia and Croatia.
Similar as in Austria, there is a vignette for 10-days vignette 310 CZK, a monthly for 440 CZK and an annual for 1.500 CZK. You can buy the vignettes online at large automobile clubs, gas stations, customs offices, travel agencies, post offices or in exchange offices.
Distance between
Calais and
Prague is 892 kilometers (554
miles).
Driving distance from Calais to Prague is 1100 kilometers (683
miles).
Estimated Travel Time Between Calais and Prague.
| Average Speed | Travel Time |
|---|
| 60 mph (97 km/h) | 11 hours 20 minutes |
| 70 mph (112 km/h) | 09 hours 49 minutes |
If you are a citizen of a non-EU country and your driving license complies with the conditions of road traffic of the Czech Republic, you may retain and use your driving license from your native country, but only for one year for a short or long-term stay.
Countries that require "vignettes" are: Austria, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia and Switzerland.
As for traveling within Europe, some countries require a passport to cross borders, but 26 countries are a party to the Schengen Agreement, which means you do not need a passport to travel between these countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland,
To obtain an International Driving Permit, you will need to provide:
- Download and fill out an application, and bring it to a AAA branch office that offers IDP service.
- Two original passport pictures (Many AAA branch offices offer photo services.
- A valid U.S. driver's license.
- Pay a $20 USD permit fee.
Every person driving a motor vehicle in the Czech Republic has to carry either a Czech national driver's license or an international driver's license accepted in the Czech Republic. National driver's licenses issued by provinces of Canada are not accepted in the Czech Republic.
Speed limits in the Czech Republic vary depending on the type of road, and whether the road is within a settlement or not. The top speed limit is 130 km/h (81 mph) for motorways outside of settlements, whereas on regular roads within a settlement the speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph).
The vignette must be applied to the inside of your windshield according to the enclosed instructions, before you cross the Swiss border.
The driving licence requirements in Slovakia state that you must have a full driving licence that is valid in your country of residence and be at least 18 years old. An international driver's licence is also recommended.
When driving in Austria the following documents should be carried:
- Full, valid driving licence*
- Proof of Insurance (third party or above)
- Proof of ID (Passport)
- Proof of ownership (V5C certificate)
Many European countries—like the United Kingdom and Ireland—recognize U.S. driver's licenses. However, plenty of countries—like Italy, Germany, and Spain—require that you also apply for and carry an International Driving Permit (IDP).
If you're travelling through more than one country, you might need more than one type of IDP . If you're hiring a car, check with your car hire company. If the country you're visiting is not included here, check with the embassy of the country you're travelling to. You do not need an IDP to drive here.
How long does it take to get an IDP? Drivers are able to get their IDP over the counter on the same day, provided they have the supporting documents. You can also order one as early as three months prior and delay the start date of your permit, however a permit cannot be backdated.
Transportation and Driving in Italy. Tourists may also use their valid American driver's license if accompanied by an official translation in Italian. Americans registered as residents with the local Vital Records Bureau (known as Anagrafe) must apply for an Italian license within one year of the date of registration.
To rent a car in the Czech Republic, you must be at least 21 years old (age may vary by car category) and have held your license for 1 year. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge. In some cases, a maximum age of 70 exists.
An international driver's permit in Italy is required by law if you plan to operate a vehicle in Italy - whether you're renting a car in Italy or booking an international rental which will take you briefly across the Italian border. We recommend that you apply for an IDP at least one month before you need to use it.
As of January 1, 1999, U.S. driver's license holders must be in possession of a German license six months after entering the country, if they wish to continue driving. U.S. citizens planning to stay less than a year, however, may legally drive in Germany for up to 364 days in Germany on their U.S. driver's licenses.
Driving in Europe with US licenses is acceptable in most countries, but a select few disallow it. Make sure you look into what countries you can and cannot visit with your US driver's licence, and keep in mind, an international licence can come in handy either way.
Important documents for driving in Europe
- Full, valid driving licence and national insurance number.
- Proof of vehicle insurance.
- Proof of ID (passport)
- V5C certificate (the 'log book')
- Travel insurance documents.
- European Breakdown Cover policy number and documents.
