Destinations / Czechia
Driving in Czechia as a visitor
Usually yes. Czechia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Czechia expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in CZK. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Alcohol | Zero-tolerance alcohol limit (0.0%). |
|---|---|
| Tolls | Motorway e-vignette required. |
| Lights | Headlights on at all times. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle mandatory. |
On the road in Czechia
At the pump
Stations sell Natural 95/98 petrol and Nafta diesel and are plentiful, mostly self-serve with wide card acceptance. Prices run roughly CZK 36-40 per litre; motorway stations are pricier than supermarket-affiliated ones.
After a crash
Call 112 (or police 158); police attendance is mandatory if there is injury, damage above CZK 100,000, or damage to a third party's or public property. For minor damage-only crashes, complete a European Accident Statement and exchange details.
Sources: rac.co.uk · portal.gov.cz · tolls.eu · mobility.autopay.eu
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Czechia?
Usually yes. Czechia expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Czechia accept?
Czechia recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Czechia ask for one?
Prague desks request an IDP for non-EU licences; e-vignette comes with most rentals.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.