Toll
Most European countries impose toll charges; thus, there is a toll obligation. This means that fees are charged for using certain routes, tunnels and bridges. The revenue generated is used for the expansion and maintenance of the road network and contributes to a journey that runs as smoothly as possible. The focus is particularly on investments in infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as measures for environmental protection.
Infrastructure: construction and maintenance of roads and motorways
Traffic safety and traffic management: new technologies such as intelligent transport systems or toll gantries
Environmental protection: expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions
How is the toll collected?
The toll can be collected in different forms. These include the vignette requirement, the distance-based toll as well as special toll routes.
Vignette requirement: cars (with trailer) & motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW
Under the vignette requirement, toll charges are not calculated based on kilometres driven, but are levied as a flat rate that varies depending on the duration of travel. Accordingly, you purchase a digital vignette before starting your journey and choose the appropriate validity period. Depending on the vehicle class, the price of the vignette may vary. In the Czech Republic, vehicle classes are distinguished according to the fuel type of the vehicle.
By purchasing the vignette, you make a one-time purchase that allows you to use all toll roads (except special toll routes). In the Czech Republic, the vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW. However, there are exceptions: motorcycles do not require a vignette in the Czech Republic, meaning that no vignette purchase is required to use the road network in this case. Detailed information on the various vehicle classes and the respective vignette requirement can be found in our guide.
Distance-based toll: lorries, cars with trailers and motorhomes over 3.5 t GVW
The distance-based toll applies in the Czech Republic to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (lorries, buses, motorhomes). Unlike the vignette requirement, this is not a flat rate; instead, the charges are based, among other things, on the road category, the distance travelled (kilometres), the vehicle category (weight class and number of axles), the CO2 emission class, and in some cases the time of day (higher prices may apply between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.). As a result, the amount of the toll can vary significantly. Collection is carried out using a transponder (transmitter device).
Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay tolls in the Czech Republic on motorways, expressways and marked sections of so-called Class 1 roads. These sections are marked with an “M” on a yellow background. The satellite-based transmitter device (on-board unit OBU 5051) enables automatic toll collection. For vehicles subject to the distance-based toll (over 3.5 t GVW), the vignette requirement (up to 3.5 t GVW) does not apply. Further information on the vehicle classes subject to the distance-based toll can be found in our guide.
Please note that your vehicle must be registered in the electronic toll system and a deposit must be lodged before using a toll road. It must also be ensured that the transmitter device is properly installed in the vehicle. If you do not yet own a transmitter device, you can purchase one at a Mytocz sales point. There you will receive the MYTO CZ OBU, i.e. the Czech on-board unit for automated toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. Especially for frequent travellers and foreign vehicles that regularly cross the Czech Republic, such toll boxes (like the MYTO CZ OBU) offer a convenient and straightforward way to have toll billing carried out automatically.
Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 t, which were previously exempt from tolls, have also been subject to tolls since March 2024. Payment can be made either in advance or afterwards (pre-pay vs. post-pay).
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
We wish you a pleasant journey to the Czech Republic and lots of enjoyment on your exploration tour through the country's impressive nature. Please inform yourself in good time about the applicable toll regulations. In addition, our route planner is available to help you plan your journey optimally and display the relevant toll products. If you have any questions, we will of course be happy to help. Please feel free to contact us at any time by email.
