Why Do You Have to Pay Toll Fees?

Most European countries charge toll fees; therefore, a toll obligation applies. This means that fees are required for the use of certain roads, tunnels, and bridges. The revenue generated is invested in the expansion and maintenance of the road network and helps ensure a smooth journey. The main areas of investment include infrastructure, traffic management and road safety, as well as environmental protection measures.

• Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and highways
• Road safety and traffic management: New technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll gantries
• Environmental protection: Expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions

How Is the Toll Collected?

Tolls can be collected in different ways. These include the vignette requirement, the distance-based toll, and special toll routes.

Vignette Requirement: Passenger Cars (with trailer) & Motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW

Under the vignette system, toll fees are not calculated based on the number of kilometers driven but are charged as a flat rate, which varies depending on the duration of travel. Accordingly, you purchase a digital vignette before starting your journey and select the appropriate validity period. The price of the vignette may vary depending on the vehicle class. In the Czech Republic, vehicle classes are differentiated based on the vehicle’s fuel type.

By purchasing a vignette, you make a one-time payment that allows you to use all toll roads (excluding 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 no vignette purchase is necessary to use the road network. Detailed information about the different vehicle classes and the respective vignette requirements can be found in our guide.

Distance-Based Toll: Trucks, Passenger Cars with Trailer, and Motorhomes Over 3.5 t GVW

The distance-based toll in the Czech Republic applies to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (trucks, buses, motorhomes). Unlike the vignette system, this is not a flat-rate fee. Instead, charges depend on factors such as the road category, distance traveled (kilometers), vehicle category (weight class and number of axles), CO2 emission class, and in some cases the time of day (higher rates may apply between 10 p.m. and 5 a.m.). As a result, the toll amount may vary considerably. The toll is collected using a transponder (on-board device).

Vehicles over 3.5 t GVW must pay tolls on highways, expressways, and designated sections of first-class roads in the Czech Republic. These sections are marked with an “M” on a yellow background. The satellite-based 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 about 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 before using a toll road, and a deposit must be paid. In addition, the on-board unit must be properly installed in your vehicle. If you do not yet have a transponder, you can purchase one at a Mytocz sales point. There you can obtain the MYTO CZ OBU, the Czech on-board unit used for automatic toll billing. Electronic identification is required for registration. Especially for frequent drivers and foreign vehicles that regularly travel through the Czech Republic, such electronic toll boxes (such as the MYTO CZ OBU) provide a convenient and straightforward way to handle toll payments automatically.

Electric and hydrogen vehicles over 4.25 t that were previously exempt from tolls have also been subject to toll charges since March 2024. Payment can be made either in advance or afterward (pre-pay vs. post-pay).

The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Journey

We wish you a pleasant trip to the Czech Republic and an enjoyable exploration tour through the country’s impressive natural landscapes. Please make sure to 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. Should you have any questions, we are of course happy to assist you. Please feel free to contact us at any time via email.