Fines and Consequences

In the Czech Republic, a general vignette requirement applies. The vignette is an important instrument for financing and maintaining the national road network. You can purchase the digital vignette from us. A detailed explanation of whether and which vignette is required can be found in our article on toll and vignette regulations in the Czech Republic.

The toll obligation applies to all motor vehicles using highways and expressways in the Czech Republic. The obligation applies to both domestic and foreign vehicles with at least four wheels, provided the maximum permissible weight does not exceed 3.5 tons. Trailers and motorcycles are exempt. Vehicles with a total weight exceeding 3.5 tons must pay a distance-based toll and do not require a vignette. Instead, they must carry an onboard unit that can be obtained locally. This device determines the payable toll based on the kilometers driven and the vehicle category.

Certain exceptions exist: for example, almost the entire D0 motorway and parts of the D1 and D5 can be used without a vignette.

Compliance with toll regulations is not only legally binding but also contributes to supporting the transport system in the Czech Republic. Non-compliance can result in severe financial and legal consequences. It is therefore strongly recommended to become familiar with the toll system and to take all necessary steps for registration and timely payment of the toll.

Penalties for Not Having a Vignette

Driving in the Czech Republic without a valid (digital) vignette can lead to significant penalties. This section provides an overview of potential fines and other sanctions.

Failure to pay the toll is not tolerated and can have serious consequences. Compliance is monitored both manually by the traffic police and automatically through camera systems. Circumvention of the system is virtually impossible, as license plates are automatically recorded by toll bridges on highways and expressways and compared with the central database. If a vehicle is not listed, the highway police are immediately informed.

Violations of the vignette obligation result in fines that vary depending on the severity and duration of the infringement. In addition to monetary penalties, legal consequences may follow, which can significantly affect further participation in road traffic.

If caught driving on toll roads without a valid vignette, a fine of up to 20,000 CZK (approximately 800 euros) may be imposed.

In cases that escalate to legal proceedings, fines may reach up to 100,000 CZK (around 4,000 euros). This applies, for example, if a vignette exemption is applied for without entitlement, accompanied by an attempt to intentionally deceive the system. As such cases are difficult to prove, we strongly recommend purchasing a vignette in advance.