Car Hire in Czech Republic

Tourist information - Czech Republic

Czech Republic is a landlocked republic in central Europe. It comprises of the historic regions of Bohemia and Moravia and part of Silesia. The republic borders Poland to the north, Germany to the northwest and west, Austria to the south, and Slovakia to the east. Prague is its capital and largest city.

Climate

The Czech Republic has a humid, continental climate, with cold winters and warm summers. The average temperature range in Prague is -13° to 10° C in January and 9° to 33° C in July. Temperatures decrease with increasing altitude.

Principal Cities

Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Other important cities include Brno, Ostrava, Plzeñ, and Olomouc.

Prague (Czech Praha; German Prag), is a city in the west central part of the Czech Republic, the capital and largest city of the country. Prague is in central Bohemia, situated on both sides of the Vltava River. Famous educational sites in Prague include Charles University founded in 1348, the oldest university in central Europe. The Technical University of Prague founded in 1707, and a branch of the Central European University (1991). The city also has many art, music, and professional schools, as well as museums, libraries, and theaters.

Since the fall of Communism in 1989, Prague has become a popular tourist destination. One of the most picturesque cities in Europe, Prague is often called "The City of One Hundred Spires." The settlement of Prague dates back to the 9th century, when it served as the site for many Bohemian castles. The city began to expand in the 13th century with the establishment of German communities by Wenceslas I, king of Bohemia and the start of legend that endures today - that of Father Christmas.

Brno (German Brünn) is a city in the southeastern part of the Czech Republic. Religious and historical sites include the Cathedral of Saint Peter and Saint Paul dating from the 15th century. The Church of Saint James from the 13th century and the Spilberk Castle also 13th century which at various times has been a residence for Czech kings, a military fortress, and a prison.

Ostrava is a city in the north-eastern Czech Republic. Ostrava was founded in the late 1200s, and is the site of the 13th-century Wenceslaus Church and the 17th-century Old Town Hall.

Plzeñ (German Pilsen) is a city in western Czech Republic. Plzeñ is famous for its brewing of beer (Pilsner) since 1842.

Drive on the right, overtake on the left.

The flashing of headlights is used as a warning. Dipped headlights should be used in built-up areas at night. It is mandatory to use daytime running lights while driving during winter time. When waiting at level train crossings use sidelights only. It is prohibited to use mobile telephones while driving with exception of hands-free kits.

Drivers approaching a roundabout must give way to vehicles driving on it (general rule which can be changed by road signs on the spot)

It is prohibited to use radar detectors or devices which influence technical equipment used by the police

Vehicles using blue flashing lights have priority over other vehicles

Rules in force for the behaviour of drivers and passengers of motor vehicles in case of breakdown of the vehicle or accidents in tunnels - e.g. it is prohibited to smoke and passengers are obliged to leave the tunnel or to find shelter immediately.

Change from dipped headlights to sidelights while waiting at level crossings.

Spare fuel in a can (max 20 Litres) may be brought into the country but not out.

Vehicle damage must be notified to the police before entering the country or if damage occurs while there, as you will not be able to leave without the correct documentation.

Pedestrians have the priority on pedestrian crossings but they must give way to trams and vehicles using blue flashing lights even on pedestrian crossings.

SIGN TRANSLATIONS

Prujezd Zakazab = Closed to Vehicles
Obji Zdka = Diversion
Jednosmerny Provoz = One Way Traffic
H Nemocnice = Hospital
Dalkovy Provov = By-pass
CHODTE VLEVO Pedestrians walk on the left
The Czech word nádrazí indicates a train station.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

Equipment
You must carry a warning triangle and a first aid kit in your vehicle also a spare bulb kit.

Speed limits for cars without trailers.

Built-up areas = 50 kph (31 mph)
Major roads outside towns = 90 kph (56 mph)
Motorways = 130 kph (81 mph)

Seat belt regulations are front seat is compulsory use for all. Rear seat is compulsory if fitted. Children, it is mandatory to use child restrain devices for occupants of cars younger than 18 years and smaller than 150 cm in height on rear seats. Under 12 years and/or less than 1.5 metres not allowed in front.

DRIVING LICENCE

International Driving Permit is required unless you have a photo card licence.
Minimum driving age 18.

INSURANCE

If you are driving your own car or have crossed a border you need Third-Party insurance which is compulsory. A Green Card recommended.

FINES

Motoring offences attract an on-the-spot fine of up to 2,000 Kc. An official receipt should be issued. Police are empowered to collect these fines of up to 2000 Kc on the spot but fines of up to 15,000 Kc may be imposed for later collection if you do not pay there and then. Laws and regulations are enforced with vigor in the Czech Republic - follow the rules.

DRINKING and DRIVING

Drinking and Driving is not permitted.
Blood / Alcohol limit is 0mg (zero tolerance).

EMERGENCY PHONE NUMBERS

Police
158

Fire Service
150

Ambulance
155

Trams should be passed on the right; if there is no room on the right, trams can be passed on the left. It's illegal in Prague to pass trams on the left.

PARKING

Do not park anywhere near tram or bus stops. Park facing the same direction as traffic flow.
Illegally parked cars will be wheel clamped or towed away.

FUEL

Fuel stations are usually located on the edge of towns. Stations on international roads and in large towns are open 24 hours. Credit cards are accepted in main towns and in popular tourist areas. Finding a station in Prague is difficult. Diesel is designated by a sign that reads TT Diesel.

MasterCarsDirect offers car hire in the following locations in the Czech Republic

Prague Airport (PRG), Prague Ostrava Airport,  Bratislava and other locations.