Driving Differences: Czech Republic vs. United Kingdom
When navigating the roads of the Czech Republic and the United Kingdom, understanding their unique traffic regulations and road customs is essential for a safe journey. Key distinctions include driving on opposite sides, varied speed limits, and specific lane usage rules. Familiarizing yourself with these nuances will enhance your driving experience abroad.
Lanes
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Side | Right | Left |
| Markings: Solid White Line | No crossing or lane changes allowed. | Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle). |
| Markings: Solid Yellow Line | Used for marking no-parking zones. | Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions. |
| Markings: Double Solid White Line | No crossing in either direction. | Do not cross or straddle in either direction. |
| Markings: Dashed Yellow Line | Used for temporary traffic situations. | Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK. |
| Overtaking: On Right | Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left. | Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks. |
| Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4] | Railroad crossings | Near schools |
| Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles | Use rightmost lane. | Use leftmost lane. |
| Bus Lanes: Usage | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis. | Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours. |
| Bus Lanes: Markings | Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs. | Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours. |
| Cycle Lanes: Usage | Exclusive for bicycles. | Mostly exclusive for bicycles. |
| Cycle Lanes: Markings | Bicycle symbols and colored pavement. | Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement. |
| High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence | No | No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads. |
Driving Side
czech republic:
Right
united kingdom:
Left
Markings: Solid White Line
czech republic:
No crossing or lane changes allowed.
united kingdom:
Do not cross unless it is safe and necessary (e.g., overtaking a stationary vehicle).
Markings: Solid Yellow Line
czech republic:
Used for marking no-parking zones.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used in the UK, yellow lines usually indicate parking restrictions.
Markings: Double Solid White Line
czech republic:
No crossing in either direction.
united kingdom:
Do not cross or straddle in either direction.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
czech republic:
Used for temporary traffic situations.
united kingdom:
Not commonly used for lane markings in the UK.
Overtaking: On Right
czech republic:
Only on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
united kingdom:
Prohibited unless in specific situations such as roadworks.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 4]
czech republic:
Railroad crossings
united kingdom:
Near schools
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
czech republic:
Use rightmost lane.
united kingdom:
Use leftmost lane.
Bus Lanes: Usage
czech republic:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
united kingdom:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis, cyclists, and motorcycles during specific hours.
Bus Lanes: Markings
czech republic:
Labeled 'BUS' or specific road signs.
united kingdom:
Labeled 'BUS LANE'; often with signs indicating operating hours.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
czech republic:
Exclusive for bicycles.
united kingdom:
Mostly exclusive for bicycles.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
czech republic:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
united kingdom:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes colored pavement.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
czech republic:
No
united kingdom:
No, generally not used in the UK for regular roads, but sometimes used on specific toll roads.
Speeds Limits
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Urban Areas: Standard | 50 km/h | 30 mph |
| Urban Areas: Residential Zones | 20-30 km/h | 20 mph in some areas |
| Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles | 90 km/h | 60 mph |
| Rural Areas: Buses And Vans | 90 km/h | 50 mph |
| Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers | 90 km/h | 50 mph |
| Highways: Cars And Motorcycles | 130 km/h | 70 mph |
| Highways: Buses And Vans | 100 km/h | 60 mph |
| Highways: Trucks And Trailers | 80-90 km/h | 60 mph |
| Speed Units | km/h | mph |
| Variable Speed Limits: Indications | Electronic signs display current limits. | Electronic signs display current limits |
| Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines | Yes, commonly applied | Not typically used; fines are usually mailed |
Urban Areas: Standard
czech republic:
50 km/h
united kingdom:
30 mph
Urban Areas: Residential Zones
czech republic:
20-30 km/h
united kingdom:
20 mph in some areas
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
czech republic:
90 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
czech republic:
90 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
czech republic:
90 km/h
united kingdom:
50 mph
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
czech republic:
130 km/h
united kingdom:
70 mph
Highways: Buses And Vans
czech republic:
100 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
czech republic:
80-90 km/h
united kingdom:
60 mph
Speed Units
czech republic:
km/h
united kingdom:
mph
Variable Speed Limits: Indications
czech republic:
Electronic signs display current limits.
united kingdom:
Electronic signs display current limits
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
czech republic:
Yes, commonly applied
united kingdom:
Not typically used; fines are usually mailed
Signals
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles. | Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles |
| Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together | Not used. | Prepare to go, not used in the USA |
| Horn Usage: Allowed | Only in cases to avoid accidents. | Only in cases to avoid accidents |
| Horn Usage: Prohibited Times | Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas. | Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply |
| Horn Usage: Penalties | Fines may apply for misuse. | Fines may apply for misuse |
| Headlight Flash: Usage | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking. | To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking |
| Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage | Not to be used to signal other messages. | Not to be used to signal other messages |
| Hand Signals: Permitted | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning. | Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning |
| Hand Signals: Common Usage | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected. | Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected |
| Traffic Signs: Language | Czech; symbols are standard. | English; symbols are standard |
| Traffic Signs: Priority | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed. | Yield and stop signs must be obeyed |
| Traffic Signs: Warning | Triangle-shaped with red border. | Triangular-shaped with a red border |
Traffic Lights: Flashing Amber
czech republic:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles.
united kingdom:
Proceed with caution, yield to pedestrians and other vehicles
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
czech republic:
Not used.
united kingdom:
Prepare to go, not used in the USA
Horn Usage: Allowed
czech republic:
Only in cases to avoid accidents.
united kingdom:
Only in cases to avoid accidents
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
czech republic:
Unnecessary use prohibited in most areas.
united kingdom:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
Horn Usage: Penalties
czech republic:
Fines may apply for misuse.
united kingdom:
Fines may apply for misuse
Headlight Flash: Usage
czech republic:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking.
united kingdom:
To warn other drivers of your presence or to indicate overtaking
Headlight Flash: Prohibited Usage
czech republic:
Not to be used to signal other messages.
united kingdom:
Not to be used to signal other messages
Hand Signals: Permitted
czech republic:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning.
united kingdom:
Yes, if vehicle signals are malfunctioning
Hand Signals: Common Usage
czech republic:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected.
united kingdom:
Rare, as vehicle indicators are expected
Traffic Signs: Language
czech republic:
Czech; symbols are standard.
united kingdom:
English; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Priority
czech republic:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed.
united kingdom:
Yield and stop signs must be obeyed
Traffic Signs: Warning
czech republic:
Triangle-shaped with red border.
united kingdom:
Triangular-shaped with a red border
Turns
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Right Turn On Red | Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow. | Not permitted in the UK |
| Left Turn: General | Permitted unless prohibited by signs. | Left turns permitted; use caution |
| Left Turn: At Intersections | Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left. | Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic. |
| U- Turns Allowed | Allowed unless prohibited by signs. | Allowed except where prohibited by signage |
| Special Turn Lanes | Yes, marked with arrows. | Yes, marked with arrows |
| Overtaking While Turning | Prohibited. | Prohibited |
Right Turn On Red
czech republic:
Generally not allowed unless specifically indicated by a green arrow.
united kingdom:
Not permitted in the UK
Left Turn: General
czech republic:
Permitted unless prohibited by signs.
united kingdom:
Left turns permitted; use caution
Left Turn: At Intersections
czech republic:
Yield to oncoming traffic when turning left.
united kingdom:
Priority must be given to pedestrians and oncoming traffic.
U- Turns Allowed
czech republic:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs.
united kingdom:
Allowed except where prohibited by signage
Special Turn Lanes
czech republic:
Yes, marked with arrows.
united kingdom:
Yes, marked with arrows
Overtaking While Turning
czech republic:
Prohibited.
united kingdom:
Prohibited
Documentation
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Driver's License: Requirement | Valid driver's license required. | Valid driver's license required |
| Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A | Accepted without International Driving Permit. | Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays |
| Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U | International Driving Permit recommended or required. | International Driving Permit often required alongside national license |
| Insurance | Liability insurance mandatory. | Liability insurance mandatory |
| Vehicle Inspection: Requirement | Annual inspection mandatory. | MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years |
| Vehicle Inspection: Sticker | Displayed on the windshield. | Not displayed; records are electronic |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory. | Not mandatory |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory. | Not mandatory |
Driver's License: Requirement
czech republic:
Valid driver's license required.
united kingdom:
Valid driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
czech republic:
Accepted without International Driving Permit.
united kingdom:
Accepted, International Driving Permit recommended for long stays
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
czech republic:
International Driving Permit recommended or required.
united kingdom:
International Driving Permit often required alongside national license
Insurance
czech republic:
Liability insurance mandatory.
united kingdom:
Liability insurance mandatory
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
czech republic:
Annual inspection mandatory.
united kingdom:
MOT test is required annually for vehicles older than 3 years
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
czech republic:
Displayed on the windshield.
united kingdom:
Not displayed; records are electronic
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
czech republic:
Mandatory.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
czech republic:
Mandatory.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory
Road Etiquette
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Flashing Lights: Usage | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake. | To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake |
| Flashing Lights: Misuse | Discouraged, fines may apply. | Discouraged, fines may apply |
| Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic. | Common practice, especially in heavy traffic |
| Lane Courtesy: Blocking | Discouraged and may be penalized. | Discouraged and may be penalized |
| Use Of Horn: Limited | Only in emergency situations. | Only in emergency situations |
| Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm | Less frequent use compared to some countries. | Less frequent use compared to some countries |
| Pedestrians Priority | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks. | Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks |
| Emergency Vehicles: Protocol | Pull over to the right and stop if necessary. | Pull over to the side and stop if necessary |
| Emergency Vehicles: Awareness | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights. | Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights |
Flashing Lights: Usage
czech republic:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake.
united kingdom:
To warn of hazards or signal intention to overtake
Flashing Lights: Misuse
czech republic:
Discouraged, fines may apply.
united kingdom:
Discouraged, fines may apply
Lane Courtesy: Allowing Merging
czech republic:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic.
united kingdom:
Common practice, especially in heavy traffic
Lane Courtesy: Blocking
czech republic:
Discouraged and may be penalized.
united kingdom:
Discouraged and may be penalized
Use Of Horn: Limited
czech republic:
Only in emergency situations.
united kingdom:
Only in emergency situations
Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
czech republic:
Less frequent use compared to some countries.
united kingdom:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
Pedestrians Priority
czech republic:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks.
united kingdom:
Pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
czech republic:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary.
united kingdom:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary
Emergency Vehicles: Awareness
czech republic:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights.
united kingdom:
Listen for sirens and watch for flashing lights
Alcohol
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Limits: General Drivers | 0.00% | 0.08% |
| Limits: Professional Drivers | 0.00% | 0.02% |
| Limits: Underage Drivers | 0.00%; zero tolerance | 0.02% |
| Zero Tolerance: Drugs | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs. | Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs |
| Zero Tolerance: Medications | Check if medication affects driving ability. | Check if medication affects driving ability |
| Enforcement: Random Checks | Common, often at checkpoints. | Common; checkpoints used in some areas |
| Enforcement: Fines | Can be substantial. | Substantial fines apply |
| Enforcement: Imprisonment | Possible for severe offenses. | Possible for severe offenses |
| Test Refusal | Can result in license suspension. | Can result in license suspension |
Limits: General Drivers
czech republic:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.08%
Limits: Professional Drivers
czech republic:
0.00%
united kingdom:
0.02%
Limits: Underage Drivers
czech republic:
0.00%; zero tolerance
united kingdom:
0.02%
Zero Tolerance: Drugs
czech republic:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs.
united kingdom:
Zero tolerance for driving under the influence of drugs
Zero Tolerance: Medications
czech republic:
Check if medication affects driving ability.
united kingdom:
Check if medication affects driving ability
Enforcement: Random Checks
czech republic:
Common, often at checkpoints.
united kingdom:
Common; checkpoints used in some areas
Enforcement: Fines
czech republic:
Can be substantial.
united kingdom:
Substantial fines apply
Enforcement: Imprisonment
czech republic:
Possible for severe offenses.
united kingdom:
Possible for severe offenses
Test Refusal
czech republic:
Can result in license suspension.
united kingdom:
Can result in license suspension
Roundabouts
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Priority: Entering | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. | Yield to traffic already in the roundabout |
| Priority: Inside | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly. | Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly |
| Signaling: Entering | Signal if turning immediately upon entry. | Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight |
| Signaling: Exiting | Signal right when preparing to exit. | Signal right when preparing to exit |
| Lane Usage: Right | Use for first exit or straight. | Use for first exit |
| Lane Usage: Left | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe. | Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe |
Priority: Entering
czech republic:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout.
united kingdom:
Yield to traffic already in the roundabout
Priority: Inside
czech republic:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly.
united kingdom:
Maintain lane discipline, do not change lanes abruptly
Signaling: Entering
czech republic:
Signal if turning immediately upon entry.
united kingdom:
Signal left if taking the first exit, no signal for straight
Signaling: Exiting
czech republic:
Signal right when preparing to exit.
united kingdom:
Signal right when preparing to exit
Lane Usage: Right
czech republic:
Use for first exit or straight.
united kingdom:
Use for first exit
Lane Usage: Left
czech republic:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe.
united kingdom:
Use for subsequent exits, move to right lane before exit when safe
Emergency Services
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Contact: General Emergency | 112 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Traffic Police | 158 | 999 or 112 |
| Contact: Roadside Assistance | 1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance. | Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA |
| Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles | Mandatory. | Not mandatory, but recommended |
| Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest | Mandatory. | Not mandatory, but recommended |
Contact: General Emergency
czech republic:
112
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Traffic Police
czech republic:
158
united kingdom:
999 or 112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
czech republic:
1230—UAMK; additional providers can be used depending on insurance.
united kingdom:
Check with your insurance provider or RAC/AA
Emergency Equipment: Warning Triangles
czech republic:
Mandatory.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
czech republic:
Mandatory.
united kingdom:
Not mandatory, but recommended
Penalties And Fines
| Czech republic | United kingdom | |
|---|---|---|
| Common Fines: Speeding | Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity. | Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Alcohol | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time. | Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time |
| Common Fines: Seat Belts | €50 or more. | £100 fine |
| Common Fines: Phone Use | €50 or more. | £200 and 6 penalty points |
| Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation | €100 or higher, points on license. | £100 fine and 3 penalty points |
| Payment: On The Spot | Common, cash preferred. | Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail |
| Payment: Deadline | Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay. | Varies; typically 28 days to pay |
| Foreign Drivers: Fines | Same as residents; must be paid. | Same as residents; must be paid |
| Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment | Possible if fines are not paid. | Possible if fines are not paid |
Common Fines: Speeding
czech republic:
Varies; typically €50 to €600 depending on severity.
united kingdom:
Varies; £100 and 3 penalty points
Common Fines: Alcohol
czech republic:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time.
united kingdom:
Varies; substantial fines, possible jail time
Common Fines: Seat Belts
czech republic:
€50 or more.
united kingdom:
£100 fine
Common Fines: Phone Use
czech republic:
€50 or more.
united kingdom:
£200 and 6 penalty points
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
czech republic:
€100 or higher, points on license.
united kingdom:
£100 fine and 3 penalty points
Payment: On The Spot
czech republic:
Common, cash preferred.
united kingdom:
Rare; fines usually paid online or by mail
Payment: Deadline
czech republic:
Varies; typically 15-30 days to pay.
united kingdom:
Varies; typically 28 days to pay
Foreign Drivers: Fines
czech republic:
Same as residents; must be paid.
united kingdom:
Same as residents; must be paid
Foreign Drivers: Vehicle Impoundment
czech republic:
Possible if fines are not paid.
united kingdom:
Possible if fines are not paid