Planning to drive through the Czech Republic? Whether you are heading to Prague for a weekend getaway, crossing the country en route to Austria or Poland, or exploring the stunning Bohemian countryside, you will need one essential item: the Czech electronic highway vignette, locally known as e-známka. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Czech toll roads in 2026—from pricing and validity options to purchase methods and fine avoidance strategies.
🇨🇿 What Is the Czech Highway Vignette (E-Známka)?
The Czech Republic operates a time-based toll system for passenger vehicles on its motorway network. Unlike distance-based tolling systems used in countries like France or Italy, the Czech system requires you to purchase a vignette that grants unlimited access to designated toll roads for a specific period.
Since January 2021, the Czech Republic has fully transitioned to an electronic vignette system. This means there are no more physical stickers to display on your windshield. Instead, your vehicle is registered in a central database, and enforcement cameras automatically verify whether your license plate has a valid vignette.
The system is managed by ŘSD (Ředitelství silnic a dálnic), the Czech Road and Motorway Directorate, and applies to all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Heavier vehicles use a separate satellite-based toll system.
📋 Czech Vignette Validity Options and Pricing 2026
The Czech e-známka comes in three validity periods, each designed for different travel needs. Here is a detailed breakdown of your options for standard passenger vehicles (category D1):
10-Day Vignette (Desetidenní)
Best for: Short holidays, weekend trips, or transiting through Czech Republic
The 10-day option is the most popular choice among tourists and occasional travelers. It provides exactly 10 consecutive days of unlimited motorway access starting from your chosen date and time. This is perfect if you are visiting Prague for a week or passing through on a longer European road trip.
Price 2026: Approximately CZK 310 (around EUR 12-13)
Pro tip: If your trip spans parts of two weeks (e.g., Thursday to the following Sunday), the 10-day vignette is almost always more economical than buying two separate passes.
30-Day Vignette (Třicetidenní)
Best for: Extended holidays, business travelers, or frequent short trips within a month
The monthly option gives you 30 consecutive days of access. If you are planning multiple trips to Czech Republic within a month, or if you are staying longer for work or leisure, this option offers better value than purchasing multiple 10-day passes.
Price 2026: Approximately CZK 440 (around EUR 17-18)
Break-even point: If you need more than 14 days of coverage, the 30-day vignette becomes more economical than two 10-day passes.
Annual Vignette (Roční)
Best for: Residents, frequent business travelers, cross-border commuters
The annual vignette is valid for one calendar year plus one month (from December 1 of the previous year through January 31 of the following year). This grace period ensures you are covered during the transition between years.
Price 2026: Approximately CZK 1,500 (around EUR 60-62)
Value calculation: If you make more than 4 monthly trips to Czech Republic per year, the annual pass pays for itself.
🛣️ Which Roads Require a Vignette in Czech Republic?
The Czech vignette system applies to specific road categories, not all roads in the country. Understanding this distinction can save you money and help you plan alternative routes if needed.
Roads That Require a Vignette
- Motorways (Dálnice) – designated with “D” and a number (e.g., D1, D5, D8, D11)
- Selected Expressways (Rychlostní silnice) – marked with special toll signs
The Czech motorway network spans approximately 1,300 kilometers and connects all major cities. The backbone is the D1 motorway, running from Prague through Brno to the Slovak border—one of the busiest routes in Central Europe.
Key Motorways in Czech Republic
- D1: Prague – Brno – Slovak border (longest Czech motorway)
- D2: Brno – Slovak border (toward Bratislava)
- D3: Prague – České Budějovice – Austrian border
- D5: Prague – Plzeň – German border (toward Nuremberg)
- D8: Prague – Ústí nad Labem – German border (toward Dresden)
- D11: Prague – Hradec Králové – Polish border
- D35: Olomouc – Mohelnice (part of future cross-country route)
- D46: Olomouc – Prostějov
- D48: Bělotín – Frýdek-Místek – Polish border
- D52: Brno – Austrian border (toward Vienna)
- D55: Olomouc – Hulín
Roads That Do NOT Require a Vignette
- First-class roads (Silnice I. třídy) – numbered roads without D prefix
- Second and third-class roads – regional and local roads
- Urban roads – streets within cities and towns
- Some motorway sections – certain urban bypasses and short segments are toll-free
Important: Toll-free sections are clearly marked with signs indicating “BEZ POPLATKU” (without toll). Always look for these signs at motorway entry points.
💻 How to Buy a Czech E-Známka Online
Purchasing your Czech vignette online is by far the most convenient option. The process takes just a few minutes, and your vignette becomes active immediately (or at your chosen start time). Here is how it works:
Step-by-Step Purchase Guide
- Choose your validity period – 10 days, 30 days, or annual
- Enter your vehicle details – Registration country and exact license plate number
- Select your start date and time – Can be immediate or up to 90 days in the future
- Provide contact information – Email for confirmation, phone for alerts
- Complete payment – Credit card, debit card, or other available methods
- Receive confirmation – PDF receipt sent to your email
Critical tip: Double-check your license plate number before confirming. The vignette is linked to your exact plate string, including any spaces, dashes, or special characters. A single typo means your vignette will not be valid for your vehicle.
Where to Buy Czech E-Známka
You have several options for purchasing your Czech vignette:
- VignetteGo.com – Purchase vignettes for Czech Republic and other European countries in one checkout. Ideal if you are crossing multiple vignette countries. Available in multiple languages.
- Official edalnice.cz portal – Government website for Czech vignettes only
- Petrol stations in Czech Republic – Available at major chains like Shell, OMV, Benzina
- Czech Post offices – Available at larger post office branches
- Border crossing points – Some locations offer vignette sales
For travelers visiting multiple countries, using a service like VignetteGo allows you to purchase vignettes for Czech Republic, Austria, Slovenia, Hungary, Slovakia, and more in a single transaction—saving time and avoiding the hassle of navigating multiple national websites.
⚠️ Fines and Enforcement: What Happens Without a Valid Vignette
The Czech Republic takes toll enforcement seriously. The system relies on automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras positioned throughout the motorway network. These cameras operate 24/7 and cross-reference every passing vehicle against the vignette database.
Fine Structure for Vignette Violations
- First offense: CZK 5,000 – 10,000 (approximately EUR 200-400)
- Repeat offenses: Up to CZK 100,000 (approximately EUR 4,000)
- On-the-spot payment: Often required for foreign-registered vehicles
- Administrative fees: Additional charges may apply for processing
For foreign drivers, violations are typically handled through cross-border enforcement agreements within the EU. This means fines can follow you home—your national vehicle registry can be contacted, and collection agencies may pursue unpaid penalties.
Common Reasons for Fines (and How to Avoid Them)
- Wrong license plate entry – Always double-check every character
- Expired vignette – Set calendar reminders for expiration dates
- Wrong start date – A vignette starting “tomorrow” does not cover “today”
- Rental car plate changes – Confirm the final plate before departure
- Assuming one vignette covers multiple countries – It does not (see our European vignette overview)
🚗 Vehicle Categories and Special Cases
The Czech vignette system categorizes vehicles by weight and type. Understanding your vehicle category ensures you purchase the correct vignette.
Standard Vehicle Categories
- Category D1: Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes with max 9 seats (standard cars, SUVs, vans)
- Category D2: Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes used for business purposes
- Motorcycles: Required to have a vignette, typically at a reduced rate
Special Cases
Trailers and caravans: If your vehicle tows a trailer or caravan, only the motorized vehicle requires a vignette. The trailer itself does not need separate coverage.
Electric and hybrid vehicles: Currently, there are no special discounts for eco-friendly vehicles in the Czech vignette system. All vehicles pay the same rate based on category.
Rental cars: The vignette follows the license plate, not the rental agreement. Always verify whether your rental includes toll coverage. If not, you must purchase the vignette separately before entering toll roads.
🗺️ Popular Routes Through Czech Republic
Understanding the most common routes helps you plan whether you need a vignette and which roads to consider for your journey.
Prague to Vienna (via D1 and D52)
One of the most popular routes in Central Europe. The journey takes approximately 4 hours via Brno. You will need both Czech and Austrian vignettes for this route. Consider purchasing both at VignetteGo before departure.
Prague to Munich (via D5)
Approximately 4-4.5 hours via Plzeň to the German border. Czech vignette required until Rozvadov. Germany has no vignette system for cars.
Prague to Berlin (via D8 and D11)
Around 4 hours through Dresden. Czech vignette needed until the German border at Cínovec or via the alternative route through Liberec.
Prague to Bratislava (via D1 and D2)
Approximately 3.5 hours. Requires both Czech and Slovak vignettes. The Slovak border crossing at Lanžhot/Brodské is straightforward.
Prague to Kraków (via D1 and D35/D48)
Around 5-6 hours via Olomouc and Ostrava. Czech vignette required. Poland uses a different toll system (A4 toll road sections).
💡 Pro Tips for Czech Highway Travel
After years of helping travelers navigate European toll systems, here are our best recommendations for driving in Czech Republic:
Before Your Trip
- Purchase your vignette 1-2 days early – Avoid last-minute technical issues
- Take a photo of your license plate – Ensures accurate entry during purchase
- Save the confirmation PDF – Both on your phone and in cloud storage
- Check if neighboring countries need vignettes – Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, and Slovenia all require them
- Verify your route – Some Czech sections are toll-free; look for “BEZ POPLATKU” signs
During Your Trip
- Keep your confirmation accessible – Police can verify electronically, but having proof helps
- Mind speed limits – 130 km/h on motorways, 90 km/h on other roads, 50 km/h in towns
- Headlights are mandatory – Day and night, all vehicles must use headlights
- Winter tires required – From November 1 to March 31, or whenever snow/ice is present
- Carry required equipment – Warning triangle, first aid kit, reflective vest
Money-Saving Tips
- Compare validity options – Sometimes two 10-day passes cost less than one 30-day
- Check for toll-free alternatives – Scenic routes through Bohemian countryside can be rewarding
- Combine purchases – If visiting multiple countries, buying vignettes together saves time
- Annual pass value – Calculate if frequent trips justify the yearly option
🔄 Czech Vignette vs. Neighboring Countries
If you are driving through Central Europe, you will likely cross multiple countries with vignette requirements. Here is how Czech Republic compares to its neighbors:
| Country | System Name | Shortest Option | ~Price (short) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Czech Republic | E-známka | 10 days | ~EUR 12 |
| Slovakia | Diaľničná známka | 10 days | ~EUR 12 |
| Austria | Digitale Vignette | 10 days | ~EUR 10 |
| Hungary | E-matrica | 10 days | ~EUR 15 |
| Slovenia | E-vinjeta | 7 days | ~EUR 16 |
| Switzerland | E-Vignette | Annual only | ~EUR 43 |
Important reminder: Each country requires a separate vignette. There is no “European vignette” that covers multiple countries. Plan your route and purchase all required vignettes before crossing borders.
For a complete overview of all European vignette requirements, see our main guide: Highway E-Vignettes Europe.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Czech highway vignette cost?
Czech e-známka prices for 2026: 10-day vignette costs approximately CZK 310 (EUR 12-13), 30-day vignette around CZK 440 (EUR 17-18), and annual vignette about CZK 1,500 (EUR 60-62) for standard passenger vehicles (category D1). Prices may be adjusted annually by the Czech government.
Where can I buy a Czech e-známka online?
You can purchase Czech electronic vignettes at VignetteGo.com (multi-country option), the official edalnice.cz portal, or at petrol stations and post offices in Czechia. Online purchase is recommended as it is instant, available 24/7, and you receive immediate confirmation.
What happens if I drive without a vignette in Czech Republic?
Driving without a valid vignette on Czech toll roads results in fines starting from CZK 5,000 (approximately EUR 200) and can reach up to CZK 100,000 for repeated offenses. Enforcement is done via automatic camera systems that operate 24/7 throughout the motorway network.
Do I need a vignette for all roads in Czech Republic?
No, vignettes are only required on motorways (dálnice, marked with “D”) and selected expressways (rychlostní silnice). Regular first, second, and third-class roads are toll-free. Some motorway sections near cities are also toll-free—look for “BEZ POPLATKU” signs.
Can I use my Czech vignette in Slovakia?
No, vignettes are country-specific. Czech e-známka is only valid in the Czech Republic. For Slovakia, you need a separate Slovak diaľničná známka. However, you can purchase both at VignetteGo.com in one transaction, saving time and hassle.
How long is the Czech 10-day vignette actually valid?
The 10-day vignette is valid for exactly 10 consecutive days starting from the date and time you specify during purchase. For example, if you set it to start on January 15 at 00:00, it expires on January 24 at 23:59. Plan your start time carefully to maximize your coverage.
Is the Czech vignette linked to the car or the driver?
The Czech e-známka is linked to the vehicle registration plate, not the driver. Any driver can use the vehicle on toll roads as long as the vignette is valid for that specific license plate. This is important for shared vehicles, company cars, and rentals.
📝 Summary and Final Recommendations
The Czech electronic highway vignette system is straightforward once you understand the basics:
- E-známka is mandatory on all Czech motorways and selected expressways
- Three validity options: 10-day, 30-day, and annual
- Fully electronic: Linked to your license plate, no sticker needed
- Easy online purchase: Takes minutes, active immediately or at your chosen time
- Strict enforcement: Fines start at CZK 5,000—not worth the risk
- Country-specific: Czech vignette only covers Czech Republic
For travelers visiting multiple Central European countries, we recommend purchasing all required vignettes in advance through a single platform. This ensures you are covered from the moment you cross each border, without scrambling to find purchase points during your journey.
Safe travels on Czech roads! 🇨🇿
Related guides: Highway E-Vignettes Europe | Swiss Highway Vignette Guide
Last updated: January 2026. Prices and regulations may change. Always verify current requirements before travel.
