Highway Sticker for the Czech Republic

In the Czech Republic, the electronic highway sticker is mandatory for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons that wish to use highways and selected first-class roads. Physical stickers no longer exist – since 2021, all stickers are electronic and tied exclusively to the vehicle's registration plate (SPZ).

The Czech Republic has an extensive network of highways connecting Prague with Brno (D1), Ostrava, Plzeň, and other major cities. The D1 highway is the longest and busiest highway in the country.

Checks are conducted automatically using camera systems placed on the highways or during routine vehicle checks by the police. The system checks whether the given SPZ is registered in the central database as valid. No sticker is required on the vehicle's windshield.

Types of Validity and Prices

The Czech electronic highway sticker offers monthly and annual options. The annual sticker is more economical for drivers who frequently use highways. The monthly option is ideal for occasional users or visitors to the Czech Republic.

The validity of the sticker starts either immediately after purchase or on the date you choose at the time of purchase. After successful payment, you will receive a confirmation email with details including the vehicle's registration plate and validity date.

How Online Purchase Works

Purchasing an electronic highway sticker for the Czech Republic is done entirely online in a few simple steps. First, you enter the vehicle's registration plate – it is critically important to verify that it is entered correctly, as the sticker is tied to the SPZ and cannot be transferred to another vehicle.

Next, you choose the type of validity (monthly or annual) and optionally the start date of validity. After checking all the details and entering contact information, you complete the payment. The entire process takes just a few minutes, and after successful payment, the sticker is immediately active.

Fines for Driving Without a Valid Sticker

Driving without a valid electronic highway sticker in the Czech Republic is an offense that carries a high fine. The fine can reach up to 100,000 CZK, with typical amounts usually in the thousands of crowns. Due to automatic checks using camera systems, the likelihood of detection is very high.

Traveling to Other Countries

Slovakia • Hungary • Austria • Slovenia • Croatia • Romania • Bulgaria • Switzerland • Moldova

History of the Czech Highway Network

The Czech Republic has one of the densest highway networks in Central Europe. The history of highway construction dates back to the interwar period when the first plans to connect Prague with other major cities were created. However, real development came only after 1989 when the country opened to Western Europe and the need for quality transport infrastructure rapidly increased.

The D1 highway, connecting Prague with Brno and continuing to Ostrava, is the oldest and longest highway in the Czech Republic. Its construction began in the 1970s and was gradually extended to its current form. Today it measures over 370 kilometers and is the backbone of the Czech highway system.

Key Milestones of the Czech Highway Network

• 1967 – Start of D1 Prague – Brno highway construction
• 1980 – Completion of D1 in the Prague – Brno section
• 2006 – Extension of D1 to Ostrava
• 2016 – Introduction of electronic highway vignettes (combined with stickers)
• 2021 – Full transition to electronic highway vignettes, abolition of physical stickers

The Czech highway network is a key part of the European transport corridor connecting the north and south of the continent. Infrastructure modernization brings drivers greater safety and comfort.

Today, the Czech highway network includes more than 1,300 km of highways and expressways. Planned expansion includes completion of the D3 highway to České Budějovice and connection to the Austrian network, D35 as an alternative to the congested D1, and other sections connecting regions with the capital.

Czech Highway Vignette Prices 2025 Overview

Czech electronic highway vignette prices are set by law and apply uniformly to all vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Below you will find the current price list with recommendations on which option is best for you:

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary slightly depending on the current exchange rate. The annual vignette is valid from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year.

Controls and Fines on Czech Highways

Verification of electronic highway vignette validity in the Czech Republic is fully automated. The system uses a network of cameras placed on highways and expressways that scan the license plates of passing vehicles and compare them in real-time with the central database of valid vignettes.

How Verification Works

1. Camera systems – Automatic cameras on highways scan license plates and instantly verify vignette validity
2. Mobile controls – Police patrols with portable devices check vehicles during routine road checks
3. Data sharing – The database is connected to European systems, enabling fine enforcement for foreign vehicles

Fine Amounts for Driving Without a Valid Vignette

Given the density of camera systems, the probability of detecting driving without a valid vignette is very high. We recommend always purchasing a highway vignette before entering a tolled section – you'll save several thousand crowns and avoid inconveniences.

Main Highway Routes in the Czech Republic

The Czech highway network is strategically positioned to connect all major regions and provide quick connections with neighboring countries. Here's an overview of the most important routes:

All listed highways require a valid electronic highway vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tons. When planning a trip abroad, don't forget to check if you also need vignettes for transit countries.

Practical Tips for Drivers

To get the best experience from your trips on Czech highways, we've prepared several proven tips for you:

Tourist Attractions Along Czech Highways

Traveling on Czech highways isn't just about quick transfer from point A to point B. Along the main routes, you'll find many interesting places worth stopping at:

Along Highway D1 (Prague – Brno – Ostrava)

• Praha – The capital with its UNESCO-listed historic center, Prague Castle, and Charles Bridge
• Kutná Hora – A medieval town with the famous ossuary and St. Barbara's Cathedral (UNESCO)
• Brno – The second-largest city with technical monuments, Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO), and rich cultural life
• Olomouc – The baroque pearl of Moravia with the Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO) and historic center
• Ostrava – An industrial metropolis with the unique Lower Vítkovice Area and vibrant cultural scene

Along Highway D5 (Prague – Pilsen – Rozvadov)

• Plzeň – The city of beer with Pilsner Urquell brewery tours and beautiful square
• Karlovy Vary – A world-famous spa town with colonnades, healing springs, and film festival

💡 Tip: On longer trips, plan a stop at one of these places. You'll rest from driving and discover the beauty of the Czech Republic.

Cross-Border Travel from the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic borders four countries and is an ideal starting point for trips around Central Europe. When planning trips abroad, don't forget about highway vignettes for transit countries:

For trouble-free travel, we recommend purchasing all necessary vignettes in advance. On VignetteGo, you can get highway vignettes for all European countries in one place.

Frequently Asked Questions About Czech Highway Vignette

Legal Information and Exemptions

The obligation to purchase an electronic highway vignette applies to all motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons using highways and selected first-class roads in the Czech Republic. However, there are some exemptions:

Vehicles Exempt from Vignette Purchase

• Integrated rescue system vehicles (fire department, ambulance, police) when on duty
• Czech Army and NATO armed forces vehicles
• Vehicles transporting severely disabled persons (with appropriate ID)
• Historic vehicles with veteran registration plates (only during organized events)

For vehicles over 3.5 tons, an electronic toll system applies based on kilometers traveled. This system is separate from highway vignettes for passenger vehicles.