The Czech Republic is much more than just a neighbouring country to Germany – it is a centre for culture, history and breathtaking landscapes such as the Giant Mountains and Bohemian Switzerland. The Czech motorway network is the backbone for travel to Prague, Brno or south towards Austria. Since 2021, the country has been using a purely digital vignette system, which makes adhesive stickers on the windscreen superfluous. Here is your comprehensive guide for 2026. 🚗💨🏰
1. The digital motorway vignette (edalnice)
In Czechia, a vignette is required on most motorways (D) and expressways for multi-track motor vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of 3.5 tonnes. Motorcycles are completely toll-free in Czechia.
- No more sticking: The vignette is electronically linked to the vehicle registration number. Surveillance cameras and mobile police units check the number plates against the database in seconds.
- Immediate validity: When purchasing, you can specify the start date of validity yourself. If you need the vignette immediately, you will be registered immediately after online payment.
Current vignette prices for 2026 (cars up to 3.5 tonnes):
Czechia has recently adjusted its tariff system and introduced a practical 1-day option.
| Vignette type | Period of validity | Standard price | “Eco-price” (natural gas/biomethane) |
| 1-day vignette | Until midnight on the day | CZK 200 (approx. €8.00) | 100 CZK (approx. €4.00) |
| 10-day vignette | 10 consecutive days | CZK 270 (approx. €10.80) | 135 CZK (approx. €5.40) |
| 30-day vignette | 30 consecutive days | 430 CZK (approx. €17.20) | CZK 215 (approx. €8.60) |
| Annual vignette | 365 days from the date of purchase | CZK 2,300 (approx. €92.00) | 1,150 CZK (approx. €46.00) |
2. Privilege for electric cars and hybrid vehicles ⚡
A big plus for modern travellers: electric vehicles, hydrogen cars and plug-in hybrids (with CO2 emissions below 50 g/km) are exempt from the vignette requirement in Czechia.
- Czech registration plates (EL): Exemption is automatic.
- Foreign number plates: To benefit from the exemption, you must fill out an official PDF form before your trip and send it to the Czech authorities by email or post. Without this advance registration, you risk a fine even if you have an electric car!
3. Where can you buy the e-vignette? 💻
The purchasing process is simple and secure. We strongly recommend using only official channels to avoid excessive brokerage fees.
- Official portal (best): edalnice.cz – The site is available entirely in German.
- Points of sale: At Czech post offices (Česká pošta) and EuroOil petrol stations.
- Vending machines: At border crossings, you will find red vending machines that accept credit card payments.
4. Important traffic rules in Czechia 🚦
- 0.0 per cent limit: Czechia shows no mercy when it comes to drink driving. A strict zero-tolerance policy applies. 🍷🚫
- Lighting requirement: Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be switched on at all times throughout the year. 💡
- High-visibility vests: A high-visibility vest must be carried for every passenger in the car.
- Emergency lane: In traffic jams, it is mandatory to form an emergency lane between the left-hand lane and the lane next to it.
5. Stop: Prague and Bohemian hospitality 🏨
Czechia offers first-class accommodation at often fair prices.
- Prague: Parking in the city centre is complicated. Use the P+R car parks (e.g. Chodov, Letňany) on the outskirts of the city for approx. €2.00 to €4.00 per day and take the metro to the city centre.
- Hotels: When booking, look for the symbol for “private parking”, as towing in Prague is very efficient and expensive.
- Refuelling: Fuel is often cheaper than in the United Kingdom. However, avoid petrol stations immediately at the border, as they often charge higher prices than stations further inland.
6. Official information & links 🌐
- edalnice Portal: edalnice.cz (Official purchase and electric car exemption).
- Traffic information: dopravniinfo.cz (real-time traffic jam information).
- Foreign Office: Travel advice for Czechia.
Conclusion: Czechia has an exemplary digital toll system. The new 1-day vignette is perfect for day trips to Prague or Pilsen. If you drive an electric car, don’t forget to register in advance so you can glide through this beautiful country free of charge.
Šťastnou cestu! (Gute Reise!) 🇨🇿 🚗💨🍺