The Czech vignette in 3 sentences
The Czech Republic has used the e-vignette since 2021. You stick nothing on the windscreen — the vignette is digital and tied to your licence plate. The moment you enter a Czech motorway, cameras check instantly whether it is valid.
Who does it apply to? Every car up to 3.5 tonnes. A German, Czech, Polish or any other plate — it makes no difference.
When do you need it? Whenever you drive on a motorway marked with the letter D (D0, D5, D8, D11 …). Ordinary roads are free, but the detours are long and slow.
What do you have to do? Choose a period, enter your plate, pay. 2026 prices and 4 periods to choose from — cheapest is 1 day, longest is a year.
1-day vignette = until 23:59 the same day
You activate at 8 p.m. — it expires at midnight. That is NOT 24 hours from purchase. If you arrive in the evening, buy the 10-day vignette right away — it costs only 499 CZK (~19,96 €).
Annual vignette = a full 365 days
In the Czech Republic the annual vignette counts from the chosen start date, not the calendar year. Buy in March 2026 — it runs until March 2027. Unlike some countries (e.g. Austria or Switzerland), where the annual vignette expires on 31 January of the following year.
Electric vehicles — exemption after registration
Only fully electric (BEV) and hydrogen vehicles are exempt. But note: not automatically — a vehicle registered outside the Czech Republic must be notified in advance in the edalnice.cz system (SFDI form with a copy of the registration certificate). Without notification you are treated like any other vehicle. Plug-in hybrids (CO₂ up to 50 g/km) are not exempt — they pay a reduced rate.
Czech motorways that require a vignette
Around 1,300 km of motorways and expressways in total. Practically every longer journey across the Czech Republic uses a tolled section.
- D0 — Prague ring (80 km): Connects all the motorways leading out of the capital. Needed to bypass the centre.
- D1 — Prague → Brno → Ostrava (462 km): The longest motorway in the country. The main east–west axis.
- D2 — Brno → Slovakia (62 km): Exit towards Slovakia (Bratislava). On the Slovak side a separate vignette applies — eznámka.
- D3 — Prague → Austria (174 km): Towards Vienna and Linz.
- D5 — Prague → Germany (151 km): Route to Nuremberg via the Waidhaus/Rozvadov crossing.
- D8 — Prague → Germany (94 km): Exit to Dresden via Hřensko/Schmilka. The main route for travellers from Saxony and Berlin.
- D11 — Prague → Poland (126 km): Towards the Polish border at Náchod.
- D35 — Hradec Králové → Olomouc: Eastern route, an alternative to the D1.
- D48 — Ostrava → Poland (60 km): Crossing into Poland at Český Těšín.
- D52 — Brno → Austria (52 km): Shortcut to Vienna via Mikulov.
Where you do NOT need a vignette
- First- and second-class roads (I/xx, II/xx) — free, but slow (speed limits, towns)
- Entry into most cities (Prague, Brno, Pilsen)
- The short stretch from the German border (Schmilka) to the city edge — the actual city traffic is vignette-free
Full map of tolled sections: edalnice.gov.cz/kde-plati
What the Czech vignette costs
The prices apply for the whole of 2026. The rates are set in CZK and you pay in euro — we convert indicatively at 1 CZK ≈ 0,040 €.
| Period | Validity | Price (CZK) | Price (EUR ~) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day | Only until 23:59 on the chosen day | 375 CZK | ~15 € |
| 10-day | 10 consecutive days | 499 CZK | ~19,96 € |
| 30-day | 30 consecutive days | 855 CZK | ~34,20 € |
| Annual | A full 365 days from the chosen start date | 3080 CZK | ~123,20 € |
* Rate at the time of purchase. Check the SFDI rates in CZK at edalnice.gov.cz.
Where visitors travel most often
The most popular travel and transit destinations. Each is reached via the motorway — a vignette is required.
Prague (Praha)
1.3 million residents. The number-one destination for visitors. Ring road D0, access via D1/D5/D8/D11.
Motorways: D0, D1, D3, D5, D8, D11
Brno
380k. The second-largest city in the country. A hub towards Slovakia and Austria.
Motorways: D1, D2, D52
Pilsen (Plzeň)
170k. Home of Pilsner Urquell. A transit route between Nuremberg and Prague.
Motorways: D5
Karlovy Vary
Spa town, 50k. From Prague 130 km on an ordinary road — no vignette needed.
Motorways: None (road D6 free)
Ostrava
280k. The industrial centre of Moravia, near the Polish border.
Motorways: D1, D48
České Budějovice
95k. On the way to Linz and Vienna.
Motorways: D3
Hradec Králové
90k. A junction in eastern Bohemia.
Motorways: D11, D35
Olomouc
100k. The centre of Moravia, with a historic old town.
Motorways: D35, D46
Most popular routes into the Czech Republic
On every one of these routes you need a vignette — even if you drive only 30 km of Czech motorway.
| Route | Distance | Duration | Via |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dresden (Germany) → Prague | 150 km | ~2 h | A17 → Schmilka/Hřensko → D8 |
| Nuremberg (Germany) → Prague | 290 km | ~3 h | A6 → Waidhaus/Rozvadov → D5 |
| Vienna (Austria) → Brno | 140 km | ~1.5 h | A5 → Mikulov → D52 |
| Vienna (Austria) → Prague | 330 km | ~3.5 h | A5 → D3 |
| Bratislava (Slovakia) → Brno | 130 km | ~1.5 h | D2 |
| Wrocław (Poland) → Prague | 280 km | ~3.5 h | Náchod → D11 |
| Katowice (Poland) → Ostrava | 90 km | ~1.5 h | Český Těšín → D48 |
| Linz (Austria) → České Budějovice | 120 km | ~1.5 h | Dolní Dvořiště → D3 |
What to know before you set off
- The borders with neighbouring countries are open around the clock (Schengen). No passport, no queues.
- Main crossings: Schmilka/Hřensko (from Germany), Waidhaus/Rozvadov (from Germany), Mikulov (from Austria), Český Těšín (from Poland).
- Short transit (e.g. Dresden → Vienna through the Czech Republic) — a 1-day vignette is often not enough; factor in the travel time and choose 10 days if in doubt.
- If you travel on to Slovakia — you need a separate Slovak vignette (eznámka). You can get it on our sister site e-znamka.org.
- The Czech vignette becomes active on a date you choose. Buy in advance and travel worry-free.
What is worth seeing — and how to get there
You reach all the popular destinations in the Czech Republic via the motorway. Without a vignette you will not get far.
Prague — Old Town and Hradčany
UNESCOCharles Bridge, Prague Castle, Golden Lane, St Vitus Cathedral. Access via the D0 (ring), then P+R car parks outside the centre.
Region: Prague
Český Krumlov
UNESCOA medieval town on the Vltava. 3 h from Prague via the D3. The second-largest castle in the country.
Region: South Bohemia
Pilsner Urquell Brewery
BreweryFrom Prague 90 minutes via the D5. A tour of the production and a tasting of the unfiltered beer.
Region: Pilsen
Bohemian Switzerland National Park
National parkThe Pravčická brána rock gate and the Elbe canyon. Access via the D8 from Prague (an hour) or directly from Dresden.
Region: North Bohemia
Karlovy Vary
SpaMineral springs, the Grandhotel Pupp, the film festival. From Prague 130 km — on an ordinary road, no vignette.
Region: West Bohemia
Adršpach
RocksA rock labyrinth near the Polish border. Ideal for a weekend trip.
Region: East Bohemia
Moravian Karst
CavesThe Punkva caves and the Macocha abyss. 30 km from Brno via the D1.
Region: Moravia
Karlštejn Castle
CastleThe Gothic castle of Charles IV. 30 km from Prague — a side road, no vignette.
Region: Around Prague
Kutná Hora
UNESCOThe Sedlec ossuary (a chapel of bones). 70 km from Prague via the D1.
Region: Central Bohemia
Krkonoše (Giant Mountains)
MountainsThe highest peak, Sněžka, at 1,603 m. Winter sports and hiking.
Region: North
What to expect
- Card payments everywhere — shops, restaurants, car parks. Cash in CZK is rarely needed.
- Cheaper fuel than in much of Western Europe — worth filling up before the journey home.
- Cheap beer — a Pilsner in a restaurant costs 50–70 CZK (2–3 €). The Czechs are world champions in beer consumption.
- Language — English is widely understood in tourist areas, and German too.
- Safe — low crime rate, relaxed even with the family.
- Cards like Revolut/Wise — the best CZK rate, better than exchange offices.
Who needs a vignette and who does not
The Czech Republic has a simple system — either you have a vignette or you are exempt. No vehicle classes, no height bands.
You need it:
- Car up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight
- SUV, crossover, pick-up, small van up to 3.5 t
- A vehicle with a foreign plate (neither the home country nor the EU grants an exemption)
- A vehicle with a trailer, provided the combination does not exceed 3.5 t
You do not need it:
- Motorcycle and moped — exempt unconditionally
- Vehicle over 3.5 t — falls under the mýto toll system (per-kilometre charge)
- Fully electric or hydrogen vehicle — after prior notification in the edalnice.cz system (plug-in hybrids are not exempt — reduced rate)
- Emergency vehicles: ambulance, police, military, diplomatic vehicles
Caravans
If the vehicle + trailer together weigh up to 3.5 t — one vignette for the vehicle is enough. If the combination exceeds 3.5 t — you fall under the mýto system (per-kilometre charge). Most caravan combinations stay under 3.5 t.
How to buy the vignette with us
Three steps:
- Choose a period — 1 day, 10 days, 30 days or a year.
- Enter the plate — exactly as it appears on the plate. No spaces.
- Pay — card, Apple/Google Pay. Confirmation by email after payment.
What you face without a vignette
The Czech Republic checks around the clock with ANPR cameras (the Argos system). Foreign plates are recognised instantly. The fine has two levels:
| Type | Amount | EUR (approx.) | When |
|---|---|---|---|
| On-the-spot fine | up to 5,000 CZK | ~200 € | Paid to customs/police during the check |
| Administrative penalty | up to 20,000 CZK | ~810 € | After you leave — notice by post |
- Automatic checks — cameras on the toll gantries scan plates in real time.
- Physical checks — traffic police and customs at rest areas.
- EU-wide enforcement (CBE) — fines are delivered to your home country too. The notice may arrive after 3–6 months.
- Enforcement period — the Czech authorities can pursue claims for several years.
- Payable online — you do not have to return to the Czech Republic.
The numbers speak for themselves
A 1-day vignette costs 375 CZK (~15 €). The administrative penalty 20 000 CZK is over 50× more. The risk is not worth it.
What you need to know about driving in the Czech Republic
Czech roads are in good condition. The rules are strict but reasonable. The key points:
The main rules to be aware of
- 0.0‰ alcohol — the strictest rule in Europe. Even residual alcohol from the night before = fine + licence withdrawal.
- Lights on around the clock, all year — daytime running lights are mandatory.
- Speed limits: motorway 130 km/h, expressway 110, ordinary road 90, town 50.
- Winter tyres / snow chains — from 1 November to 31 March in wintry conditions (snow, ice).
- Child seats — mandatory for children up to 36 kg or 150 cm in height.
- Equipment — first-aid kit, warning triangle, hi-vis vest for every occupant, spare wheel.
- Phone — hands-free only. Fine up to 2,500 CZK.
Emergency numbers
- 112 — European emergency number
- 1230 — UAMK roadside assistance
- 158 — Police
- 155 — Ambulance
- 150 — Fire brigade
Official sources
- → Official e-vignette system: edalnice.gov.cz
- → Check vignette validity: edalnice.gov.cz
- → Map of tolled roads: edalnice.gov.cz/cs/kde-plati
Common questions about the Czech vignette
How much does the Czech vignette cost in 2026?
Czech vignettes for 2026: 1 day 375 CZK (~15 €), 10 days 499 CZK (~19,96 €), 30 days 855 CZK (~34,20 €), annual 3080 CZK (~123,20 €). The prices are in Czech crowns (CZK) — with us you pay in euro, converted indicatively at 1 CZK ≈ 0,040 €.
Do I need a vignette if I am only passing through in transit?
Yes. Every drive on a Czech motorway requires a vignette — even 30 km of transit. The borders are open (Schengen), but the cameras work from the first motorway kilometre.
What does it mean that the 1-day vignette is valid until 23:59?
Exactly that — it expires at midnight on the chosen day, regardless of the purchase time. If you arrive in the evening, it is better to buy the 10-day vignette (499 CZK (~19,96 €)) right away — the extra cost is small and you have 10 days of peace.
From when is the vignette valid after purchase?
From the start date you choose — you can set it in advance. We register the vignette in the official system right after payment, and you receive the confirmation by email usually within 2–3 minutes. If the start date is more than 30 days away, we register it automatically about 30 days before the start.
How long is the annual vignette valid?
365 days from the chosen start date. Buy on 15 March 2026 — it is valid until 14 March 2027.
What if I enter the plate incorrectly?
That is a serious problem — the vignette would be assigned to a non-existent vehicle. Before the start of validity you can change at most 2 characters via edalnice.gov.cz. After the start of validity no changes are possible — check the plate carefully before confirming.
Does my motorcycle need a vignette?
No. Motorcycles and mopeds are exempt unconditionally. They may use the D0–D11 motorways free of charge.
Does a caravan need its own vignette?
No, if the vehicle + trailer together weigh up to 3.5 t. One vignette for the vehicle is enough. Over 3.5 t you fall under the mýto system (per-kilometre charge).
Can I return an unused vignette?
Yes, but only BEFORE the start of validity. If you bought with a future date and your plans change, write to us or directly to edalnice.gov.cz. After the start of validity no refund is possible.
Is an electric vehicle exempt from the vignette?
Only fully electric and hydrogen vehicles are exempt from the Czech vignette — and not automatically: for a vehicle registered outside the Czech Republic, the exemption must be notified in advance in the official edalnice.cz system (SFDI form with a copy of the registration certificate). Without that you are treated like any other vehicle. Plug-in hybrids (CO₂ up to 50 g/km) are not exempt — they pay a reduced rate; other hybrids pay the standard rate.
Do I need an extra charge in Prague?
No, the motorway vignette covers the Prague ring (D0). In the centre there are parking zones (40–80 CZK/h) and minor traffic restrictions in the historic old town. All the motorways around the city are included in the vignette price.
How do I check whether my vignette is active?
Go to edalnice.gov.cz, enter the plate and choose the country of registration. The system shows all active vignettes with dates. Free, no sign-up.
Are there tunnels in the Czech Republic with a separate charge?
No. All tunnels on the D0–D11 motorways are included in the vignette price. Unlike Slovenia (Karawanken) or Austria (Bosruck, Tauern).
Can I buy the vignette at a petrol station at the border?
Yes — OMV, MOL, Shell, Benzina sell vignettes. But: queues in summer, no free choice of start date. Online with us — no queues, any start date, orders handled 24/7.
Do vignette prices rise every year?
Yes, on average 5–10% per year. The 2026 prices were set in December 2025. For several trips the annual vignette (3080 CZK (~123,20 €)) pays off from about 4–5 trips a year.
I am driving on to Slovakia — what about the Slovak vignette?
The Czech vignette is valid only in the Czech Republic. In Slovakia a separate vignette applies — eznámka. You can get it on our sister site e-znamka.org (you will also find the link at the bottom of the page).
Buy the Czech vignette now
No fine up to 20 000 CZK (~800 €), no queues at the border. You order online and receive the vignette by email usually within 2–3 minutes of payment.
- Period choice: 1 day, 10 days, 30 days, year
- Payment: card, Apple/Google Pay
- Confirmation by email after payment
- Registration in the official eDálnice system
- Future start date selectable
- No sticker — all digital
- English-language support
