Special rules

You can drive in the Czech Republic on a UK driving licence. If you are planning to drive to the Czech Republic, you may like to consult a local motoring hotline, available in Czech and English on (tel: 00 420 1230).

The Czech Republic introduced new rules on 1 July 2006, regarding driving in the Czech Republic.  The main changes and penalty point system is available on:  http://www.novapravidla.cz/english/the_main_changes/
 
Since 1 January 2005, it is a requirement under Czech law that all private cars, including those of foreign visitors, carry the following items:

• 1 x Fluorescent Green High Visibility Safety Jacket
• 1 x First Aid Kit
• 1 x Spare pair of prescription glasses (if necessary) – kept in the glove compartment
• 1 x Warning triangle
• 1 x Complete set of spare bulbs
  

Seasonal flooding (during the Spring) occurs regularly in Czech Republic.  Prague was seriously affected by flooding in 2006.  You should consult website: http://www.voda.mze.cz for more information.  By selecting 'vstupte' you will view a map of the country which shows, using a traffic light system, where flood warnings are in place on major rivers.

Since 2005, there have been an increasing number of accidents to British nationals involving trams.  Please take extra care when in the vicinity of tram tracks and make sure you look both ways.  The trams cannot stop quickly nor can they avoid you if you are on the track.

Under no circumstances use a cab hailed in the street. For reasons of safety and economy, you are advised to use major taxi companies, such as AAA (23311 3311) or Profitaxi (26131 4151).  These companies are usually able to tell you the type, number and colour of the car in advance.

Beware of bogus plain-clothes policemen, who may ask to see your foreign currency and passport.   If approached, decline to show your money, but offer instead to go with them to the nearest police station.  If you suspect that you are dealing with a bogus police officer, you can call 158 or 112 to check their identity.  No police officer in the Czech Republic has the right to check your money or its authenticity.

Insurance

All UK car insurance policies automatically provide, at no extra cost, the minimum cover required by law in all European Union (EU) countries. The minimum required is cover for your liability to third parties. If you have an accident, you may not be covered for medical or hospital expenses. Consult your insurance company or a motoring organisation before leaving the UK to make sure that you are fully insured.

Taking your own car

Certain elements of the cover you have in the UK may be restricted to the UK only. So while you might have cover for accidental damage to your own vehicle in the UK, this cover might be removed when you drive abroad. Most people want the same protection they enjoy in the UK when travelling abroad and so you will need to ask your insurer or broker to extend the scope of your cover before you travel if it is not already included. An additional premium may be charged for this extension.

The Green Card

This is an internationally recognised document that serves solely as evidence that the holder has the minimum insurance cover required by law in the country visited. A Green Card provides no insurance cover in itself. Insurers do not charge for a Green Card, though a broker may levy an administration fee for arranging it.

It is not necessary to have a Green Card when travelling to the EU and certain other European countries (see the Association of British Insurers for details), though if you do not take one you should instead carry your Certificate of Insurance. However, a Green Card can serve as easily recognisable proof of third party insurance, for example in the case of an accident, when travelling abroad.

There are other countries party to the Green Card arrangements where you will either need to have a Green Card or purchase insurance at the border. Details of these countries can be found on the Association of British Insurers website.

Accidents.

If you are involved in an accident, immediately tell your insurer or your insurer's representative in the country concerned.

Many insurers issue a European Accident Statement. This enables drivers to exchange facts while events are still fresh in their minds and without admitting liability.

Many insurers offer 24-hour UK-based telephone helplines in case you need help in an emergency. Make sure you have these details with you when you travel abroad.

Breaking Down.

Even if you have extended your policy for driving abroad, this will not cover your car against breaking down. Vehicle breakdown policies can be bought with your holiday insurance or separately. Check to see if your motor insurer can provide this cover.

A policy will cover the cost of hiring a car while your own is being repaired, road-side assistance and emergency repairs, the cost of returning your car to the UK or sending out spare parts, together with emergency accommodation if you are unable to use your vehicle. A monetary limit will apply to each section of the policy.

Hiring a car

When you hire a car abroad, insurance cover is sometimes limited to the legal minimum in the country or state where you hire. You could be held personally responsible for any claim for injury or damage over this limit. Ask your tour operator or insurer if they can provide top-up insurance to increase your cover. This may be cheaper than buying it abroad.

Country specific tips

Driving in Austria | Driving in Belgium | Driving in Bulgaria | Driving in Cyprus | Driving in the Czech Republic | Driving in Denmark | Driving in Estonia | Driving in Finland | Driving in France | Driving in Germany | Driving in Greece | Driving in Hungary | Driving in Ireland | Driving in Italy | Driving in Latvia | Driving in Lithuania | Driving in Luxembourg | Driving in Malta | Driving in the Netherlands | Driving in Poland | Driving in Portugal | Driving in Romania | Driving in Slovakia | Driving in Slovenia | Driving in Spain | Driving in Sweden | Driving in the UK

Don't set off unprepared.

Make sure your vehicle is serviced before you leave and that you know about and comply with the vehicle requirements in the countries you are visiting. Don't go without taking:

• a spare set of keys.
• a GB sticker and a set of headlamp converters.
• a fire extinguisher, first aid kit, tool kit, spare bulbs and warning triangle.
• registration document, driving licence and passport. Check whether you need to take an International Driving Permit with you.
• your UK motor insurance certificate, Green Card (if issued), and details of any breakdown and travel insurance, together with any emergency helpline numbers.

Protect against car thieves.

Foreign registered vehicles attract thieves, so do not make your car an easy target:

Lock all doors and the boot when leaving the vehicle as well as closing windows and the sunroof.

Park in a well-lit place.

Avoid leaving possessions in an unattended vehicle. If you have to leave property, make sure it is in a locked boot. In a hatchback, the rear shelf should be in position. In an estate car, cover up property with a sheet or blanket.

Don't leave car ownership and insurance documents in your car when parked.

Use an anti-theft device.

Take your keys with you at the petrol station when you go to pay.