Chapter 02 · Highway Network
The Czech motorway network & the e-vignette system
The Czech Republic uses an electronic vignette for passenger vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes that use designated sections of motorways and expressways. The vignette is linked to the vehicle's licence plate — no sticker is applied to the windscreen.
Vignette categories & validity
| Category | Validity | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| Year vignette | 12 months, from 1 March of issue year | Residents and frequent travellers |
| 30-day vignette | 30 consecutive days from chosen start date | Extended trips and seasonal visitors |
| 10-day vignette | 10 consecutive days from chosen start date | Short holiday stays |
| 1-day vignette | Single calendar day | Transit and short business trips |
Prices are set by the Czech Ministry of Transport and are revised periodically. For current rates and official purchase consult edalnice.cz.
Where the vignette applies
The obligation applies only on motorway and expressway sections marked with the green motorway sign and an additional plate displaying the word dálnice with a vignette symbol. Sections that are exempt (typically near city bypasses and certain free stretches) are marked accordingly.
- Class I, II and III roads remain free of vignette obligation.
- Some short sections near Prague, Brno, Plzeň, Ostrava and Liberec are designated as free of charge for local traffic.
- Sections under reconstruction may be temporarily exempt; signage on site takes precedence.
How verification works
Enforcement is carried out via stationary cameras and mobile units that read licence plates and check them against the vignette database. There is no requirement to keep a receipt visible — keep a copy of the confirmation in case of an inspection.
Vehicles above 3.5 t
Heavy goods vehicles use a separate distance-based electronic toll system(Mýto CZ) and do not use the vignette. The on-board unit is obtained through that system's own service points.
Compass CZ is an informational publication and is not affiliated with the operators of edalnice.cz or Mýto CZ. Always confirm operational details with the relevant authority before travel.