The Czech Republic uses a fully electronic motorway vignette (often called an “e-vignette”) for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes that drive on tolled motorway sections. There is no windshield sticker. The vignette is linked to the vehicle’s licence plate number and is checked automatically (camera systems plus roadside checks). This page explains the current prices, validity rules, eco discounts, exemptions, and the most common mistakes that lead to unnecessary fines.
Current e-vignette prices (standard fuel vehicles)
For most passenger cars (petrol, diesel, and LPG) the following prices apply for the standard tariff. These are official prices set for the Czech e-vignette system.
| Vignette type | Validity | Price (CZK) | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-day | Valid for the selected calendar day | 230 | One short trip, airport transfer, single transit day |
| 10-day | 10 consecutive days from the selected start date | 300 | Holiday trips, round trips within 1–2 weeks |
| 30-day | 30 consecutive days from the selected start date | 480 | Longer stays, multiple business trips during one month |
| 365-day (annual) | 365 days from the selected start date | 2,570 | Frequent motorway use throughout the year |
Eco discounts and zero-fee vehicles
The Czech system applies reduced prices for certain low-emission vehicles and a zero fee for fully electric and hydrogen vehicles. The discount category depends on the vehicle type and the rules in force for the Czech e-vignette system. If your vehicle is registered outside the Czech Republic, you should pay extra attention to the exemption/discount registration requirements (see below).
| Vehicle category | 365-day | 30-day | 10-day | 1-day |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Natural gas / biomethane (CNG, LNG, biomethane) | 1,280 CZK | 240 CZK | 150 CZK | 110 CZK |
| Plug-in hybrid (CO₂ max 50 g/km) | 640 CZK | 120 CZK | 70 CZK | 50 CZK |
| Battery electric (BEV) / Hydrogen (FCEV) | 0 CZK | 0 CZK | 0 CZK | 0 CZK |
How validity works in practice
Understanding validity is essential. Many drivers assume an “annual” vignette is tied to a calendar year. In the Czech Republic, the annual vignette is valid for 365 days from the start date you choose. The 30-day vignette is exactly 30 consecutive days, not “until the end of the month.” This flexible model is helpful, but it also means you should choose the start date carefully (especially if you buy in advance).
Start date: today or in advance
You can purchase an e-vignette in advance and set a future start date. This is useful when planning holidays or business travel. Always double-check the selected start date before paying, because an incorrect date can make the vignette invalid for your actual trip.
Who needs the Czech highway vignette
The e-vignette applies to road vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3.5 tonnes when driving on tolled motorway sections. In practice, this includes most passenger cars and light vans. Motorcycles are not subject to the e-vignette requirement in the Czech Republic.
Where the vignette is required
The vignette is required only on designated tolled motorway sections. Not every road is tolled, and some sections near cities or borders may be exempt from charges. Tolled sections are officially defined and published by the state. If you are unsure about a specific route, check the official list of tolled sections before you drive.
Penalties and enforcement: what is actually checked
Enforcement is a combination of automated number-plate checks and physical inspections. If you drive on a tolled motorway without a valid e-vignette and you are not exempt, you can receive an on-the-spot fine up to 5,000 CZK and, if handled in an administrative procedure, up to 20,000 CZK. Misuse of the exemption system (for example, claiming an exemption without meeting the conditions) can lead to higher penalties in administrative proceedings.
Important: beware of “fine payment” scams
Fake SMS or emails demanding immediate payment for a vignette fine are a known scam pattern. In the Czech Republic, fines for vignette offences are imposed by the competent authorities during a physical check (for example police or customs), not via random payment links. If you receive a suspicious message, do not click any links and do not enter card details. Only buy from the official dealer, which in the Czech Republic is eDalnice.cz.
Common mistakes that make a vignette invalid
The system is strict because the vignette is tied to the licence plate. The most frequent issues are simple but expensive: a typo in the plate number, the wrong country of registration, selecting the wrong start date, or assuming the purchase activated for “right now” when a future date was selected. Always verify the confirmation details right after purchase.
Exemptions and foreign-registered vehicles: what to watch for
Some vehicle categories can be exempt (for example BEV/FCEV) or discounted (for example plug-in hybrids and CNG/LNG/biomethane), but the practical requirements may differ depending on registration country. In particular, foreign-registered vehicles may need an exemption notification/registration step so the system can recognise the vehicle correctly. If your vehicle is not recognised as exempt in the database, you can still be treated as non-compliant during checks even if the vehicle type would normally qualify.
FAQ
Is the Czech vignette a physical sticker?
No. The Czech motorway vignette is fully electronic and linked to the licence plate. Nothing is placed on the windshield.
Is the annual vignette valid for a calendar year?
No. The annual vignette is valid for 365 days from the start date you choose.
Can I buy a vignette for tomorrow or next month?
Yes. You can buy in advance and set a future start date. Always verify the chosen date before payment.
Do I need a vignette for motorcycles?
No. Motorcycles are not subject to the Czech e-vignette requirement.
Practical summary
If you drive a passenger car or light van (up to 3.5 t) on tolled Czech motorways, you need a valid electronic vignette unless you qualify for an exemption. Prices depend on duration and, in some cases, on the vehicle’s emission category. The safest approach is to confirm three details every time: the licence plate number, the country of registration, and the start date. That quick check prevents most real-world problems and avoids unnecessary fines.
Yearly – 2570Kč
Monthly – 480Kč
10days – 300Kč
1day – 230Kč