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Summary for: Brake-checking could become a crime under tougher Czech driving lawDeliberately brake-checking another car, forcing motorists off the road or fleeing from police could become specific criminal offenses under a proposed overhaul of Czech traffic law.
The amendment would also target drivers who organize or participate in illegal street races. Motorists under the influence of alcohol or drugs could face tougher penalties if their behavior endangers another person’s life or health.
In serious cases, offenders could receive prison sentences and courts would gain broader powers to confiscate vehicles connected with crimes.
Prison possible in serious cases
The Justice Ministry has coordinated the proposal with the Transport Ministry, and the amendment has completed the interministerial comment process.
Justice Minister Jeroným Tejc plans to submit it to the government in the coming days, according to ČT24. It would still require approval from both chambers of parliament and the president before taking effect.
Transport Minister Ivan Bednárik previously said intentional brake-checking or illegal racing could bring two to three years in prison when it leads to injury or extensive property damage.
The punishment would therefore depend on the severity and consequences of the behavior. The proposal does not mean that every aggressive maneuver would automatically result in imprisonment.
Final wording for the new offense of aggressive driving has not yet been published.
Police welcome stronger powers
Another planned offense would cover drivers who dangerously evade police orders to stop. More severe punishment could apply if a chase results in a crash, injury or substantial damage.
The amendment would also make it easier for courts to seize cars used in criminal activity, including some serious drunk- or drug-driving cases.
Police data indicate that aggression is the third-most-common cause of traffic accidents in Czechia. Over the past decade, aggressive driving was linked to almost 28,000 crashes in which 260 people died.
Police officers and traffic psychologists have welcomed the planned changes. The original version of the broader amendment proposed an effective date of July 1, 2027, although the timetable and final form of the newly added aggressive-driving provisions remain uncertain.
