Careful where you cross: Prague police are cracking down on jaywalking

Prague police handed out nearly CZK 24,000 in fines this week after a two-day traffic safety operation targeting pedestrians who crossed streets illegally, with most offenses involving people walking through red lights.

During checks on Thursday and Friday, officers recorded 119 offenses across the capital. The most common violation by far was pedestrians crossing on red, which accounted for 98 cases.

Police say the operation was launched in response to a rise in traffic accidents involving pedestrians in Prague, many of them caused by pedestrians themselves. More checks are expected to continue throughout the year.

Police spokesperson Jan Rybanský said the citywide operation focused on selected intersections across Prague where pedestrian-related traffic offenses are common. “The reason for the operation is an increase in traffic accidents in Prague involving pedestrians, who are often responsible for them,” Rybanský said.

Police data shows 135 accidents involving pedestrians were recorded in Prague in the first quarter of 2026. In 69 of those cases, pedestrians were found to be at fault. That marks a noticeable rise from the same period last year, when police recorded 114 pedestrian-related accidents and found pedestrians responsible in 43 cases.

One person died in pedestrian-related accidents in Prague in the first three months of this year, while 17 people were seriously injured and 105 suffered minor injuries.

During the two-day event, 98 of the 119 recorded offenses involved pedestrians crossing at red lights. Those cases resulted in CZK 17,900 in fines. Another eight people were fined a total of CZK 3,700 for crossing outside designated crosswalks. 

Police also recorded nine cases of cyclists riding on pavements, and an additional three people were fined for riding scooters on sidewalks. Officers said dozens of other minor offenses were resolved with warnings rather than formal penalties.

Police also noted that they recorded around 20 traffic offenses committed by drivers during the same operation, even though the focus was primarily on pedestrians.

Under Czech traffic law, pedestrians must obey traffic signals and use designated crossings where available. Crossing on red is a traffic offense, even if no cars are immediately approaching.

Police also note that if a zebra crossing is within 50 meters, pedestrians are generally required to use it rather than crossing elsewhere. Ignoring that rule can lead to a fine.

On-the-spot fines for pedestrian offenses can reach up to CZK 1,500. If the case is referred to administrative proceedings, penalties can rise to between CZK 2,000 and CZK 5,000.

Cyclists and scooter riders are also prohibited from riding on pavements unless signage explicitly allows it.

Crossing on red is a common sight in Prague, especially at large intersections with tram lines and long signal waits, where pedestrians often cross once traffic appears clear. Police said officers observed multiple people walking through red lights even when uniformed officers in reflective vests were standing nearby.

The issue is especially common at major junctions where pedestrian traffic mixes with trams, cars, cyclists, and delivery riders. Police say distraction also plays a role, including mobile phone use, headphones, and inattention in busy traffic corridors.

Tourists can also contribute to the problem, particularly in central Prague where unfamiliar crossings and tram-heavy intersections can be harder to navigate.

For Prague residents and visitors, the message is straightforward: police are watching crossings more closely, and jaywalking rules are being enforced. Police say the aim is to reduce preventable injuries, not just issue penalties, but with enforcement set to continue, pedestrians should expect less tolerance for risky street behavior.