Czech police brace for thousands of cars at illegal tuning meets

Czech police are preparing a nationwide security operation amid reports that thousands of modified cars could arrive for illegal tuning meets in Prague and Brno this week.

The event, promoted on social media as “Europe Illegal Season End 2026,” is expected to reach Prague on Friday, Oct. 2, before moving to Brno the following day.

Police say the preparations are based on a worst-case scenario involving several thousand vehicles arriving in Czechia from across Europe. Border crossings and major routes into both cities will be monitored.

Similar events held elsewhere in Europe have been accompanied by illegal street racing, deliberately blocked highways and attempts to obstruct police vehicles, according to police spokesman Jozef Bocán.

Participants have also reportedly stolen traffic signs, set off pyrotechnics and caused significant disruption to public order.

“This event has taken place in other European countries in previous years, and it has always been associated with extensive and serious threats to road safety and public order,” Bocán said.

Police have not disclosed the planned locations or precise routes of the gatherings. Officers are continuing to monitor social media and exchange information with foreign police forces.

The operation may be adjusted as authorities receive further intelligence about the number of vehicles expected and their likely movements.

Officers from every Czech highway police department will participate, alongside regional traffic units, local traffic inspectorates and the nationwide Special Supervision Department.

Foreign police mobile units will also be deployed because many participants are expected to arrive from abroad.

A police helicopter equipped with thermal imaging technology and teams operating drones will monitor activity from the air. Special public-order units will remain on standby in case of major disturbances.

A police explosives specialist will also be available to assess any pyrotechnic devices used during the gatherings.

“Our goal is to ensure safety on the roads and maintain order in the streets of the affected cities,” Bocán said. “The scale of the deployment is based on the darkest scenario, which currently suggests that several thousand vehicles could arrive from all directions.”

Police will redirect officers and equipment as necessary once the gatherings begin. Authorities have warned that their attention will extend beyond Prague and Brno to border crossings, highways and other major arrival routes throughout Czechia.