Czech highway stamps will jump in price – here's what you need to know

Annual highway stamps are about to get much more expensive for drivers in Czechia. This is the last week that drivers can buy a yearly pass for CZK 1,500 instead of the new price of CZK 2,300, which will take effect on March 1. Drivers who purchase the stamps at the current price before March 1 can use them for a year.

The change in highway stamp prices benefits drivers who use the country’s main roads sporadically.

Although the annual pass will shoot up in price – by over 40 percent – the monthly stamp will actually become cheaper, by CZK 10 (from CZK 440 to CZK 430). 

The 10-day pass will also decline in price – from CZK 310 to CZK 270.

From next Friday, the Transport Ministry will also introduce a one-day highway stamp, which will cost CZK 100.

If you want to drive through the toll sections of the country’s main highways and have a four-wheeled vehicle weighing under 3 tons, you will need a pass. Unfortunately, this applies to most sections of the country’s major D-labeled highways.

A driver found to be on a toll road without a valid electronic vignette (without being exempt) faces a fine of up to CZK 20,000.

Yes. Cars powered by biomethane or natural gas are eligible for a 50-percent discount on all highway passes.

If you drive a hybrid car (producing less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide per kilometer), you’ll get an approximate 75-percent discount on all highway passes. Previously, drivers of these cars did not need to pay for a highway pass.

Owners of electric vehicles are exempt from paying for the passes. If you hold a disability (ZTP) card, you also do not need to get a highway pass. You will need to complete and send a "notice of exemption" form to public authorities; more information can be found on the official highway stamp website.

You can buy all types of passes on edalnice.cz, which handily is also available in English. You may store it electronically.

The passes are also available to buy at selected Česká pošta and EuroOil branches. A map of sales points is here.

Self-service kiosks are also dotted around the country – see them here.

According to Transport Minister Martin Kupka, the 50-percent increase makes up for the lack of price hikes in the last decade. 

The Transport Ministry has said that next year’s highway stamp prices will likely increase, but will be based on the year-on-year development of consumer prices in Czechia. Kupka also said that discounts for environmentally friendly vehicles will likely lessen in the coming years.