Prague's 'historic' cars in the hot seat: All inspected vehicles failed 2025 checks

Prague authorities carried out 10 inspections of so-called “historic” tour vehicles last year, and found that every one of them broke the law. These historic-looking cars often offer sightseeing or tour rides but were found to be operating outside the rules for taxis and passenger transport.

The city’s transport department conducts regular checks to ensure compliance with Czech road transport law. Inspections cover licenses, vehicle registration, proper equipment, and adherence to rules for digital bookings and written contracts.

Deputy Mayor for Transport Jaromír Beránek said the inspections focused on vehicles that sometimes mask poor technical condition with a vintage appearance.

“Some operators tried to bypass regulations by claiming they were running a club activity, charging passengers for membership rather than transport,” Beránek explained.

“The checks revealed that basic taxi requirements were ignored, including business licenses for passenger transport. All cases were referred for administrative proceedings.”

The city plans to continue detailed inspections this year. Beránek also noted a recent update to taxi regulations, aligning rules with emission standards, which will also apply to faux-vintage vehicles and should improve compliance.

Prague has been monitoring these vehicles more closely since 2021, when inspections similarly uncovered serious violations. At that time, operators claimed they were only renting vehicles with drivers rather than running taxis.

One provider was fined CZK 200,000, and the penalty was upheld by both the Ministry of Transport and the Prague Municipal Court. Further appeals were later confirmed by the Supreme Administrative Court and the Constitutional Court.

Prague’s taxi system covers traditional taxis, app-based services, hotel transfers, and sightseeing tours with historic vehicles. These "historic" rides fall under the same legal framework, and authorities say consistent enforcement is necessary to ensure passenger safety and fair competition.

Photos from the inspections are publicly available through the city’s transport department. Officials say they will continue rigorous oversight this year to prevent illegal operations and maintain safety standards across all forms of passenger transport.