What are your rights when stopped by police in Czechia? A driving expert explains

Let’s be honest – getting stopped by the police is stressful under any circumstance. 

But when you see those blue and red lights flashing, remember to pull over, keep your cool and for goodness sake, don’t start apologizing as soon as you roll down the window, says Pavel Greiner, owner of Prague-based driving school Autoškola KING.

“It’s the officer’s job to tell you why you’ve been stopped,” says Greiner. “Your job is to be polite – or try to be. Rudeness or annoyance won’t win you any points, especially if the officer’s in a bad mood to begin with.”

Knowing your rights is also important. We asked Greiner to explain what officers are and are not allowed to do during traffic stops.  

“Don’t start sweating the second you are pulled over. You might have literally done nothing wrong. Police can stop drivers simply to check that their vehicle is in compliance with road traffic regulation.” 

When this happens, the officer can ask you to provide proof of identity, like your driver’s license, passport or ID card. The officer may also request the same proof of identity from passengers, but this usually doesn’t happen. 

You will generally be asked to turn off your engine, as keeping the mortar running of a parked car is an offense. The officer may also check to see that you have mandatory equipment readily at hand, like a first-aid kit. They may also check the technical condition of the vehicle, like measuring the depth of the tire tread or emissions. 

“These checks might feel invasive, but they are actually quite routine, and if you keep your vehicle in top shape, you’ll have nothing to worry about,” says Greiner.

If you are pulled over, you may be asked to submit to a breath test. Refusing is an offense, and you could be fined or even prohibited from driving if the officer determines you are unsafe to be behind the wheel.

An officer can also search your vehicle if they suspect you are illegally transporting something or someone. 

“Usually, an officer will only ask you to pop your trunk,” says Greiner. “Beware, they aren’t just looking for weapons or drugs, but bottles of homemade brandy could also get you in hot water if you can’t prove you’ve paid tax on them.”

You have the right to film or record the check, and an officer cannot forbid you from doing so. But be respectful and don’t shove your camera in the officer’s face in an attempt to provoke them, says Greiner. Keep in mind that the officer is also usually recording the check with a bodycam.

Police can also not pressure you to do anything. That means you don’t have to pay a fine on the spot. Officers also can’t force you to sign any documents or to explain anything you don’t want to. You don’t have to tell the police where you are going or to explain why they pulled you over in the first place. 

“Remember,” says Greiner, “that’s their job – not yours. The only things you are obliged to do is to show proof of identity and submit to a breath test if asked. And try to be polite.”   

The officer must provide you with their identification number, and in theory, they, too, must treat you with respect and dignity throughout the traffic stop, according to Greiner.