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Bike boxCzechia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Czechia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.

Traffic signs
Traffic rules
Czechia

45. Bike box

A bike box, also called an advanced stop area, is a marked space at a signal-controlled intersection where cyclists can wait ahead of motor vehicles while the traffic light is red. It is usually positioned between two stop lines and may display a bicycle symbol.

A bike box helps increase cyclist visibility and allows cyclists to position themselves clearly before traffic starts moving. The exact users, markings and traffic-light rules vary between countries.

Bike box
Crossroad with bike box. (Prague, Czechia)
Wikimedia.org • Petr Vilgus • CC BY-SA
What is a bike box or advanced stop area in Czechia?

Czech national marking V19, Prostor pro cyklisty, designates space for cyclists waiting for the green signal. Section 57 also addresses use of a provided cycle waiting space in the relevant direction, with its safety and traffic-flow exception. Motorists must respect the marked waiting area and their applicable stop line; the facility gives no permission to cross a red signal.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4, 57, 70, 76; Decree Annexes 8–9

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Decree 294/2015 — current sign and marking descriptions, annexes 1–10

Where should a car wait when a marked bike box has a red light in Czechia?

Where the box is reserved for cyclists, stop at the motor-vehicle stop line before the box when the signal requires a stop. Follow any separate vehicle-category signals, local exceptions and direction from a traffic officer.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4, 57, 70, 76; Decree Annexes 8–9

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Decree 294/2015 — current sign and marking descriptions, annexes 1–10

Does a bike box let cyclists ignore a red signal in Czechia?

No. A bike box is a positioning facility, not a general exemption from red traffic lights. Cyclists must obey their applicable lights and any specially authorised turn indications. Turning drivers must check for cyclists moving off when signals change.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4, 57, 70, 76; Decree Annexes 8–9

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Decree 294/2015 — current sign and marking descriptions, annexes 1–10

1 Czechia 2 Motorway 3 Residential area 4 Zone 5 Speed limit 6 Advisory speed 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Pedestrian warning 11 Pedestrian zone 12 Speed bump 13 Customs 14 Slope 15 Bus lane 16 Bus stop 17 Dead end 18 Stop sign 19 Give way 20 Roundabout 21 Priority road 22 Road narrowing 23 Priority over oncoming traffic 24 Give way to oncoming traffic 25 Pedestrian crossing 26 Railway crossing 27 School area 28 Crossing animals 29 Slippery road 30 Aircraft 31 Curve 32 Chevron 33 Wrong-way driving 34 Roadworks 35 Height limit 36 Weight limit 37 Radar speed sign 38 Selective barriers 39 Priority at the next junction 40 Traffic lights 41 Traffic lights warning 42 Pedestrian lights 43 Road markings 44 Junction layout 45 Bike box 46 Speed feedback 47 Location marker 48 Countdown markers 49 Traffic mirror 50 Emergency telephone 51 International border 52 Pedestrian underpass 53 Cycling route 54 Parking 55 No parking 56 No stopping 57 Park and ride 58 Kiss and ride 59 Disabled parking 60 Traffic management 61 Reversing 62 Road surface 63 Provisional licence 64 Hazardous cargo 65 Runaway truck ramp 66 Tourist attraction 67 Axle weight limit 68 Licence plate 69 Charging station 70 Dangers 71 Cyclist 72 Bus 73 Police 74 Ambulance 75 Taxi 76 Police signals 77 European emission standard 78 Pothole 79 Path 80 Particulates 81 Air pollution 82 Rush hour 83 Road code 84 Train station 85 Street gutter 86 Cargo bike 87 Forestry vehicle 88 Construction vehicle 89 Semi-trailer truck 90 Trolleybus 91 Speed pedelec 92 Delivery vehicle 93 Idling 94 Tow truck 95 Four-wheel drive 96 No vehicles 97 Bicycle 98 Motorcycle equipment 99 Tram 100 Rail track ...