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Road narrowingCzechia

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

22. Road narrowing

A road narrowing is a section where the available width of the road or carriageway becomes smaller. The narrowing may occur on both sides, on one side only, or because one or more traffic lanes end.

Drivers should reduce speed, observe approaching and adjacent traffic, maintain sufficient lateral clearance and merge when necessary. Warning signs do not always determine priority, so drivers must follow any priority signs, lane markings and local traffic rules.

Road narrowing at the Průběžná Street underpass towards Zahradní Město. (Prague, Czechia)
Wikimedia.org • ŠJů • CC BY-SA
What does a road-narrowing warning mean in Czechia?

Czech narrowing warnings identify reduced carriageway width on one or both sides. Read the diagram separately from a lane-ending or opposing-flow priority control.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 12(5), 18, 20; Decree Annexes 1 and 5

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

Does a narrowing warning give you priority in Czechia?

No. A warning describes the reduced width, rather than allocating priority or setting a numerical speed limit. Follow any separate priority signs, signals and meeting rules, and slow enough to pass safely or wait before entering.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 12(5), 18, 20; Decree Annexes 1 and 5

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

What should you do if traffic lanes merge at a narrowing in Czechia?

Czech law provides alternating merging when traffic in parallel lanes reaches the end of a lane under the statutory conditions. Use the actual markings and arrangement; do not treat the zipper rule as priority over traffic travelling in the opposite direction.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 12(5), 18, 20; Decree Annexes 1 and 5

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

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