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Slippery roadCzechia

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

29. Slippery road

A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.

Slippery road
Slippery-road warning and sign prohibiting chemical road treatment for 700 metres. (Jíloviště, Czechia)
Wikimedia.org • ŠJů • CC BY-SA
What can make roads slippery in Czechia?

Be prepared for snow, ice and frost during colder months. A surface can become slippery even if it looks clear, and different parts of the road may have very different grip.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4–5, 17–20, 27, 40a; Decree Annex 1 warnings

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

How should you drive on a slippery road in Czechia?

Reduce speed early, increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Do not rely on the posted maximum as a safe target when grip is poor.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4–5, 17–20, 27, 40a; Decree Annex 1 warnings

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

Are special winter tyres or equipment required in Czechia?

In Czechia, qualifying vehicles require winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March when wintry conditions are present or reasonably expected, with extra rules on signed roads. The driver must still adapt speed to actual conditions.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4–5, 17–20, 27, 40a; Decree Annex 1 warnings

🔗 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 ...