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Wrong-way drivingCzechia

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

33. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

Wrong-way driving
No-entry sign on Otakara Ševčíka Street. (Písek, Czechia)
Wikimedia.org • ŠJů • CC BY-SA
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in Czechia?

Traffic normally keeps right here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4, 11–12, 24, 35–38; Decree B2 and IP4

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

What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in Czechia?

Read no-entry signs, one-way signs, lane arrows and temporary directions together; a wide road is not automatically two-way. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.

🔗 e-sbirka.gov.cz • Czechia, Road Traffic Act 361/2000 — sections 4, 11–12, 24, 35–38; Decree B2 and IP4

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

What should you do if you enter a road against traffic in Czechia?

If this happens on a motorway, do not turn round or reverse. Stop as close as possible to the road edge without crossing traffic; Police guidance favours the shoulder beside the slowest lane where reachable safely. Switch on hazard lights, put on a reflective vest, move behind a safety barrier where possible, and call 158 with your location. Wait for the police.

🔗 archiv.policie.gov.cz • Czech Police, Wrong-way motorway driving, stopping, warning lights, safety vest and police line 158

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