Traffic changes 2022: Overtaking cyclists at 1.5 metres, reserved lanes and more

Reserved lanes 

 City and municipal police will be able to ticket on the spot for offenses related to unauthorized use of a reserved lane. The aim is to strengthen control and prevent blocking of roads that are designated for public transport buses, taxis or police, fire and rescue vehicles. 

Parking for the disabled 

 Unauthorised parking in a space reserved for disabled persons or misuse of a disabled person’s parking permit will now result in the loss of two points in drivers’ points in addition to the fine. 

Overtaking cyclists 

 When overtaking a cyclist, the driver will be required to maintain a safe lateral separation of at least 1.5 metres from the car, load or trailer. On roads where the highest 

maximum speed of 30 km/h, a minimum distance of at least one metre shall apply. 

No beer bikes 

 A ban on the consumption of alcoholic beverages or other addictive substances by persons actively engaged in driving (beer bikes) will apply. Beer bikes have already been banned in Prague’s wider city centre. 

Tractor licence 

 It will also be possible to drive tractors with a Group C driving licence, including those granted abroad. The aim is to solve the problem of labour shortages in agriculture and forestry. 

Towing at the suggestion of the municipality 

 Municipalities will now be able to initiate proceedings for the removal of a wreck from a publicly accessible purpose-built road. Until now, only the owner of the road had this possibility. 

Penalty for failure to consider 

 The upper limit of the fine imposed on the spot on truck drivers who refuse to submit to low-speed checkweighing will be raised from CZK 30,000 to CZK 100,000. The aim is to mitigate the difference between the penalty for overloading a vehicle and for refusing to submit to a checkweigh. 

 Until now, it has often paid drivers to refuse to be weighed rather than to undergo the weighing and receive a fine for exceeding the weight limits, the amount of which is calculated according to the extent to which the limits are exceeded.