Speed limits in the Czech Republic

Speed limits in the Czech Republic vary depending on the type of road, and whether the road is within a settlement or not. The top speed limit is 130 km/h for motorways outside of settlements, whereas on regular roads within a settlement the speed limit is 50 km/h. outside of the settlement and other than motorway the speed limit is 90 km/h. Various other special restrictions are applied for certain types and weight categories of vehicle.

Historical speed limits
On 29 January 1900, a government ordinance limited the speed of vehicles inside settlements to the velocity of a hand-cantering horse. In 1935, the speed limit inside settlements was set at 35 km/h. Vehicles with two or more trailers were limited to 35 km/h, while trucks and buses were limited to 50 km/h. However, public buses could ask for an exception.

A law in 1950 limited the speed in thick fog to 25 km/h and at level crossings to 15 km/h. An ordinance introduced in 1953 specified places where speed needs to be slow, i.e. under 15 km/h: along processions, at pedestrian crossings, while the driver is entering the road, near buses or trams, near work places, while the road is oily or while pedestrian traffic is dense.

A law in 1960 limited the speed inside settlements between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m. to 50 km/h. Buses and trucks over 3500 kg were limited outside settlements to 80 km/h. Also, in 1966, motorcycles were limited to 80 km/h. Long-distance buses were freed from limits. Towed automobiles were limited to 50 km/h.

Speed limits were abolished on motorways (dálnice), even for trucks and motorcycles, in 1971. Furthermore, in 1976, all of the 50 km/h limits were increased to 60 km/h. The special limits for motorcycles, trucks and buses were repealed. The ordinance in 1979 was the first to limit speeds outside of settlements. Cars were limited to 90 km/h and 110 km/h on motorways, long-distance buses to 90 km/h, motorcycles and trucks under 6000 kg to 80 km/h, trucks over 6000 kg and buses to 70 km/h. The limit of 60 km/h (only between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m.) was kept for roads inside settlements.

A limit of 90 km/h and 110 km/h on motorways was established in 1989 for vehicles under 3500 kg and for buses. Furthermore, motorcycles were limited to 90 km/h and all other motor vehicles were limited to 80 km/h. The speed inside settlements was limited 60 km/h and 80 km/h on motorways, including at night. Specially signed pedestrian zones and house zones was introduced with a 20 km/h limit.

Ordinance No. 223/1997 Sb., which took effect on October 1, 1997, reduced the settlement limit to 50 km/h and increased the motorway limit to 130 km/h, including for motorcycles.

As of 2023, raising the motorway speed limit on certain sections to 150 km/h is under consideration.

Current speed limits
As of 2019 on motorways (dálnice) the speed limit is 130 km/h and on roads for motorcars (silnice pro motorová vozidla)  the speed limit is 110 km/h. In settlements, the speed limit is set to 80 km/h both on motorways and roads for motorcars.

On regular roads, the speed limit is set to 90 km/h and the settlement limit is 50 km/h. Inside any settlement zone (obytná zóna) marked by a special blue sign and pedestrian zone (pěší zóna) the speed limit is set to 20 km/h and drivers must give way to other vehicles when exiting them. Inside any cyclist zone (cyklistická zóna) the speed limit is set to 30 km/h.

50 m before a level crossing with railway, the speed limit is further reduced to 30 km/h or 50 km/h in case of visible flashing of a white traffic light.

There are special restrictions for certain kinds of vehicles, especially weighing over 3.5 MT. The speed limit for towing with a rope or tow bar is 60 km/h. The speed limit when a car has chains on is 50 km/h.

Minimum speed limits
No minimum speed limits are currently in place.

Vehicles incapable of reaching the speed of 80 km/h are not allowed to enter motorways (dálnice) and roads for motorcars (silnice pro motorová vozidla).