Petrol station, garage, vehicle inspection, tow truck: what to say in Czech

💡 At Czech petrol stations you first fill up at the pump (stojan) and then pay at the till: you give the pump number and the amount or plná nádrž (full tank).

💡 Pneumatiky are tyres, vzduch air, kompresor a compressor; at many petrol stations air is free or token-based, ask at the till.

💡 Petrol is Natural, diesel is nafta, gas is LPG; the fuel type is written on the fuel cap or in the vehicle papers; diesel must never go into a petrol engine.

💡 For Czech motorways you need a dálniční známka (vignette): now electronic, linked to the licence plate; you can buy it online or at a petrol station; check the plate and the start date.

💡 Výměna oleje is an oil change, servis a service, prohlídka an inspection; before a visit it is better to book a time: objednat se.

💡 Winter tyres (zimní pneumatiky) in the Czech Republic are mandatory in winter under certain conditions (road sign, snow or ice); přezutí is changing wheels, usually in spring and autumn.

💡 Before a repair ask for a kalkulace (cost estimate) in writing and confirm it; the garage must ask you first if the price goes up.

💡 A yellow kontrolka (warning light) is a warning, red means stop; describe the symbol or show a photo; olej (oil), brzdy (brakes), motor (engine).

💡 The STK (stanice technické kontroly) is the technical inspection, usually once every two years; you need the malý technický průkaz (registration certificate) and the driver's document; emise is the emissions test.

💡 STK result: způsobilé (fit), dočasně nezpůsobilé (temporarily unfit - defects must be fixed and you return) and nezpůsobilé (unfit).

💡 Cities have parking zones of various colours: modrá (residents), oranžová (short-term), fialová (mixed); you pay at the machine or via an app with the SPZ (licence plate) number.

💡 A fine (pokuta) for parking is paid within the stated period at the relevant office or online; it states a variabilní symbol (payment reference).

💡 City centres have a zóna placeného stání (paid parking zone); residents can buy a rezidentní parkovací karta (resident parking card) at the local office; you need the car's papers and proof of residence.

💡 In paid zones you pay at a parkovací automat (parking machine) and often in an app; you choose the zone and licence plate; time can be extended remotely; a paper under the wiper is a fine.

💡 A záchytné parkoviště (park-and-ride) stands by a metro or train station: you leave the car and continue by public transport; the day price often includes the fare.

💡 For roadside help there is the Czech ÚAMK (number 1230) and other clubs; in case of danger or an accident call 112, and the police is 158.

💡 In a minor accident without injuries the drivers fill in a záznam o dopravní nehodě (accident report); if there are injuries or serious damage the police are called on 158 or 112.

💡 In a minor accident with no injuries you may not need the police: fill in a záznam o dopravní nehodě with the other driver, photograph the cars and the place; each signs and keeps a copy.

💡 Report a pojistná událost (insured event) to the insurer as soon as possible; have the contract number, date and place, a description and photos ready; ask what other document is needed.

💡 For přepis vozidla (vehicle re-registration) you need a kupní smlouva (purchase contract), the vehicle documents (malý and velký technický průkaz), proof of insurance and a valid STK; re-registration takes place at the relevant office.

💡 Povinné ručení is compulsory liability insurance; havarijní pojištění is voluntary insurance against damage; the price depends on the car, age and experience.

💡 When driving you must have a řidičský průkaz (driving licence) and an osvědčení o registraci vozidla (vehicle registration certificate); insurance is checked in a register and a zelená karta is needed abroad; the car must carry a vest, a first-aid kit and a warning triangle.

💡 A foreign driving licence is valid in the Czech Republic for a limited time; for a longer stay you usually have to exchange it for a Czech one at the city's transport department; ask for the current conditions and the documents needed.

💡 An autoškola (driving school) prepares you for the zkouška z pravidel (theory exam) and the jízda (driving test); a lékařská prohlídka (medical check) is needed before enrolling; ask the price of the course and what it includes.

💡 If your driving licence is lost or stolen, apply for a duplikát at the transport department; take your passport or ID and a photo; do not drive until the duplicate is issued.