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Accidents and Breakdowns

A traffic accident is an event involving a moving vehicle in traffic that results in death, injury, or property damage.

Emergency stopping (breakdown, accident)

Emergency stopping occurs due to:

• Vehicle fault
• Load problem
• Traffic accident
• Sudden illness

Procedure:

1. Switch on hazard lights (until warning triangle is placed) 2. Put on reflective vest (if leaving vehicle on road; motorcycle riders exempt) 3. Secure the vehicle (prevent movement, use wheel chocks if required) 4. Place warning triangle:

• Outside built-up areas: min. 50 m behind vehicle
• Motorway / highway: min. 100 m behind vehicle
• In built-up area: shorter distance may be used if needed

If you discover a fault while driving: stop and fix it. If not possible, drive slowly to nearest safe place without endangering traffic.

Explanation

Special rules in a tunnel

In case of breakdown or accident inside a tunnel:

• Switch off engine and independent heating
• Take safety measures (may stop other vehicles if needed)
• Inform police or tunnel control
• Do not smoke or use open flames
• Ensure all passengers leave the vehicle and move to a safe area or exit the tunnel

Duties of drivers involved in an accident

*Every driver*:

• Stop immediately
• Do NOT consume alcohol or drugs after the accident until police check is done (!!!important!!!)
• Prevent additional damage or danger if possible
• Cooperate in determining circumstances

*All participants*:

• Make the scene safe (may stop other vehicles)
• Give first aid; call emergency services if anyone is injured
• Mark the scene (warning triangle)
• Help restore traffic flow, especially for public transport
• Exchange personal and vehicle data
• Report damage to road, public equipment or environment to police

When to call the police:

• Death or injury has occurred
• Total damage to vehicles (including cargo) clearly exceeds 200,000 CZK
• Third-party property damaged
• Road or road equipment damaged
• Traffic cannot be safely restored without police help

Rules after calling the police

• Do not move vehicles (unless needed to help injured or for public transport)
• If something had to be moved: mark the original positions first
• Stay at the scene until police arrive, or return immediately after calling

Accident report (without police)

If police are not required, all participants must complete a joint accident report:

• Sign it
• Send to insurance company

Must contain:

• Time and place of accident
• Participant and vehicle details
• Description of the accident
• Damage information

May also be completed electronically with electronic signatures.

Points system

Traffic offences are recorded as penalty points. Reaching 12 points results in licence withdrawal (5 working days after receiving notice).

Point deduction: attending a safe driving course at an accredited centre. Conditions:

• Not more than 10 points at the time
• No individual offence rated at 6+ points

Summary

• Triangle: 50 m behind vehicle outside towns, 100 m on motorway
• AFTER ACCIDENT: do not consume alcohol or drugs until police check!
• Must call police if: injury, death, or damage > 200,000 CZK
• Points system: 12 points = licence withdrawn
• Point removal: safe-driving course (max 10 points; no offence ≥ 6 points)

What the law says

Verbatim text of Act No. 361/2000 Coll., on road traffic, as in force on 1 January 2026. Quoted in Czech — the Czech wording is the binding one.

Check what you remember

Five questions from the official bank. The answer appears only after you choose — try to recall it first, that is what makes learning stick.

1. Question 1 of 5

   Which of the following motor vehicles may you NOT drive with a category C driving licence:

   A motor vehicle designed for the carriage of goods, with two seats, whose maximum permissible mass is 12,000 kg.A motor vehicle designed for the carriage of goods, with three seats, whose maximum permissible mass is 7,900 kg.A motor vehicle designed for the carriage of persons, with ten seats, whose maximum permissible mass is 7,500 kg.

2. Question 2 of 5

   Which of the following motor vehicles may you drive with a category C driving licence:

   A motor vehicle designed for the carriage of goods, with two seats, whose maximum permissible mass is 8,000 kg.A motor vehicle designed for the carriage of persons, with fifteen seats, whose maximum permissible mass is 7,850 kg, in which five persons are currently being transported.A motor vehicle designed for the carriage of persons, with twelve seats, whose maximum permissible mass is 7,550 kg.

3. Question 3 of 5

   Driving a motor vehicle designed for the carriage of persons, with twenty seats, whose maximum permissible mass is 8,000 kg, solely on the basis of a category C driving licence:

   Is not permitted.Is permitted without restriction.Is permitted if the number of persons transported does not exceed 8 persons.

4. Question 4 of 5

   First aid must be provided by:

   Only someone who has undergone any medical training.Anyone who can do so without danger to themselves or others.Anyone, provided they have reached the age of 18.

5. Question 5 of 5

   Motor vehicle liability insurance covers:

   Any person who is liable for damage caused by the operation of the vehicle specified in the insurance contract.Damage caused only by the operator of this vehicle and their family members.Damage caused exclusively by the operator of this vehicle.