Home › Textbook › Zones: Residential and Pedestrian

Zones: Residential and Pedestrian

In some parts of cities, special rules apply. Act 361/2000 Coll. in Sections 39-39b defines three types of zones with specific rules: zone 30, residential zone, and pedestrian zone.

In these zones, pedestrians have more rights and drivers have more obligations. It is important to know the differences.

Explanation

ZONE 30 (Section 39b):

• Maximum speed: 30 km/h
• Other traffic rules apply normally
• Priority from the right applies (unless otherwise specified by a sign)
• Pedestrians walk on the sidewalk (not on the roadway)
• Cyclists may ride against the flow in a one-way street (if allowed by a sign)

Zone 30 is often located in city centers, near schools, and in residential areas. Its purpose is to reduce speed and increase pedestrian safety.

RESIDENTIAL ZONE (Section 39):

• Maximum speed: 20 km/h
• Pedestrians may use the ENTIRE width of the roadway
• Pedestrians may use the entire width of the roadway (but must not unnecessarily obstruct traffic)
• Children may PLAY on the roadway
• Parking is allowed ONLY in designated areas
• When exiting the residential zone: the driver MUST yield to all

The residential zone is marked by a sign with a house, a child, and a car on a blue background. The end of the zone is the same sign crossed out.

IMPORTANT: Slow driving (20 km/h) and absolute consideration for pedestrians and playing children!

PEDESTRIAN ZONE (Section 39a):

• Entry of motor vehicles is PROHIBITED (except for exceptions: deliveries, residents, emergency services)
• Pedestrians may use the entire width of the roadway (but must not unnecessarily obstruct traffic)
• Speed: (max. approx. 5-10 km/h)
• Cyclists may ride if allowed by a sign, but must take pedestrians into account

The pedestrian zone is marked by a sign with pedestrians on a blue background.

COMPARISON OF ZONES:

Common mistakes

Common mistakes:

1. "In a residential zone I can drive 30" - NO! The maximum is 20 km/h.

2. "In zone 30 pedestrians can walk on the road" - NO! In zone 30, normal rules apply, pedestrians walk on the sidewalk.

3. "In a residential zone I can park anywhere" - NO! Only in DESIGNATED areas.

4. "I exit the residential zone normally" - NO! When exiting a residential zone, you must yield to EVERYONE on the road you are entering.

How to remember it

Practical summary:

Zones – differences to know:

ZONE 30:

• Max 30 km/h, otherwise normal rules
• Pedestrians must walk on the sidewalk
• Parking is allowed normally

RESIDENTIAL ZONE:

• Max 20 km/h
• Pedestrians may walk ON THE ENTIRE WIDTH of the road (children may play)
• PARKING ONLY in designated areas
• The driver must yield to pedestrians

PEDESTRIAN ZONE:

• Speed 20 km/h
• Entry of cars only if allowed by a sign (deliveries, residents)
• Absolute priority for pedestrians

Practical tip: When you see a residential zone sign, imagine that there may be small children on the road – and drive accordingly.

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

   When driving in a residential zone, a rolling ball suddenly appears in front of your vehicle. How should you react?

   Immediately start braking, because children may run into the carriageway after the ball.Continue driving, because children know they should stay off the carriageway and wait until the car passes.Avoid the ball to prevent damage to your vehicle and continue driving at the same speed.

   § 39

2. Question 2 of 5

   In a pedestrian zone, a driver may travel at a speed of:

   A maximum of 10 km/h.A maximum of 20 km/h.A maximum of 30 km/h.

   § 39

3. Question 3 of 5

   In a residential zone, a driver:

   Must not park anywhere other than in places designated as car parks, but may stop outside a car park.Must not stop or park anywhere other than in places designated as car parks.Must not even stop the vehicle outside a car park.

   § 39

4. Question 4 of 5

   In a pedestrian zone:

   A driver must not park anywhere other than in places designated as car parks, but may stop outside a car park.A driver must not stop or park anywhere other than in places designated as car parks.A driver must not even stop the vehicle outside a car park.

   § 39

5. Question 5 of 5

   Children playing on the road:

   Is permitted only in residential zones.Is permitted in residential zones and pedestrian zones.Is prohibited.

   § 39