Driving your own car to the Czech Republic: current rules and necessary documents for Ukrainians
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Citizens of Ukraine can stay in the Czech Republic with their own car. However, the country has established certain requirements for personal vehicles of refugees. Find out more about whether you need to register your car in the Czech Republic and exchange your Ukrainian license
Owning a car creates additional comfort for refugees abroad. At the same time, not knowing the current requirements can create a number of problems, so Ukrainians are interested in the current rules for foreign drivers. Do I need to exchange my driver's license? What should I do if my license has expired? Where can I get car insurance? These and other questions are answered in this article.
Requirements for cars in the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic has established requirements for personal vehicles. All drivers must have a safety kit in their car:
- An emergency stop sign and a towing cable;
- a spare tire and tread with a depth of at least 4 mm;
- UA sign pasted on the rear window;
- a first aid kit;
- fire extinguisher;
- a set of light bulbs for headlights and lanterns.
European driving license is not required
According to EU regulations adopted last July, a Ukrainian driver's license is valid in the Czech Republic. There is no need to exchange it for a European-style document.
Exchange of Ukrainian driving license
Recently, a branch of the State Enterprise "Document" has started operating in Prague, where you can exchange your driver's license in the following cases:
- Changes in the driver's passport data;
- expiration of the document;
- inability to read the inscriptions on the document;
- the driver wishes to obtain a modern license.
We emphasize that it is only possible to exchange a license, not to renew it. Accordingly, to apply to the institution, you must have the document with you.
Address of the office: Prague 110-00, Náměstí Republiky 656/8 (parking lot of the Kotva shopping center). It is possible to make an appointment in advance or get a consultation on a first-come, first-served basis.
Do Ukrainians need to register a car in the Czech Republic?
There is no need to obtain Czech license plates. Ukrainians with temporary protection can drive their vehicles without registration.
Is car insurance mandatory in the Czech Republic?
All cars with Ukrainian registration are required to have an insurance policy. The most convenient and reliable way is to purchase a Green Card. It is easy to do online by following the link.
Please note! Without an insurance policy, you face possible risks:
- A fine for not having a policy from 1000 euros;
- deportation;
- prohibition to enter the country;
- seizure or arrest of the vehicle, etc.
Read more about the Green Card insurance policy here.
Buying a car in the Czech Republic
Ukrainians have the right to own a car in the Czech Republic. However, a temporary protection visa does not allow you to obtain permanent Czech license plates. After completing the purchase, the owner will be issued a temporary license plate for three months. This period can be extended for another three months, but then the car must be brought back to Ukraine and registered there.
We will remind you! The Czech Republic offers refugees several legal options for staying in the country. In particular, some Ukrainians who arrived in the country after February 24 have obtained a special visa for temporary residence (Vízum strpění). Read here when the document is considered temporary protection.
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