Winter tyres and snow chains in Czechia with a rental car (2026-27)
According to the Czech Ministry of Transport, checked on 30 October 2026, from 1 November to 31 March a car must have winter tyres whenever there is a continuous layer of snow, ice or frost on the road, or when these conditions can be expected; where the “Zimní výbava” (winter equipment) road sign stands, winter tyres are compulsory in all circumstances.
The ministry press release we quote is dated 1 November 2017. We did not find a newer ministry page, so the rules may have changed: check them before you travel. It is in Czech: our English translation is under each quote.
Local orders and road signs come first. We quote governments, police forces and road safety agencies word for word, with the date we checked them; this is information, not legal advice. Before you drive, check the signs on your route and ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
At a glance
| Obligation | Only in winter conditions – always where the “Zimní výbava” sign stands |
|---|---|
| Period | 1 November – 31 March |
| Snow chains | Not covered by the page we read |
| Rental cars | Not covered by the official pages: ask the rental company |
| Checked | 30 October 2026 |
What the official sources say
When the rule applies
Zákon o silničním provozu stanovuje povinnost užít zimní pneumatiky v období od 1. listopadu do 31. března. V tomto období musí mít vozidlo zimní pneumatiky vždy, pokud se nachází na vozovce souvislá vrstva sněhu, ledu či námraza nebo tyto jevy lze vzhledem ke klimatickým podmínkám očekávat.
Our translation: The Road Traffic Act sets the obligation to use winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March. In this period a vehicle must always have winter tyres if there is a continuous layer of snow, ice or frost on the road, or if these conditions can be expected because of the weather.
Source: Ministerstvo dopravy: Řidičům začala povinnost přezout na zimní pneumatiky (Czech Ministry of Transport), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Where it applies
Tam, kde dopravní značka „Zimní výbava“ bude umístěna, musí mít vozidlo zimní pneumatiky za všech okolností.
Our translation: Where the “Zimní výbava” (winter equipment) road sign is placed, the vehicle must have winter tyres in all circumstances.
Source: Ministerstvo dopravy: Řidičům začala povinnost přezout na zimní pneumatiky (Czech Ministry of Transport), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
Which tyres count
Po 1. listopadu pak je za zhoršených podmínek povinnost mít při jízdě na autě zimní pneumatiky s odpovídajícím vzorkem, tedy minimálně 4 mm dezénem.
Our translation: After 1 November, in bad conditions, a car must have winter tyres with a suitable tread, that is at least 4 mm.
Source: Ministerstvo dopravy: Řidičům začala povinnost přezout na zimní pneumatiky (Czech Ministry of Transport), checked on 30 October 2026. Quoted word for word.
With a rental car
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Hire a car in Czechia
Hiring a car in Czechia this winter? Compare rental companies and prices on DiscoverCars. Before you book, ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Some links are affiliate links: we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
More for drivers in Czechia
Hiring a car in the Czech Republic? How to pay vignette and tolls in the Czech Republic with a rental car
Other countries
Questions
Are winter tyres mandatory in the Czech Republic?
In winter conditions, yes. The Czech Ministry of Transport says (our translation from Czech): “The Road Traffic Act sets the obligation to use winter tyres from 1 November to 31 March. In this period a vehicle must always have winter tyres if there is a continuous layer of snow, ice or frost on the road, or if these conditions can be expected because of the weather.”
What does the Czech winter tyre law say about road signs?
The Czech Ministry of Transport says (our translation from Czech): “Where the “Zimní výbava” (winter equipment) road sign is placed, the vehicle must have winter tyres in all circumstances.”
Does a rental car in Czechia come with winter tyres or snow chains?
The official pages we read do not say whether rental cars come with winter tyres or chains. Ask the rental company whether winter tyres or chains are included and at what cost.
Where does this answer come from?
From the official pages of the Czech Ministry of Transport, read on 30 October 2026 and quoted word for word on this page (with our translation when the page is not in English). It is information, not legal advice.
Spotted a change? Tell us. Winter tyres with a rental car: all countries.