Most problems on the road can be spotted before you get in. This lesson is a checklist that takes five minutes.
Documents and insurance
Keep at hand:
- your driving licence for the vehicle category,
- the vehicle registration certificate (Czech: osvědčení o registraci vozidla, the "small technical certificate"),
- if needed, an authorisation or travel order from the employer, and who to call in an accident or breakdown.
Under § 6(7) of Act No. 361/2000 Sb., a holder of a Czech driving licence does not have to carry the licence in the Czech Republic, nor the registration certificate if the vehicle is entered in the Czech vehicle register. The police check the details in the registers. When you travel abroad, however, carry both documents.
Compulsory third-party liability insurance (Czech: povinné ručení) is required by law for every vehicle, and the police check it in the register. The green card is an international proof of insurance. In EU countries and several others you do not need it to enter, but for some countries outside that area you do. Before a trip abroad, ask your employer and the insurer which documents are needed.
Technical check of the vehicle before driving
Servicing does not replace a quick check before the journey. Walk around the vehicle:
- tyres: pressure, damage, tread (in snow and ice, winter tyres with a tread of at least 4 mm),
- lights: dipped, brake, indicators, fog lights,
- glass and mirrors: clean, with no frost or snow that blocks the view (§ 5(2)(i)),
- wipers and washers: working, with fluid in the reservoir,
- fluids and warning lights: oil, coolant, no warning light on,
- registration plate: legible, not covered,
- brakes and steering: when pulling away, notice any unusual noise or behaviour.
If you find a defect you cannot fix and the vehicle is not safe, do not drive and report the defect. Driving a technically unfit vehicle is an offence. The employer should know about the defect so it can repair it.
Compulsory equipment
Under Decree No. 341/2014 Sb., a car must carry, among other things:
- a first-aid kit with the prescribed contents,
- a warning triangle,
- a high-visibility vest for the driver (you must wear it when you stand on the road outside the vehicle during an emergency stop, § 5(1)(l)),
- a spare wheel or a tyre repair kit.
Check that the first-aid kit has not expired and that the vest is within the driver's reach, not in the boot.
Load and passengers
Under § 52, objects in the vehicle must be stowed so that they do not restrict the driver, do not block the view and do not move while driving. Heavy goods belong in the boot and must be secured. Do not exceed the vehicle's load capacity. The number of passengers must not exceed the number of permitted seats, and everyone must wear a seat belt.
Planning the journey
- Plan the route and time, allow a margin for traffic and rest.
- Check the weather and road conditions, especially in winter.
- Find out where you will park and where you will stop for a break.
- Set the navigation and radio before you drive.
- Charge your phone and carry your employer's number.
- Do not drive when you are ill, on medication that affects driving, or short of sleep. § 5(2)(c) forbids driving in a health condition that reduces your ability to drive.
Summary
- Documents, vehicle check, compulsory equipment, load and plan are five minutes before driving.
- Report a dangerous defect and do not drive.
- Clean glass, working lights, the right tyres and a secured load are the basics.
- The first-aid kit and vest belong in the vehicle and within reach.