Changes to compulsory equipment and first aid kits – motorists will see several changes in October

Since October 1, several changes relevant for motorists come into effect. The content of the compulsory equipment of vehicles changes, so drivers no longer have to carry spare bulbs, fuses and the reserve wheel in the car. They also no longer have to replace expired first air boxes. When entering a traffic jam, drivers must now create the so-called rescue isle between the left and the adjacent driving lane. Motorbike riders no longer need to go to emission tests and penalties of up to CZK 500,000 can be imposed for mileage fraud.

No need to replace an expired first aid kit

"We have simplified the compulsory equipment and first aid kit content in cars. Now, drivers no longer need spare fuses, the reserve wheel, a matrix wrench and a hand jack – but only provided the car operator has an assistance service policy in place which includes the replacement of a damage tyre across the Czech Republic non-stop," says the Transport Minister Dan Ťok. Starting on October 1, the triangular scarf, patches with a pad and a plastic mouth mask do not necessarily have to be replaced after expiring.

Motorbike riders no longer need to come to emission tests, visiting the Technical Inspection Station once in four years

The new period for regular inspections at Technical Inspection Stations (STK) is now four years for bigger motorbikes (first inspection of new motorbikes after 6 years, another every 4 years). Besides mopeds, motorbikes with a weight of over 400 kg no longer need to come to emission measurements. "We made a concession to motorbike riders. Since it is their hobby in the majority of cases, they usually maintain their bikes in a very good technical condition. The practice has shown that the four-year period is sufficient for regular technical inspections," minister Ťok explains.

Sanctions for illegal cheating with mileage

The amended act on the terms and conditions of road vehicles operation also introduces sanctions of up to CZK 500,000 for mileage fraud with tachometers. "We are mostly aiming at individuals and companies who do this service repeatedly and against a payment. We have no intention to damage regular drivers who bought a car that was subject to mileage fraud," says minister Ťok and adds that mechanics who fail to issue a tachometer replacement certificate will be facing sanctions of up to CZK 50,000. If the vehicle operator fails to provide this certificate at the technical inspection, they will face sanctions up to CZK 10,000.

The Ministry of Transport has been fighting mileage fraud for years. Preparation of the https://www.kontrolatachometru.cz/ app was the first step. After entering the VIN code, the user can check the tachometer according to technical inspections. The introduction of photo documentation at the Technical Inspection Stations and Emission Measurement Stations was another step. For next year the ministry is preparing an upgrade of the information system of the Technical Inspection Stations that will automatically warn about all cases where lower mileage was detected during the technical inspection than that recorded at the previous inspection.

An isle that saves lives

Since October, drivers must create a rescue isle between the left lane and the adjacent driving lane. Only vehicles with the right of way may enter this space, including vehicles of the road administrator and vehicles needed for the removal of the consequences of the traffic accident of road obstacle. Fines of up to CZK 2500 can be imposed if the driver enters the isle without authorisation. This step also brought uniform rules with the neighbouring countries such as Germany, Austria and Slovakia who is also planning the same change.