Starting in July, it will be possible to pick up the driving licence at a distribution point, senato10/4/2025|Press releasesDrivers will no longer have to go to the office in person to get a new or renewed licence or driver's card. Everything can be handled via the Transport Portal and the document can be picked up at a distribution point or in a delivery box. This is made possible by an amendment to several road laws, as passed by senators. Other innovations include the so-called demand-based transport, rules for automated vehicles, the establishment of the Road Inspection (INSID) and the extension of the registration check to two years. The changes are still to be considered by the President of the Czech Republic. "From July, it will be possible to choose via the Transport Portal whether to deliver the driving licence (issued due to its expiry, loss or theft) to a distribution point, which may be a delivery box or a storage site. Until now, it was necessary to come to the local municipal office, of which there are 206 in the Czech Republic. At least 1 500 delivery boxes and 1 500 distribution points will now be available," says transport minister Martin Kupka. In the Czech Republic it is no longer necessary to carry the driving licence in the car. However, under the European legislation it is still the case when in other member states or so-called "third countries". This could now change in the coming years for the territory of the EU member states as part of the introduction of the European Digital Wallet and Digital Identity. Another new feature is that people who obtain or extend the driving licence will be able to drive as soon as the right to drive is entered in the driving register, without having to wait for the physical document to be issued. The necessary information will be available to control authorities through the driver register for road checks. It will also not be necessary to hand in an invalid driving licence any more but just destroy it, thus eliminating another reason for going to the local office. These changes will apply from 1 January 2026. The validity of the registration check is extended to two years Other changes from the amendment to road laws include the extension of the validity of the registration check from one year to two. This aligns the validity period with that of the periodic technical inspections. "We are reducing unnecessary bureaucracy when registering a change of vehicle owner or operator in the vehicle register. Regarding a valid regular “roadworthiness” inspection certificate, the vehicle will not have to undergo the so-called registration check. Also, everybody can find out about the latest technical inspections and tachometer status simply by visiting www.kontrolatachometru.cz," says transport minister Martin Kupka. In July, mobile expert units – the new Road Inspection (INSID) – will hit the roads to inspect freight transport. The inspectors will independently carry out inspections mainly on the roads but also on the premises of the carriers. They will have the power to stop vehicles and deal with certain offences by a warrant on the spot, collect bail, prevent further driving, remove documents and licence plates. "Road inspectors will be able to inspect trucks without the assistance of the police or customs. They will monitor mandatory breaks and rest periods for drivers, correct load securing, weight of trucks and will also detect tachograph manipulation," says transport minister Martin Kupka. Demand-responsive transport is introduced Another important innovation is the strengthening of public transport by introducing so-called demand-responsive transport. Transport orders will be placed mainly via apps and transport will be provided mainly by smaller vehicles. Passengers will be able to get on and off the vehicle even outside the stops, and the route will be adjusted according to their requirements. Transportation will be demand-based, both between regular stops and between fixed boarding points. Vehicles, ranging from passenger cars to buses, will be used and the licence issued for a specific geographical area, not a route. Demand-responsive transport will enable both economical and very efficient operation transport services. This makes room for new transport booking apps. Automated vehicles will have new rules from January 2026 The amendment also takes into account the future operation of automated vehicles. When the vehicle is driving itself, the driver will not be subject to road rules or other driving obligations that the automated vehicle is currently keeping. However, the driver must be prepared to safely take over when the automated vehicle calls so. The vehicle operator will not be liable for any offence committed while the automated vehicle was driving itself. Every such vehicle will have the so-called black box. If necessary, the driver or vehicle manufacturer will be required to make available to the police the driving data recorded by the black box.