Traffic signs, road markings and traffic control signals
This domain covers výstražné, zákazové, příkazové and informativní značky, dodatkové tabulky, vodorovné značení and světelné signály - including who outranks whom when they conflict.
Reading a sign by shape
- Triangle with a red border: výstraha, e.g. A7a přechod pro chodce, zvířata, nerovnost vozovky.
- Circle with a red border: zákaz, e.g. zákaz vjezdu nákladních automobilů, zákaz vjezdu autobusů, zákaz předjíždění.
- Blue circle: příkaz, e.g. C1 Kruhový objezd, přikázaný směr jízdy.
- Blue rectangle: informativní, e.g. dálnice, zastávka, nemocnice.
Hierarchy of control
- Pokyny policisty or another authorised person > světelné signály > dopravní značky > obecná pravidla.
- A marking cannot create a priority that no sign gives; it supports the sign, e.g. the stop line under P6.
Light signals
- Zelená: you may proceed, but only if you can clear the junction. Oranžová: stop, unless you are so close that stopping would be dangerous. Červená: stop.
- Flashing amber: the signals are out of service - signs and general rules apply again.
- Green arrow: proceed only in the arrow's direction; other movements remain prohibited.
Road markings
- Plná čára: do not cross; the accepted exceptions are avoiding an obstacle and entering or leaving a property. It also acts as an overtaking ban.
- Přerušovaná čára may be crossed when safe; double continuous lines bind both directions.
- Příčná čára souvislá = stop line; zebra = přechod pro chodce; šikmé šrafování = keep out.
Worked example
You approach an intersection where the light is green, but a P6 sign and a thick stop line stand at the entrance. Reasoning: while the signal works it overrides the sign, so green means go without stopping - but only if you can clear the junction. If the light drops to flashing amber, the P6 becomes effective and you must stop at the line before entering.
Traps
- Believing P6 always forces a stop even under a working green light.
- Reading flashing amber as "go".
- Treating a plná čára as merely advisory.
- Confusing a blue circular příkaz with a blue rectangular informativní sign.