Since Saturday, the changes introduced by the amendment to the Road Traffic Act have begun to apply on the roads. Relatively significant are pedestrians and, in the current weather, also drivers who park their cars in the open air. Here are some of the most important changes.
1) On a road with reflective tape
Pedestrians who cross the road outside the village have the obligation to wear retro reflective items on their clothes, of course at a time when visibility is low. "It is night, but also mists, heavy snow or heavy rain," remarks Vaclav from the Czech.
Elements, such as a tape wrap around the limb, should be worn so that they are visible from the front and back. It is best to place them on the foot at the level of the ankle or on the arm in the wrist area, on the body side closer to the center of the pavement. With such a pedestrian, the driver can see the driver at night at a distance of 200 meters, while without the ribbon he has often responded to a few tens of meters.
If the pedestrians are not marked with, for example, reflective tapes or other elements, they are liable to a fine of up to two thousand dollars in the block proceedings, the administrative procedure being between 1500 and 2500 crowns. Initially, however, according to the ministry, the police will not punish people, but will consult and distribute reflective vest and bags.
2) Removing snow and ice from the surface of the car
Cleaning a snowy, frosted but also stuck car is a new duty for drivers of all types of vehicles that go on public roads. The first reason for the new regulation is to ensure a forward-looking, backward and outward-looking perspective, while the second is to endanger the drivers driving behind the vehicle so dirty.
Almost every driver is likely to have encountered a layer of snow from the roof on the windshield when heavy braking has been required. He must have also noticed how the ice crust was flying from the truck.
Regulations should not take the driver lightly. According to the current forecast of the Czech Authority, it can be expected during Saturday at least in locations over 500 meters of snowfall. So the wagon and the scraper will be necessary for some time.
3) Removing a small technical license
The Republican Police Officer will be able to withdraw a vehicle registration certificate, a so-called small technical license if he detects a dangerous malfunction on the vehicle. These include, for example, significant wear and tear in the tires, such as their apparent layers, apparent deformations or cracks in the wheel disks, deformation of the bodywork in the crew compartment, corrosion and cracks in the vehicle's parts, damage to the windscreen on more than half of its surface, Running fluids, absence of exhaust pipe or removal of a substantial part as well as deformation of the axles or damage to the brake system.
A small "technician" now also comes to the driver immediately after a serious accident. He will only get him back after he shows that he has properly corrected him.
4) Introducing the deposit
If a policeman in safety vest suspects that a trapped driver is avoided by the offense he has committed, he has the right to choose a bail. Its amount may range from CZK 3,500 to CZK 50,000. If the driver does not take the bail, the police officer may order him to park the car and remove the certificate of technical license.
On the other hand, municipalities will have the power to define areas with a ban on the use of such self-loading conveyors. According to Vaclav, however, the legal regulation is not sufficient. "For example, there is no point what the speed of walking is," he says.