Czech Republic Extends Variable 150 km/h Speed Limit Pilot on D3 Highway

The Czech Ministry of Transport has prolonged a pilot project that allows a maximum speed of 150 km/h on a 47‑km stretch of the D3 highway between Prague and the Austrian border. The system uses variable‑message signs that automatically adjust limits to 100, 130 or 150 km/h based on real‑time weather, traffic flow and road‑surface data from sensors, cameras and meteorological stations.

The trial, which began on 1 October 2025, was originally set to finish earlier but has been extended to the end of 2026 to gather more data, especially for the summer travel season. During the first six months the highest limit was active for about 39 % of the time, with 150 km/h in effect for roughly 13 % of the pilot period in February and 36 % in March. Average vehicle speed rose by about 10 km/h, though over 40 % of drivers on the left lane exceeded the posted limits. Preliminary results show no significant increase in serious accidents, and authorities are assessing whether the model could be applied to other European motorways.