Interior Ministry proposes higher insurance fees for drivers who pick up points

The Interior Ministry is proposing higher car insurance fees for those who receive penalty points for bad driving. Interior Minister Ivan Langer said currently insurers could only penalise drivers for causing accidents – under the new system they would also impose higher fees for other risky behaviour. Minister Langer said the change – part of a planned reform of the law on the police – would serve as a preventative measure forcing drivers to abide by the rules of the road.

The Czech Republic has one of the highest rates of road deaths in Europe. A points system for driving offences introduced in July 2006 had some immediate impact, before fatality levels rose again.