Czech transport minister loses drivers' license

PRAGUE — The Czech Republic now has a transport minister without a driving license.

Vit Barta has been banned from driving for six months and fined for using a phony license plate on his car.

Transport Ministry spokesman Tomas Dombrovsky said Tuesday the ban and fine of 5,000 koruna ($283) came after Barta was found driving his Maserati home from his wedding in July.

Dombrovsky said the minister had lost his original plate while driving on a rugged dirt road and was using a phony one to replace it. That is illegal in the Czech Republic.

Barta told the CT24 news television he has accepted the punishment.