Traffic rules in Slovenia

The Most Important Things

• If your vehicle already has damage when entering Romania, you must report and document this at the border crossing. Vehicles that show visible damage after the journey may only leave the country with a police damage report ("Potrdilo").
• Drivers must be at least 18 years old – to rent a car, the minimum age is 21.
• During thunderstorms, heavy rain, snow, and icy conditions, mountain passes may occasionally be completely closed.
• The blood alcohol limit in Slovenia is 0.5. An exception applies to novice drivers with less than two years of driving experience and drivers under 21 years of age. For these groups, a limit of 0.0 applies.

Things to Keep in Mind

First of all, it is important to know that a German driving licence is sufficient. You must, of course, carry it with you, along with the vehicle registration document Part I. As proof of valid motor vehicle liability insurance, the German licence plate is sufficient; however, we recommend carrying the IVK (International Insurance Card). This confirms that your vehicle is insured and can be requested free of charge from your insurance provider. It is also advisable to check your insurance coverage with your insurer before starting your journey.

The nationality code must either be included in the EU licence plate or affixed to the vehicle.

Carrying a high-visibility vest is mandatory for the driver. In the event of an accident or breakdown, all occupants must wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle. It is therefore recommended to carry one vest per person. Unlike in Germany, carrying a spare bulb kit is recommended. This does not apply to vehicles equipped with xenon, LED, or neon headlights.

In addition, you must carry a warning triangle and a first aid kit.

Vignette and Toll

In Slovenia, vehicles are divided into three categories.

• Category 1: Motorcycles
• Category 2: Cars, motorhomes, vehicles (under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)
• Category 3: Vans, motorhomes, vehicles (over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)

The Slovenian toll system distinguishes between vehicle type and weight. For vehicles up to 3.5 t, a vignette is required, while vehicles over 3.5 t are charged via the electronic DarsGo system.

The vignette is available at numerous sales points in Slovenia and neighbouring countries. Travellers can purchase the vignette at petrol stations, border crossings, rest areas, or specialised shops. However, it is much easier to purchase the vignette online. There is no waiting period, no physical sticker to attach, and you can buy the vignette stress-free before your trip.

The DarsGo system, which applies to heavier vehicles, is an electronic toll system that operates on a distance-based principle. This means that toll charges are calculated based on the actual kilometres driven. To use the DarsGo system, the vehicle must be equipped with a DarsGo box attached to the windscreen. This box automatically records the distance travelled and calculates the toll charges. The DarsGo box is available at dedicated sales points, including DarsGo service centres along motorways and at Slovenian border crossings. Online purchase of the DarsGo box is also possible; however, drivers should ensure that the box is correctly installed and activated before using a toll road.

Traffic Rules

Blood Alcohol Limit

The blood alcohol limit in Slovenia is 0.5. An exception applies to novice drivers with less than two years of driving experience and drivers under the age of 21. For these groups, a limit of 0.0 applies.

Traffic Lights

In Slovenia, unlike in Germany, drivers must stop when the traffic light turns yellow.

Overtaking

When overtaking in Slovenia, you must signal for the entire overtaking manoeuvre.

School Buses and Buses

Buses must not be overtaken when they have stopped to allow passengers to board or alight, not even at walking speed.

Light Requirement

There is a general headlight requirement on all roads. This means that low-beam headlights must be used throughout the year, even during daylight hours.

Reversing

Hazard warning lights must be switched on when reversing.

Radar Detectors

The use of radar detectors is prohibited in Slovenia, just as it is in Germany.

Tyres

In snowy or icy conditions and during winter road conditions in general, winter tyres (M+S marking) must be used. In addition, a winter tyre requirement applies between 15 November and 15 March of the following year. The minimum tread depth is 3 mm.

For vehicles over 3.5 t, winter tyres must be fitted at least on the drive axles. Summer tyres on all four wheels are only permitted if snow chains are carried and can be fitted when required.

When using snow chains, a maximum speed of 50 km/h applies.

Speed Limits

Car / motorcycle / light motorhome

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Out of town: 90 km/h
• Urban motorways: 110 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h

Vehicle with trailer (up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Out of town: 90 km/h
• Urban motorways: 100 km/h
• Motorways: 100 km/h

Heavy motorhome and vehicle with trailer (over 3.5 t and under 7.5 t gross vehicle weight)

• Urban areas: 50 km/h
• Out of town: 80 km/h
• Urban motorways: 80 km/h
• Motorways: 80 km/h

Fines

Excerpt from the fine catalogue:

• Speeding by 20 km/h: from 40 euros
• Not wearing a seatbelt: 120 euros
• Using a mobile phone while driving (including calls): 250 euros
• Blood alcohol level of 0.5 or higher: from 300 euros
• Speeding by 50 km/h: from 1,200 euros

Depending on the offence, fines in Slovenia can be significantly higher. However, if the fine is paid within eight days, you may receive a discount of up to 50%.

Road Conditions

The road network in Slovenia is very well developed and is regularly renewed and improved. Construction sites and maintenance work may be present along your route. As the western part of the country includes mountainous areas, narrow passages and sharp bends can occur. During thunderstorms, heavy rain, icy conditions, and snow, mountain passes may occasionally be completely closed.

Fuel and Charging

Fuel stations are available throughout Slovenia, especially along motorways and in cities. Many stations operate around the clock.

Charging stations are also widely available along motorways and in cities, but their density decreases significantly in rural and mountainous areas.

Hydrogen refuelling stations are virtually non-existent, which is why a hydrogen-powered vehicle is not suitable for travelling in Slovenia.

Car Rental

While you are allowed to drive your own car in Slovenia from the age of 18, most rental companies require a minimum age of 21. In addition, you must have held a driving licence for at least one year.

Conclusion

Driving in Slovenia is generally a stress-free experience, which may only occasionally be disrupted by roadworks. The roads are in excellent condition, and the scenery is beautiful. If you remember the rules and purchase a vignette from us in advance, nothing will stand in the way of a relaxed journey.