Penalties for Driving Without a Vignette in Slovakia

In Slovakia, a vignette is required. In this article, we explain to what extent this requirement applies and whether you need a vignette. However, the main focus is on the penalties and consequences you can expect if you do not have a vignette. You can find other traffic rules and the penalties for non-compliance here.

The most important points

• The vignette requirement applies on all motorways and expressways in Slovakia.
• The amount of the fine for not having a valid vignette can vary considerably.
• If you pay the fine quickly, you may receive a discount.
• Remember to carry the proof of purchase for your vignette.
• Check all details carefully before purchasing a vignette.

Do I need a vignette for my vehicle?

The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW). It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not need a vignette. Motorhomes are a special case, as they require a vignette regardless of their weight (even if they weigh more than 3.5 t GVW). For vehicle combinations (car + trailer), please note that if the weight is under 3.5 t GVW, only the car needs a vignette, whereas if the total weight exceeds 3.5 t GVW, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer. Trucks with a total weight of over 3.5 t GVW must therefore pay the distance-based toll, and the vignette requirement does not apply.

Motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not have to pay fees for using motorways and expressways!

Tips for preparing for a trip to Slovakia

Preparing for a trip to Slovakia should be done carefully, especially with regard to the vignette requirement. Costs vary depending on the vehicle type.

Find out in advance whether you plan to primarily use motorways and expressways, as you will then need a vignette, and carry the proof of purchase with you. Good trip preparation also includes knowing the necessary safety precautions and the equipment that must be carried in the vehicle. Fire extinguisher, reflective vests, warning triangle, and first-aid kit should be checked before departure to ensure they meet legal requirements.

It is also advisable to familiarize yourself with the most important traffic rules to avoid unpleasant surprises. This preparation not only ensures a stress-free trip, but also helps you avoid possible penalties and fines.

What does non-compliance with the vignette requirement mean for you?

Since Slovakia has a vignette requirement and checks are generally carried out automatically, driving without a valid vignette on most Slovak roads (there are also a few road sections without a vignette or toll requirement) constitutes a legal offence.

It is not possible to bypass the vignette control systems. They monitor vignette-required roads continuously using a camera-based system. The same applies to vehicles that are not subject to the vignette requirement but are subject to the distance-based toll. The transponder (on-board unit) installed in the vehicle records the kilometres driven, and the cameras automatically detect the transponder.

Even if you leave Slovakia, that does not mean your penalty is waived. Automatic checks and EU-wide cooperation make enforcement abroad possible. It may even be the case that you only find out you drove without a vignette when the fine notice arrives in your mailbox.

Penalties for driving without a vignette

The amount of the fine can vary significantly. Anything between €50 and €500 is possible. Always make sure to carry your proof of purchase as evidence that you bought a valid vignette.

Police check

If you are stopped at a police check without a vignette, that is not necessarily a bad thing. In fact, it is often cheaper than receiving an official fine notice. One reason is that the police can issue the penalty on the spot, saving a lot of administrative effort. You can either pay the police fine in cash immediately or transfer it within a specified period. Here too, the amount depends on various factors, such as how long you have been driving without a valid vignette. In the case of a police check, the fine is usually between €50 and €200.

Automatic detection

With automatic detection, considerably more effort is required to notify you about the fine. The official procedure is therefore likely to be more expensive than a police check. In that case, you may have to pay between €150 and €500 (most often around €150).

Reduced fine for quick payment

The district court has 60 days to initiate the fine procedure. Normally, you should also receive the notice within these 60 days. You then have 30 days from receipt to pay. If you transfer the money within 15 days, you generally only have to pay two thirds of the amount. So it can be worthwhile to pay quickly. For a fine of €150, you would then only have to pay €100.

Avoid the penalty completely by purchasing retroactively

With some luck, you may avoid the penalty by buying a vignette later on the same day you drove without a valid one. If the system has not yet matched your licence plate with registered vignettes that day and you buy a vignette before your plate is checked, you might avoid the fine. From the next day onward, this no longer works, as vignettes can only be purchased for the current day and the following days.

Is your vignette actually valid?

Sometimes it is unclear why a fine has been issued. In that case, you should review your details again and check whether everything is correct before buying the vignette. The following issues can cause problems:

• wrong date on the vignette
• wrong licence plate on the vignette
• confusing Slovakia and Slovenia
• not using an official/reputable website
• selecting the wrong validity period
• not familiarizing yourself with the vignette rules

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

The fine for driving without a valid vignette is significantly higher than buying a vignette. So if you purchase a vignette and check all the details you enter, you are on the safe side. Even if you want to avoid vignette roads, roadworks or new roads can ruin your plans. If you want a stress-free trip and no fine notice waiting for you, we recommend buying a vignette for Slovakia.

Avoiding tolls is a challenge and time-consuming anyway, as all motorways and expressways already require a vignette. However, you will see plenty of nature and side roads that you probably would not have seen when driving on motorways and other vignette roads. You also avoid stressful motorway situations with aggressive drivers. Either way, the digital vignette is the safest option.

You can find more information about Slovakia, for example the country’s traffic rules, in our guide. There are also penalties and consequences there that differ significantly from those described in this article, and you will learn what else you need to consider in addition to the vignette requirement.

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment on your journey of discovery through this diverse country. You can find more information about tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and to see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, you can reach us at any time via e-mail.