Traffic Rules Slovakia

In Slovakia, different traffic rules apply than in Germany. The condition of the roads and, for example, the speed limits also show clear differences from Germany.

So that you are well prepared for the conditions in Slovakia, here you will find the general traffic rules and important information for driving in Slovakia.

The most important facts at a glance

• The blood alcohol limit is 0.0

• Dipped headlights or alternatively daytime running lights must be used all year round

• Motorcycles are not subject to the vignette requirement

• A rental car may only be rented from the age of 19

What you need to remember

A German driving licence is sufficient, but you should obtain an international driving licence or a new national driving licence if you hold an older driving licence. Drivers who are not the registered owner of the vehicle must carry a power of attorney from the owner. The vehicle registration certificate Part I must also be carried.

As proof of valid motor vehicle liability insurance, the German number plate is sufficient, but we recommend bringing the IVK (International Insurance Card). This shows that your car has liability insurance, and you can apply for the card free of charge from your motor insurer. It is also advisable to check with your car insurer before starting your trip to ensure you have sufficient insurance cover.

Carrying a high-visibility vest is compulsory for the driver, but in the event of an accident or breakdown, all occupants must wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle. It is therefore advisable to carry as many high-visibility vests as there are people in the car.

A warning triangle and a first-aid kit must also be carried. A spare tyre must be carried by vehicles registered in Slovakia.

Toll: Vignette or distance-based toll

• Regulations for motorcycles: Motorcycles are not subject to tolls

• Regulations for combinations (car and trailer): Combinations under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight only need one vignette; combinations with towing vehicles under 3.5 t and a total weight of more than 3.5 t require a total of two vignettes, one for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer

• Regulations for motorhomes: Motorhomes always require a vignette

On all motorways and expressways, a vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight as well as motorhomes regardless of weight. You can find detailed information in our guide on the topic of vehicle classes. Motorcycles are exempt from this. If roads and sections are marked with the label "BEZ UHRADY", these are toll-free. This label can be found on a road sign.

If you decide to purchase an electronic or digital vignette, the vehicle registration number and the country of vehicle registration will be stored. You should check your proof of purchase for accuracy, as you will need to present it during a check. Purchase your digital vignette for your trip to Slovakia from us now!

For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, excluding motorhomes, a distance-based toll is charged. This works with the help of a transmitter device (On-Board Unit). This applies on motorways, expressways and some selected road sections.

Speed limits

Cars/motorcycles

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h

• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

• Urban motorways: 90 km/h

• Motorways: 130 km/h

Combination, e.g. a car with trailer (up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h

• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

• Urban motorways: 90 km/h

• Motorways: 90 km/h

Light motorhome (up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h

• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

• Urban motorways: 90 km/h

• Motorways: 130 km/h

Heavy motorhome (over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)

• In built-up areas: 50 km/h

• Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h

• Urban motorways: 90 km/h

• Motorways: 90 km/h

From 30 m before level crossings and when crossing the tracks, 30 km/h applies.

Traffic rules

Of course, there are some rules that are the same in Germany and Slovakia. However, there are also clear differences that you need to be aware of. It is important that you follow and accept the traffic rules in order to avoid stressful situations and accidents.

Use of radar detectors and mobile phones

The use and carrying of radar detectors in a ready-to-use condition is prohibited. Using a mobile phone while the engine is running is prohibited.

Blood alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit is 0.0. Violations are punished strictly in Slovakia, ranging from driving bans to prison sentences. The blood alcohol limit also applies when cycling.

Stopping and parking

When parking, make sure that a lane at least 3 m wide per direction of travel remains free. Between a parked vehicle and a tram, even 3.5 m is required.

Lighting requirement

On all roads, dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be used during the day, all year round.

Tyres

Motor vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight must be fitted with winter tyres (M+S marking) or all-season tyres in winter driving conditions. Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, on the other hand, must be fitted with winter tyres from 15 November to 31 March of the following year. This applies regardless of whether winter conditions prevail or not. The minimum tread depth must be at least 3 mm. Snow chains may be fitted to all vehicles when there is snow on the roads.

Condition of the roads

Since two thirds of Slovakia consists of the mountainous region of the Carpathians, the inhabited areas of the country are mostly located in valley basins. These are connected by a well-developed network of main roads.

However, you should drive carefully on minor roads and in mountainous areas, as roads with potholes and poorer quality can also be found there. So if you are planning a trip to the beautiful mountain landscape, it is best to familiarise yourself with the roads there beforehand so that you can also enjoy the beautiful views.

Refuelling and charging

Petrol stations can mostly be found in all parts of Slovakia. In mountainous areas and in the countryside, petrol stations are not as frequent as in cities and on motorways. This means you should fill up beforehand if you plan to drive into the mountains, for example.

You can charge in the west of Slovakia, especially in the catchment area of the capital Bratislava. There are hardly any charging stations in the east, which is why electric car tours there should be planned particularly carefully. Hydrogen filling stations are so far only available near Bratislava.

Rental cars

Although you are allowed to drive a car in Slovakia from the age of 18, a rental car can only be rented from the age of 19. In addition, fees for young drivers under 24 may be charged.

Fines

In the event of violations of the traffic rules, the Slovak police can impose fines. The amount of the fine is at the discretion of the officer. Alcohol-related offences are punished particularly strictly.

• Illegal parking: from 30 euros

• Speeding (20 km/h): from 40 euros

• Failure to wear a seatbelt: from 50 euros

• Mobile phone while driving: from 100 euros

• Running a red light: from 100 euros

• Drink driving: from 200 euros

• Speeding (50 km/h): from 1,200 euros

Excerpt from the fine catalogue: https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/slowakei/

Other penalties

• Drink driving: from 200 euros, possible driving bans and prison sentences

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!

Driving in Slovakia is very similar to driving in Germany. Nevertheless, there are small differences that can have a big impact. Such as the rules on the blood alcohol limit or the different speed limits. If you have familiarised yourself with the rules and purchased a digital vignette from us, you are well prepared.

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of fun exploring this diverse country. You can find more information on tolls in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and see the suitable toll products displayed. If you have any questions, we are available at any time by email.