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, you will find here the general traffic rules and important information about driving in Slovakia.

The most important points 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 keep in mind

A German driving licence is sufficient, however you should have an international driving licence or a new national driving licence issued if you have an older driving licence. Drivers who are not the registered keeper of the vehicle must carry a power of attorney from the keeper. 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 carrying the IVK (International Insurance Card). This shows that your car is covered by liability insurance, and you can apply for the card free of charge from your motor insurer. This also includes finding out from your car insurer before you set off whether you have sufficient insurance cover.

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

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

Toll: vignette or distance-based toll

• Rules for motorcycles: Motorcycles are not subject to a toll

• Rules for combinations (car and trailer): Combinations up to 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 need a total of two vignettes, one for the towing vehicle and one for the trailer

• Rules for motorhomes: Motorhomes registered as cars (class M1) always need a vignette

On the signposted sections of motorways and expressways, a vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight as well as to cars and class M1 motorhomes regardless of weight. You can find detailed information in our guide on the topic of vehicle classes. Motorcycles are exempt from this. Roads and sections marked with the sign "BEZ ÚHRADY" are toll-free. This marking appears on a road sign.

If you decide to buy an electronic or digital vignette, the number plate and the country of vehicle registration will be stored. Check the purchase receipt carefully for the correct number plate and country of registration, as checks are carried out electronically via the number plate. You do not have to show the receipt, but it is a good idea to keep it. Get your digital vignette for your trip to Slovakia from us now!

For vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, excluding cars and class M1 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 sections of road. On 1 January 2027, Slovakia will switch the distance-based toll to a new system: anyone currently using an on-board unit from the operator SkyToll will have to re-register their vehicle (with the national provider CzechToll from 1 December 2026) and will receive a new on-board unit. Tariffs and the tolled road network will remain unchanged.

Speed limits

Cars/motorcycles

• 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 a trailer (up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)

• 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)

• 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)

• 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, a limit of 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 to 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 state 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 a driving ban to imprisonment. The blood alcohol limit also applies when cycling.

Stopping and parking

When parking, you must ensure that a lane at least 3 m wide per direction of travel remains free. Between a parked vehicle and a tram, the distance must even be 3.5 m.

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, regardless of whether winter conditions actually prevail. 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

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

On minor roads and in mountainous areas, however, you should drive carefully, as roads with potholes and poorer quality surfaces can also be found there. So if you are planning a trip into the beautiful mountain scenery, it is best to familiarise yourself with the roads there in advance, so you can also enjoy the beautiful views.

Refuelling and charging

Petrol stations can mostly be found throughout Slovakia. In mountainous areas and in the countryside, petrol stations are not as common as in the cities and on the motorways. This means that it is best to fill up in advance if, for example, you are planning to drive into the mountains.

You can charge your car in the west of Slovakia, especially in the area around the capital, Bratislava. In the east, there are hardly any charging stations, so electric car trips there should be planned particularly carefully. Hydrogen filling stations are, as of now, only found in the area around Bratislava.

Rental cars

Although you are already 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

• Using a 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

Extract 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, for example, the rules on the blood alcohol limit or the different speed limits. If you have familiarised yourself with the rules and bought a digital vignette from us, you are perfectly prepared.

We wish you a pleasant trip to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment as you explore this varied country. You can find more information on the toll in Slovakia in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and to be shown the right toll products for your journey. If you have any questions, we are always happy to help by email.