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 compared to Germany.
So that you are well prepared for the conditions in Slovakia, here you will find the general traffic rules and important information about driving in Slovakia.
The most important facts at a glance
The blood alcohol limit is 0.0
You must drive with dipped headlights or alternatively daytime running lights 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
Your 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 taking the IVK (International Insurance Card) with you. This shows that your car has liability insurance and you can request the card free of charge from your car insurance provider. This also includes finding out about sufficient insurance cover from your car insurer before starting your trip.
Carrying a high-visibility vest is mandatory for the driver, but in the event of an accident or breakdown, all persons 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. Cars registered in Slovakia must carry a spare tyre.
Toll: Vignette or distance-based toll
Regulations for motorcycles: Motorcycles are not subject to a toll
Regulations for combinations (car and trailer): Combinations under 3.5 t gross vehicle weight only need one vignette; combinations with tow vehicles under 3.5 t and a total weight of more than 3.5 t require a total of two vignettes for the tow vehicle and trailer
Regulations for motorhomes: Motorhomes always require a vignette
A vignette requirement applies on all motorways and expressways for vehicles up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight as well as motorhomes regardless of weight. Detailed information can be found in our guide on the topic vehicle classes. Motorcycles are exempt from this. If roads and sections are marked with the label "BEZ UHRADY", they are toll-free. The label is displayed 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 the proof of purchase for accuracy, as you must present it during a check. Purchase your digital vignette for your trip to Slovenia from us now!
For vehicles over 3.5t gross vehicle weight, excluding motorhomes, a distance-based toll is charged. This works with the help of an 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 a 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 railway crossings and when crossing the tracks, 30 km/h applies.
Traffic rules
Of course, there are some rules in Germany and Slovakia that are the same. 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
Using and carrying radar detectors in an operational state is prohibited. Using a mobile phone is prohibited while the engine is running.
Blood alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit is 0.0. Violations are strictly punished in Slovakia and range from driving bans to imprisonment. The blood alcohol limit also applies to cyclists.
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, it is even 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 equipped with winter tyres (M+S marking) or all-season tyres in wintery driving conditions. Vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, on the other hand, must be equipped with winter tyres from 15 November to 31 March of the following year. It doesn't matter whether wintery 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
As two thirds of Slovakia consists of the mountainous region of the Carpathians, the country's inhabited areas are mostly located in valley basins. These are connected by a well-developed network of main roads.
On secondary roads and in the mountains, however, you should drive carefully, as there are also roads with potholes and lower quality surfaces there. So if you are planning a trip to the beautiful mountain landscape, it's best to familiarise yourself with the roads there beforehand so 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 common as in cities and on motorways. This means you should ideally fill up beforehand if, for example, you plan to drive into the mountains.
You can charge in the west of Slovakia, especially in the catchment area of the capital Bratislava. In the east there are hardly any charging stations, which is why electric car trips there should be planned particularly carefully. Petrol stations for hydrogen cars 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 violations 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
Excerpt from the fine catalogue: https://www.bussgeldkatalog.org/slowakei/
Other penalties
Drink driving: from 200 euros, possible driving bans and imprisonment
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 perfectly prepared.
We wish you a pleasant journey to Slovakia and lots of enjoyment exploring this diverse country. Further information on the toll in Slovakia can be found in our guide. Feel free to also use our route planner to plan your trip optimally and be shown suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are available at any time by email.
