Traffic rules Slovenia
The Most Important Facts
Drivers must be at least 18 years old - if they want to rent a car, then 21 years old.
During thunderstorms, heavy rain, snow and black ice, 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 2 years of experience and drivers under 21 years of age. For these groups, a blood alcohol limit of 0.0 applies.
What You Need to Keep in Mind
First, it is good to know that a German driving licence is sufficient. You must of course have it with you, as well as the vehicle registration certificate part I (or the vehicle registration document). The German number plate is sufficient as proof of valid motor third-party liability insurance, but we recommend bringing the IVK (International Insurance Card). This shows that your car is covered by motor liability insurance, and you can request the card free of charge from your car insurance provider. You should also check with your car insurer before starting your trip to make sure you have sufficient insurance coverage.
The nationality sticker must either be included in the Euro number plate or attached to the vehicle.
Carrying a high-visibility vest is mandatory for the driver, but in the event of an accident or breakdown, everyone must wear a high-visibility vest when leaving the vehicle. For this reason, it is advisable to carry as many high-visibility vests as there are people in the car. Unlike in Germany, a set of spare bulbs is part of the mandatory equipment. However, this does not apply to vehicles equipped with xenon, LED or neon headlights.
In addition, you must also carry a warning triangle and a first aid kit, as well as a spare wheel or puncture repair kit.
Vignette and Toll
As in many other countries, the Slovenian toll system differs depending on vehicle type and weight. A vignette is mandatory for vehicles up to 3.5 t, while vehicles over 3.5 t are charged via the electronic DarsGo system and must pay a distance-based toll. You can find detailed information on the toll in Slovenia and the vehicle classes in our guide.
The vignette is available at numerous sales points in Slovenia and the neighbouring countries. Travellers can buy the vignette at petrol stations, border crossings, rest stops or in special shops. However, it is much easier to simply purchase the vignette online with us. You don't have to wait, there's no physical sticker you need to stick on, and you can buy the vignette stress-free before your holiday. Buy your digital vignette with us now and start your adventure fully prepared.
The DarsGo box is available at special sales points, including the DarsGo service points along the motorways as well as at the Slovenian border crossings. It is also possible to purchase the DarsGo box online, but drivers should make sure the box is correctly installed in the vehicle and activated before driving on 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 2 years of experience and drivers under 21 years of age. For these groups, a blood alcohol limit of 0.0 applies.
Traffic Lights
In Slovenia, unlike in Germany, you must already stop at yellow.
Overtaking
If you want to overtake in Slovenia, you must use your indicator for the entire overtaking manoeuvre.
School Buses and Buses
Buses may not be overtaken when they have stopped for passengers to get on or off. Not even at walking pace.
Mandatory Lights
A general light requirement applies to everyone and on all roads. This means that daytime running lights or dipped headlights must be used all year round, even during the day.
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 snow or ice and generally in winter road conditions, winter tyres (marked M+S) must be used. In addition, winter tyres are mandatory 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 fitted when needed.
A maximum speed of 50 km/h applies when using snow chains.
Speed Limits
Car/motorcycle/light motorhome
Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Expressways: 110 km/h
Motorways: 130 km/h
Combination, e.g. a car with trailer (up to 3.5 t gross vehicle weight)
Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Expressways: 100 km/h
Motorways: 100 km/h
Heavy motorhome and combination (over 3.5 t and under 7.5 t gross vehicle weight)
Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 80 km/h
Expressways: 80 km/h
Motorways: 80 km/h
Fines
Excerpt from the fine schedule:
Speeding by 20 km/h: from 40 euros
Not wearing a seatbelt: 120 euros
Using a mobile phone while driving (including making calls): 250 euros
Blood alcohol level of 0.5 or higher: from 300 euros
Speeding by 50 km/h: from 1,200 euros
Fines in Slovenia can indeed be significantly higher depending on the offence, but if you pay the fine within eight days, you can receive up to 50% off.
Road Conditions
The road network in Slovenia is very well developed and is regularly renewed and improved. There may be construction sites and maintenance work along your route. Since the landscape in the west includes some mountains, there may be narrow sections with sharp bends. During thunderstorms and heavy rain, as well as black ice and snow, mountain passes may occasionally be completely closed.
Refuelling and Charging
Refuelling options are available throughout Slovenia, especially along motorways and in cities. You can often refuel around the clock.
Charging stations are also plentiful along motorways and in cities, but become noticeably less frequent in rural and mountainous areas. There are hardly any hydrogen filling stations, which is why a hydrogen car is not suitable for travelling in Slovenia.
Rental Cars
While you can already drive through Slovenia with your own car at the age of 18, most providers require you to be at least 21 years old to rent a car. In addition, you must have held your driving licence for at least one year.
The Europamaut Team Wishes You a Pleasant Trip!
Driving in Slovenia is a rather stress-free experience, which could mainly be disrupted by construction sites. On the plus side, the roads are in excellent condition and the views are stunning. If you remember the rules and buy a vignette from us in advance, nothing will stand in the way of your relaxed trip. If you have any further questions about the toll in Slovenia, feel free to check out our guide or reach our support team by email.
