Slovakia Traffic Guide

Exploring Slovakia by Car

From the beautiful capital city of Bratislava on the Danube to the impressive mountain ranges of the Carpathians, Slovakia has a wide variety of landscapes to offer. The relatively small size of the country makes it easy and convenient to explore by car.

This guide will tell you which traffic regulations you should be aware of in Slovakia. You will also gain an initial insight into the road conditions and car hire availability in the country.

Slovakia Traffic Regulations at a Glance

• In Slovakia, driving is permitted from the age of 18. As Slovakia is part of the European Union, the EU driving licence is valid here.
• In Slovakian road traffic, you drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• A maximum of 50 km/h is permitted in urban areas. The speed limit is 30 km/h at and before railway crossings. Outside built-up areas, speed limits of 80 or 90 km/h generally apply. Depending on the section of motorway, speeds of up to 130 km/h are permitted. Urban motorways are an exception, for example near Bratislava. A maximum of 90 km/h is generally permitted here.
• All passengers in the vehicle must wear their seatbelts.
• Drivers must not use their mobile phones while the engine is running. Telephoning is only permitted with a suitable hands-free system.
• Lights must be on all day in Slovakia. In good visibility conditions, daytime running lights are usually sufficient. In poor visibility and at night, dipped headlights are mandatory.
• Radar warning devices and navigation systems with a radar warning function are not permitted in Slovakia.
• The mandatory equipment for cars in Slovakia includes a warning triangle, a first-aid kit and high-visibility waistcoats for all vehicle occupants. Cars registered in Slovakia must also carry a spare tyre. A spare set of bulbs is also recommended.
• The drink-drive limit for drivers in Slovakia is 0.0, which means that anyone who has been drinking alcohol is no longer allowed to drive.
• Trams always have right of way when turning.
• Parking is prohibited on yellow lines at the edge of the carriageway.

Driving in Slovakia

Roads in Slovakia

Two thirds of Slovakia is made up of the Carpathian mountains. The inhabited areas of the country are mainly located in the valley basins and are connected by a well-developed network of motorways.

Petrol Stations and Charging Points

Petrol and diesel: Petrol stations can be found throughout most of Slovakia. Prices are around the European average. In the countryside and in the mountains, petrol stations may be a little further apart. If in doubt, you should fill up with petrol before setting off.

Rental Car or Own Car?

Due to its central location in Eastern Europe, Slovakia is easy to reach by car. As it is part of the EU, vehicles from the EU generally only need the vehicle documents to enter the country. Nevertheless, it is recommended to take the International Insurance Card with you. This makes it easier to clarify insurance matters in the event of an accident. 

Car hire is also available from numerous providers in all major cities. The minimum age for booking a hire vehicle is 19. Additional charges may also apply up to the age of 24.

Please note that you will need authorisation from the vehicle owner when driving someone else's car in Slovakia. When picking up a hire car, you should therefore ensure that you are issued with a corresponding document.

Fines

For offences against the traffic regulations, the Slovakian police can impose fines, the amount of which depends on the officer's discretion. Alcohol offences are punished particularly severely. Anyone driving under the influence of alcohol can be banned from driving or even receive a custodial sentence.