Driving in Slovakia

If you want to travel to Slovakia by car or are considering renting a car locally and exploring Slovakia this way, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with at least the basic rules that apply on Slovak roads. This will help you avoid unnecessary complications, including high fines. 

Documents for driving in Slovakia

To drive in Slovakia, the minimum required documents are a valid driving licence and a valid vehicle registration document. The vehicle must be fitted with a front and rear number plate. 
If you are an EU citizen and your driving licence was issued by the Member States of the European Economic Area or was issued by countries that follow the Geneva and Vienna Convention, then your country´s driving license serves as an international driver’s license and you don´t need any additional permission. However, for example, a driver´s licence issued in the US is not valid for driving in Slovakia by itself. Then you have to apply with you IDL for an International Driving Permit (IDP). It is a translation of your national driving license, which allows motorists to drive vehicles in foreign countries. It is only a supplementary document, so it must always be accompanied by a valid driving licence.

Speed Limit

The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, 90 km/h on open roads and 130 km/h on motorways. There may be some exceptions, always follow the road signs. 

Alcohol and drugs consumption

There is zero tolerance policy on drink and drug-driving. The limit for all drivers is 0,0. Otherwise the fine can be up to almost 1000 EUR.

Driving on highways

A vignette is required. In Slovakie the vignettes, exists only in electronic form. They have different validity periods and can be purchased on this website.

Some additional rules you should keep in mind when driving in Slovakia

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Daytime running lights must be on all year round.
  • Use of phones while driving is strictly prohibited, except when hands-free set is used 
  • Seat belts are compulsory for all front and rear seat passengers if the vehicle is equipped with them. 
  • trams, trolleys and buses that are turning always have the right-of-way
  • Children up to 150 cm in height or 36 kg in weight must be carried in a certified car seat. Children under 12 years of age and persons shorter than 150 cm may not sit in the front seats.
  • Winter tires are compulsory if there´s snow or ice on the roads, chains are necessary in certain mountains areas.
Additional tip: check our guide with more information about parking in Bratislava.

In an emergency

112 -  international number which you can dial from anywhere in Europe.