Driving rules in Slovakia
Cars legally registered elsewhere may be brought into and driven in Slovakia for up to six months, provided the driver has liability insurance valid in Slovakia and proof of registration and ownership (or proof of the owner’s permission to be driving the car to Slovakia) and provided the driver is not residing in Slovakia. All vehicles registered in Slovakia must be covered by a liability insurance policy that is valid in Slovakia. Collision/comprehensive insurance is optional.
Police Checks
There are occasionally police checks on roads in Slovakia, and all drivers must stop for them. Even if you don't break any rules, the police have the authority to stop you for a random check. They usually check that your vehicle papers are in order. Occasionally they may check your alcohol level, though this usually only occurs after dark. You should always have the following documents with you when driving and show them to the police upon request:
Fines
If the police decide to issue a fine, you have a right to defer payment until later, which, however, may mean additional fees for administrative processing of the fine which may result in a payment of usually double amount of the original fine.
Driving Rules
Here are some local driving rules to keep in mind while driving in Slovakia:
In the Slovak Republic, vehicles travel on the right side of the road. Headlights must be used at all times (day and night). The maximum legal speed on highways is 130 kph. On smaller roads the maximum speed is 90 kph. The limit in towns is 50 kph. Safety reflection vests and first aid kits are compulsory equipment for each vehicle.
Drivers must yield the right of way to all vehicles with flashing blue lights (police, ambulances, fire trucks, motorcades). Vehicles with yellow or orange lights usually mean that traffic must slow down. Drivers must always be cautious on side roads where slowly moving vehicles, such as agricultural vehicles, may not be well marked.
Penalties for drivers involved in car accidents involving injury of death are decided by a court of law. Penalties for minor offenses are not generally large, but foreigners are sometimes targeted for additional sums. Anyone suspecting this has occurred should ask for a written receipt and note the name and number of the traffic officer imposing the fine.
Gasoline is readily available. Gas stations typically do not offer repair service; private mechanics must be found. Most gas stations accept credit cards, but mechanics less frequently accept them, so you should expect to pay for these services in cash.
A highway user decal (sticker) must be purchased for travel on most major roads. The decal is valid for the calendar year in which it is purchased, and is available at gas stations, post offices and some newspaper kiosks. The cost is 36.50 EUR for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons. A short-term decal valid for 30 days may be purchased for 9.90 EUR and for 7 days for 4.90 EUR.
Accident
In case of an accident where the estimated damage exceeds €4,000, you must call the police. As a foreign citizen, the police are obliged to give you a record of the accident with time, place, and all information about the car, plus a detailed description of the damage. If damage is minor, parties can exchange insurance information and solve the accident through those channels.
Police Checks
There are occasionally police checks on roads in Slovakia, and all drivers must stop for them. Even if you don't break any rules, the police have the authority to stop you for a random check. They usually check that your vehicle papers are in order. Occasionally they may check your alcohol level, though this usually only occurs after dark. You should always have the following documents with you when driving and show them to the police upon request:
- a valid European driving license
- car registration papers
- proof of insurance
- personal identification
Fines
If the police decide to issue a fine, you have a right to defer payment until later, which, however, may mean additional fees for administrative processing of the fine which may result in a payment of usually double amount of the original fine.
Driving Rules
Here are some local driving rules to keep in mind while driving in Slovakia:
- your headlights must be on at all times
- seat belts are required for all passengers (even in back seats)
- children under 12 must sit in the rear of the vehicle
- use of cellular phones while driving is strictly prohibited, except when hands-free set is used
- eating and anything else unconnected to driving is not allowed
- trams, trolleys and buses that are turning always have the right-of-way
- pedestrians in a crosswalk have the right-of-way
- Driving under the influence of alcohol is strictly prohibited. The blood alcohol tolerance level is zero percent.
In the Slovak Republic, vehicles travel on the right side of the road. Headlights must be used at all times (day and night). The maximum legal speed on highways is 130 kph. On smaller roads the maximum speed is 90 kph. The limit in towns is 50 kph. Safety reflection vests and first aid kits are compulsory equipment for each vehicle.
Drivers must yield the right of way to all vehicles with flashing blue lights (police, ambulances, fire trucks, motorcades). Vehicles with yellow or orange lights usually mean that traffic must slow down. Drivers must always be cautious on side roads where slowly moving vehicles, such as agricultural vehicles, may not be well marked.
Penalties for drivers involved in car accidents involving injury of death are decided by a court of law. Penalties for minor offenses are not generally large, but foreigners are sometimes targeted for additional sums. Anyone suspecting this has occurred should ask for a written receipt and note the name and number of the traffic officer imposing the fine.
Gasoline is readily available. Gas stations typically do not offer repair service; private mechanics must be found. Most gas stations accept credit cards, but mechanics less frequently accept them, so you should expect to pay for these services in cash.
A highway user decal (sticker) must be purchased for travel on most major roads. The decal is valid for the calendar year in which it is purchased, and is available at gas stations, post offices and some newspaper kiosks. The cost is 36.50 EUR for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons. A short-term decal valid for 30 days may be purchased for 9.90 EUR and for 7 days for 4.90 EUR.
Accident
In case of an accident where the estimated damage exceeds €4,000, you must call the police. As a foreign citizen, the police are obliged to give you a record of the accident with time, place, and all information about the car, plus a detailed description of the damage. If damage is minor, parties can exchange insurance information and solve the accident through those channels.