Current info for drivers

The information for drivers has been updated in line with the new Act on Road Traffic in force as of  February 1, 2009. Please read more about substantial changes to the road traffic regulations.

It is necessary to possess the International Car Insurance Card at the entry to the country. Photocopies of travel documents are also recommended; in case of a loss or theft it makes the arrangement of new documents much simpler.

The road network
The road network of Slovakia is dense and fairly well maintained one. It consists of motorways, expressways, 1^st and 2^nd class state roads, and local roads. In the total of 18,000 kilometres of public road communications, the 1^st class roads represent about 17 percent.
The roads running across Slovakia from the south to the north are a bit more demanding for drivers as they pass through mountain ranges. The road mountain passes of Donovaly (Ružomberok - Banská Bystrica), Veľký Šturec (Martin - Banská Bystrica), and Čertovica (Liptovský Mikuláš - Brezno) are the most frequented ones. When driving up a hill, trucks must enable any motorcades behind them to overtake them (if necessary, also by stopping at the nearest suitable place - emergency stopping lane, parking lot, etc.)
Snow and slippery ice are normal in winter. If a road is covered with ice or snow or is slippery due to ice, the use of winter tires is compulsory (as for trucks, the use of winter tires on a motored axle is sufficient). If needed, it is advisable to use snow chains in the mountains (especially for trucks).

The motorway network
The current motorway network with the total length of 350 km has  been continuously expanded. The continuous motorway system running from Bratislava via Žilina to Košice is to be completed in the next few years. Apart from Prague, Bratislava also has direct motorway connection to Vienna and it will soon have direct motorway connection to Budapest.

Trucks with the weight higher than 7,500 kg and tandem vehicles are not permitted to overtake other cars on a motorway.
The use of motorways must be paid for. If you want to use motorways, you have to purchase the relevant motorway toll stickers, normally sold at the frontier crossings, post offices, and petrol stations. Toll stickers valid for a week, a month, and a year are offered.

Prices in 2013 - 10-day sticker 10 €, monthly sticker 14 €, yearly sticker 50 € (for a car under 3.5 t). 

www.dialnicnenalepky.sk

Traffic regulations
All traffic signs comply with European standards.
It is forbidden to drink alcohol prior to and whilst driving (it applies to beer as well) or to use any other addictive substance and to drive a vehicle while you still could be affected by the substance - 0 ‰ of alcohol in blood is permitted!
A person sitting on the seat equipped with a safety belt must use it while the vehicle is moving (this is applicable also for rear seats). The use of safety belts is obligatory also in towns. Persons smaller than 150 cm must be seated in special safety seats.
It is forbidden to transport children younger than 12 and animals in front seats.
As of February 1, 2009, drivers of motor vehicles must have the dipped headlights on any time of the day all year round.
It is forbidden to use mobile phones whilst driving and to use anti-radar devices. Motor vehicles can only be used on roads (this also applies to motorcycles, scooters, four-wheelers, etc. used for sports and entertainment in the open air, with some exceptions - vehicles used for safety and security purposes and for provision of supplies to inaccessible places, etc.). Both the four-wheeler driver and the passenger must wear safety goggles and in case of four-wheelers with the design speed above 45 km/h a helmet is required too.

Speed limits in SR

Essential car equipment
Jack, wheel wrench, spare tire, a wrench for the spare tire, reflective vest (the vest must be within the reach of the driver - in the main vehicle cabin  since everybody must wear it when getting out of a car in case of an emergency), warning triangle, and first-aid kit.
For information in more detail on traffic regulations in Slovakia you may contact your motoring organization or Slovenský autoturist klub (Slovak motoring organization).

Fuel
The prices of petrol and motor oil in Slovakia are comparable with the  other European countries. All over Slovakia there is a dense network of petrol stations  that offer petrol SUPER (95), ŠPECIÁL (91), lead-free petrol Natural (95 and 98), and motor oil. The export of fuel in an amount exceeding 10 litres is prohibited. In towns and on the main motor routes some petrol stations are open 24 hours per day.

List of petrol stations in Slovakia

Parking
Parking in town centres is possible only at selected locations. In big cities parking cards are used. They must be placed visibly in the car and are sold in newspaper stands or tobacco shops. The parking of cars in prohibited areas is subject to a fine, or blocking (towing) of the vehicle. When parking on a sidewalk, there must be free space left on the sidewalk with the width of 1.5 m at minimum.

Car rentals
Car rentals are available in every bigger town in Slovakia. However, for a better comfort it is advisable to order this service through travel agency prior to your journey to Slovakia. The majority of Slovak towns have their public transport networks that observe a fixed schedule.

Car repair
There is a network of car repair stations all over Slovakia, with one in every town providing general repairs for certain vehicles, emergency services for virtually every model of vehicle, and tire service. The opening hours during the tourist season are longer. Private workshops also offer some vehicle repairs in smaller communes.

Table of road distances

Pedestrians on roads
When visibility is low, pedestrians walking on a roadside outside a municipality should wear visible reflecting items or a reflective vest (other than green).