Each country has its own rules and specifics governing road traffic. In the context of road traffic, Slovakia is certainly not one of the countries where driving should be feared. It is customary for drivers to follow the rules and respect traffic signs. For foreigners as well as Slovaks living abroad who arrived in Slovakia in their own car or rented a car in a car rental company in Bratislava, Košice or anywhere else in Slovakia, we summarize the basic road traffic rules valid in 2024.
- Maximum permitted speed - 50 km/h in villages and towns, 90 km/h outside the village and 130 km/h on highways. Speeds may vary if they are determined by traffic signs.
- Alcohol and driving - there is zero tolerance for alcohol in Slovakia and the fines for alcohol are high, often with the driver's license revoked. At the same time, if you cause an insurance claim or a traffic accident under the influence of alcohol with a car from a car rental company, the insurance company will not pay for the damage to the rented car or the damage to the vehicle that you damaged.
- In Slovakia, you drive on the right side of the road.
- Daytime running lights must be on all year round.
- Using the phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of bluetooth
- Seat belts are mandatory for all front and rear seat passengers
- Trams, trolleybuses and buses that are turning always have the right of way
- Children up to a height of 150 cm or a weight of 36 kg must be transported in a certified car seat/booster seat. Children under the age of 12 and persons shorter than 150 cm may not sit in the front seats. If you do not have your own car seat, ask the car rental company where you are renting the vehicle.
- Winter tires are mandatory if there is snow or ice on the roads, chains are required in some mountainous areas (the use of chains is determined by a separate label)
- Documents required for driving - when driving a car and any inspection, you need to prove yourself with your identity document (citizen's card/passport), driver's license and documents from the vehicle (technical license and proof of valid legal insurance). If you are renting a car, do not forget to check these documents. We recommend also checking the mandatory equipment in the rented vehicle (first aid kit, rope, triangle, reflective vest)
- Use of highways - highways in Slovakia are tolled, with the exception of highways in the city. Car rental vehicles usually have a highway stamp for Slovakia purchased, but to be sure, check with the company from which you are renting the car.
- In general, if you follow the rules of the road, the police can still stop you for a random check, be it for alcohol, checking documents or mandatory equipment. However, as long as you have followed everything, you will avoid the fine.
We wish you a happy journey.