Tips for driving in Slovakia
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Updated:
21 December 2024
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Advice, Checklist & Legal Requirements
If you are looking to drive in Slovakia then you you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid UK driving licence, insurance and vehicle documents.
What do I need to drive in Slovakia?
Driver's checklist:
- · Valid driving licence
- · Proof of identification (passport)
- · Insurance documents (third part or above)
- · Proof of ownership (registration certificate)
If you do not own the vehicle you are driving, you are advised to obtain written permission from the registered owner.
Driver safety
In 2012 there were 295 road deaths in Slovakia. This equates to 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 2.8 road deaths per 100,000 population in 2012.
Slovakia Driving Laws
Seat belts are required for all passengers, whether in the front or back seat of the vehicle. Children under 12 years old and less than 1.5m tall must not seat in the front.
Equipment required by drivers:
It is compulsory in Slovakia to carry the following safety equipment within any vehicle with more than 2 wheels:
- · A Warning triangle
- · First aid kit
- · Headlamp converters
Speed Limits
Standard speed limits (km/h) unless otherwise stated by traffic signs:
Urban roads (31 mph).
Non-urban roads (56 mph).
Motorways / expressways (80 mph).
In-car radar detectors are illegal whether they are in use or not and on-the-spot fines are issued for the infringement of traffic regulations.
Drinking and Driving
Do not drink and drive. The legal limit is zero.
Motorcycles
On motorcycle, both driver and passenger must wear a helmet.
Headlights
The use of dipped headlights is compulsory at all times.
Driving in Winter
During wintry weather Winter tyres are not mandatory but recommended as you will be deemed to be at fault in case of accident.
General Driving Advice
So to recap here is our checklist for driving in Slovakia:
- Ensure you have proper documentation: valid driving licence, ID, driving insurance covering driving in Slovakia, proof of ownership (registration certification).
- Take plenty of breaks when driving long distances.
- Ensure rear passengers are wearing seat belts and remember children 12 and under are not allowed to travel in the front seat.
- Ensure your car is equipped with the following safety equipment: A Warning triangle, first aid kit and headlamp converters.
- Check fuel compatibility as some fuels may not be compatible with your vehicle.
- Do not drink and drive.
- Observe local speed limits – as a general rule built up areas have limits of 60km/h (31 mph), outside built up areas are 90km/h (56mph). In car radar detectors are illegal.
- Dipped headlights are compulsory even in daytime conditions.
Driving to Slovakia through another destination? You might like to read our guides to:
Need breakdown cover for Slovakia? Eurobreakdown.com can provide you with comprehensive single trip breakdown cover or annual multi trip breakdown policies with a best price guarantee.
Reference: The statistics mentioned on this page were sourced from the Reported Road Casualties Great Britain:2012 Annual Report and, to the best of Eurobreakdown.com’s knowledge, are correct at the time of publication (June 2014).
For general European driving tips click here