General Limit
Standard Drivers:The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for most drivers is 0.05% (0.5 grams per liter).
Special Categories
- Novice Drivers: For drivers with less than two years of driving experience, the BAC limit is 0.00%.
- Professional Drivers: Those who drive commercial or public transport vehicles, including buses and trucks, must adhere to a BAC limit of 0.00%.
- Young Drivers: Drivers under the age of 21 are also subject to a BAC limit of 0.00%.
Penalties for Exceeding the Limit
- 0.05% to 0.10% BAC: Fines range from €300 to €600.
- 0.10% to 0.15% BAC: Fines range from €600 to €1,200, and potential license suspension.
- Over 0.15% BAC: Fines exceed €1,200, with mandatory license suspension and possible imprisonment.
Consequences of Violation
- Immediate Consequences: Drivers caught with a BAC over the legal limit may face immediate license confiscation.
- Repeat Offenders: Harsher penalties apply, including longer suspension periods and higher fines.
- Accidents: If an accident occurs while driving under the influence, the penalties become significantly more severe, potentially including criminal charges.
In Slovenia, violating blood alcohol regulations can lead to severe fines. According to the official catalogue of fines, penalties for exceeding the legal alcohol limit while driving range from €300 to €1,200. Notably, the fine for not having a valid vignette also starts at €300.
To avoid such complications, it is crucial to adhere to the blood alcohol limits in Slovenia.
If your blood alcohol level reaches 1.1 per mille or higher, you may be prohibited from continuing to drive. In such cases, travelers are required to abandon their vehicles, which can quickly turn a holiday into a disaster.
Key Points:
- Legal blood alcohol limit in Slovenia is 1.1 per mille.
- Driving under influence may result in immediate prohibition from driving.
- Abandoning your vehicle is mandatory under such circumstances.
Stay Informed, Stay Safe!
Enforcement and Testing
- Random Checks: Police conduct random breathalyzer tests.
- Unfortunate incident: Mandatory testing for all drivers involved in traffic accidents.
- Refusal to Test: Refusing a breathalyzer or blood test results in automatic penalties, including fines and license suspension.
Safety Campaigns
- Public Awareness: Slovenia regularly conducts public safety campaigns to educate drivers about the dangers of driving under the influence.
- Checkpoints: Increased checkpoints during holidays and weekends to deter drunk driving.
Legal Advice
- Appeals: Drivers who wish to contest a fine or penalty should seek advice from a legal professional specializing in traffic law.
Slovenia enforces strict blood alcohol limits to enhance road safety. While the standard BAC limit is 0.05%, zero tolerance is applied to novice, professional, and young drivers. Violations result in substantial fines, license suspensions, and in severe cases, imprisonment. Compliance and awareness are key to ensuring safety and avoiding legal repercussions.
Like all EU countries, Slovenia has an enforcement agreement with its neighbors. This means fines can be enforced even after you have returned to your home country.
There is a de minimis limit of €70. However, since fines for drinking and driving in Slovenia are always at least €300, they will always be enforced.
Driving Bans: Does It Apply Back Home?
If you are prohibited from driving in Slovenia, you can still drive in your home country, as the ban is not enforced there. Therefore, your driving license remains valid when you return home.