Slovenia is a favored destination for European holidaymakers, often just a few hours' drive by motorhome or car. However, to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, it's crucial to be aware of Slovenia's traffic regulations.
From local speed limits to fines and driving bans for trucks, there are many details that all road users should know in advance. Find all the necessary information in this blog.
General Rules
- Traffic drives on the right side of the road.
- Use your daytime running lights at all times.
- Hands-free communication is a must while driving. Using a handheld phone is strictly prohibited.
- Always wear a seatbelt. Seatbelt use is mandatory for all occupants of the vehicle.
- Helmets must be worn by motorcycle drivers and passengers.
- The minimum driving age is 18 years old. However, most rental car companies require a minimum age of 21 or 23 years.
In Slovenia, speed limits are enforced on all roads, including motorways. If you are traveling from abroad by car or motorhome, it is important to adhere to these local speed limits. The limits vary depending on the type of road and the vehicle class as specified in your vehicle registration document.
When driving in Slovenia, it’s important to adhere to the speed limits, which are as follows:
- Urban Areas: 50 km/h
- Non-Urban Roads: 90 km/h
- Expressways: 110 km/h
- Highways: 130 km/h
These speed limits are enforced to ensure the safety of all road users. Remember to adjust your speed according to road conditions, traffic, and weather. Always be vigilant for speed limit signs, as there may be variations in certain areas.
Safe travels!
General Speed Limits:
- Car and Trailer Combinations: The maximum permitted speed is 80 km/h, depending on the total weight.
- Heavy Motorhomes: Vehicles weighing between 3.5 t and 7 t are also restricted to a maximum speed of 80 km/h.
For precise information, always check the detailed speed limit regulations in Slovenia before traveling.
Imagine cruising through Slovenia's stunning landscapes, only to be surprised by a flash from a speed camera. Don't fret! Here's a breakdown of what to expect:
Act One: The Fine Arrives
Within a few weeks, a notification of your speeding violation will arrive by mail. It might take a while if you're from abroad, but it will find you eventually.
Act Two: Understanding the Fine
The fine amount depends on how much you exceeded the limit. Generally:
- Gentle nudge over the limit: Expect a penalty around €80.
- Pushing it a bit too far: Fines can jump to €500 or more for significant speeding.
Act Three: Settling the Score
Thankfully, you can usually settle the fine online using the provided information.
Remember: Early payment often comes with discounts.
Slovenia has an enforcement agreement with all other EU countries. This agreement includes a de minimis limit set at 70 Euros per violation.
Given that each speeding violation incurs a fine of 80 Euros or more, enforcement is inevitable. Even if you return to your home country, you can expect to receive the Slovenian fine notice in your mailbox within a few weeks.
For more information on what to do if you receive a speeding ticket in Slovenia, click here.
In Slovenia, the general blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille. However, there are stricter regulations for novice and professional drivers, who must adhere to a zero-alcohol level.
Novice drivers include individuals up to 21 years of age or those with less than two years of driving experience. If you fall into this category, it is crucial to abstain from drinking any alcohol if you plan to drive.
Fines for Alcohol Violations
Slovenia imposes severe penalties for exceeding the blood alcohol limits. Fines range from 300 to 1,200 Euros and are strictly enforced.
No De Minimis Limit for Alcohol Offenses
The de minimis limit of 70 Euros does not apply to alcohol offenses. While enforcement agreements with other EU countries exist, your driver’s license will not be at risk once you return home. However, this should not encourage you to drive after drinking. An accident can quickly end your vacation and have serious consequences. It is essential to adhere to Slovenia’s alcohol limits.
In Slovenia, a driving ban for trucks is enforced on specific routes during designated times. This restriction applies to trucks and special transporters weighing more than 7.5 tons. On routes G1-6 (Jelšane - Postojna) and G1-7 (Starod - Kozina), these vehicles are prohibited from driving on Sundays and public holidays between 08:00 and 21:00.
Driving Ban for Trucks During Vacation Season
To ease road congestion during the summer and vacation season, additional restrictions are implemented. Notably, trucks are prohibited from driving on the specified routes between 8:00 AM and 1:00 PM on Saturdays.
Special Regulations for Routes Between Ljubljana and Croatia
Stricter regulations apply to the routes from Ljubljana to Koper to the Croatian border, and from Postojna to Rijeka. These routes must remain free of truck traffic between 6:00 AM and 4:00 PM on Saturdays, and between 8:00 AM and midnight on Sundays and public holidays.
Alternatively, the A1, A2, A4, and A5 motorways, which do not have restrictions on truck traffic, are available for use.
Exceptions for International Truck Transports
There are still some regional exceptions and relaxed regulations to facilitate international traffic with neighboring countries, Italy and Croatia. Trucks traveling internationally are often permitted to drive on all days to ensure the speedy transit of important goods. Therefore, it is crucial to check in advance about the driving ban for trucks in Slovenia.
Tolls on Expressways and Motorways
In Slovenia, tolls are applicable to passenger cars on motorways and expressways. It is advisable to inquire about this in advance and, if necessary, purchase an e-vignette for Slovenia ahead of time. Trucks require additional registration and a DarsGo toll box (either post-pay or pre-pay) to facilitate distance-based charges.
Mobile Phone Usage While Driving
Using a mobile phone while driving in Slovenia is prohibited. Violations of this law incur a fine of 120 Euros, and these fines are enforced internationally.
Parking Violations
Parking violations in Slovenia can result in fines starting at 40 Euros, with the amount increasing based on the severity of the violation. However, fines below the de minimis limit of 70 Euros may not be enforceable internationally.