Slovenia is a member of the European Union (EU), so it has traffic regulations similar to those of its partners and neighbours, although, as is always the case, there are local rules that are important to know in order to avoid offences. Below we review the traffic regulations in Slovenia that you should bear in mind if you are travelling to the country or driving on its roads.
Traffic regulations in Slovenia
The general speed limits in Slovenia are as follows:
- Urban areas: 50 km/h.
- Roads outside urban areas: 90 km/h.
- Motorways: 110 km/h.
- Motorways: 130 km/h.
Headlights must be used at all times, regardless of the conditions or the time of year. Fog lights are only permitted when visibility is less than 50 metres. All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seat belt at all times. Children under 150 cm or 12 years of age must travel in the rear seats and with child restraint systems appropriate to their height and weight. It is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving, except with a hands-free system.
The maximum blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l (0.25 mg/l in exhaled air). For drivers with less than two years’ driving experience and professional drivers, the limit is 0.0 g/l. Breathalyser tests are very common in Slovenia and the minimum fine is £500.
Compulsory equipment. Vehicles travelling in Slovenia must carry a safety triangle, a set of spare bulbs (except vehicles with LED lights), a first aid kit and a reflective vest. Between 15 November and 15 March, winter tyres (minimum tread depth of 3 mm) or snow chains in the boot are compulsory if summer tyres are used.
Electronic vignette. To drive on motorways and dual carriageways managed by DARS (the toll road operator), you must purchase an electronic vignette. The Slovenian vignette can be purchased at petrol stations, authorised sales points or online, with options for 7 days (€15 for passenger cars), 30 days (€30) or one year (€110). The Karawanken Tunnel, which connects Slovenia and Austria, requires an additional toll not covered by the vignette.
With regard to rules on priority and overtaking, pedestrians have absolute priority at zebra crossings. School buses and buses carrying children may not be overtaken when they are stopped to let passengers on or off. On narrow mountain roads, vehicles going uphill have priority.
Specific rules in Slovenia
The traffic regulations in Slovenia are similar to those in neighbouring countries such as Italy and Croatia, partly due to the harmonisation of regulations within the European Union, but there are still some interesting differences:
Here are some of the differences between Slovenian traffic regulations and those of its EU neighbours.
- Use of daytime running lights: Slovenia requires headlights to be on at all times, while Croatia only requires them from 1 November to 31 March or in poor visibility conditions. Italy does not require daytime running lights outside tunnels or in adverse conditions.
- Winter equipment: Slovenia has a mandatory period for winter tyres (15 November to 15 March), while in Croatia and Italy this requirement depends on weather conditions or specific signage, with no fixed period.
- Vignette checks: Slovenia is particularly strict with electronic vignettes, with frequent checks and severe penalties. Croatia also uses vignettes, but checks are less rigorous. Italy does not use this system.
As for similarities, although we refer specifically to Italy and Croatia, these can be extended to most European countries.
- Speed limits on motorways: All three countries allow a maximum speed of 130 km/h on motorways, which makes it easier for drivers travelling between them.
- Blood alcohol limit: Slovenia and Italy share a limit of 0.5 g/l for non-novice drivers, while Croatia applies a zero tolerance (0.0 g/l), similar to that required in Slovenia for novice and professional drivers.
- Tolls: Both Slovenia and Croatia require a vignette to drive on motorways, although in Croatia some motorways have additional tolls for specific sections. Italy, on the other hand, uses a toll system based on toll booths and distance travelled.