Traffic Regulations

Slovenian Traffic Regulations: What You Must Pay Attention To

Slovenia is very popular with European holidaymakers as it is often just a couple of hours’ drive by motorhome or car. However, it is important to pay attention to the traffic regulations in Slovenia so that your trip does not turn into a flop.

From local speed limits to fines and driving bans for trucks, there are many specifics that all road users should know beforehand. Get all of the information in this article.

Speed: Speed Limits in Slovenia

In Slovenia, there is a speed limit on all roads, including motorways. So, if you are travelling from abroad by car or motorhome, you should make sure you adhere to the local speed limits. The speed limit is always based on the type of road and the vehicle class stated in the vehicle registration document.

 

The Speed Limit in Slovenia

The following limits apply to an ordinary passenger car or rental car, as well as to motorcycles:

• Inside towns: maximum of 50 km/h

• Outside towns: maximum of 90 km/h

• Outside towns: maximum of 90 km/h

• Expressways: maximum of 110 km/h

• Motorways: maximum of 130 km/h

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Km/h regulations for heavy motor vehicles

The maximum permitted speed for car and trailer combinations is 80 km/h, depending on their weight. The same applies to heavy motorhomes between 3.5 t and 7 t, which are also allowed to drive at a maximum of 80 km/h.

So, if in doubt, find out in advance about the detailed speed limit regulations in Slovenia.

Caught by a speed camera in Slovenia: What happens next?

All passenger car drivers must adhere to the appropriate speed limit in Slovenia when travelling on the country’s roads. If you are driving 20 km/h over the speed limit, the fine starts at 80 Euros.

Speeds of 50 km/h over the speed limit can even result in fines of 500 Euros and more. Slovenia's traffic regulations are therefore relatively strict in these cases.

Enforcement agreement between Slovenia and other EU countries

Slovenia has an enforcement agreement with all other EU countries. There is a de minimis limit in place, but it is 70 Euros per violation.

Each speeding violation costs 80 Euros or more, so enforcement is always to be expected. Even if you have returned to your home country, the Slovenian fine notice will end up in your mailbox after a few weeks.

Find out everything you need to know if you get a speeding ticket in Slovenia here.

 

Blood alcohol limit: How much can you drink?

Generally, Slovenia’s blood alcohol limit is 0.5 per mille, but there are exceptions for novice drivers or professional drivers, who must adhere to the zero-alcohol level.

The group of novice drivers includes people up to 21 years of age or those who have less than two years of driving experience. So, in these cases, refrain from any drinking if you know you will be operating a vehicle.

 

Fines for alcohol violations

The Slovenian catalogue of fines provides for severe penalties if you do not comply with the applicable limits. You are facing fines of between 300 and 1200 Euros, which are also enforced in any case.

 

No de minimis limit for alcohol offences

The previously mentioned de minimis limit of 70 Euros does not apply, but the enforcement agreement with other EU countries does. However, your driver's license is not in danger in once you’re back home because being prohibited to drive due to alcohol would only be valid in Slovenia.

Nevertheless, this should not be an invitation to get behind the wheel after a debauched night at the club. An accident can quickly end your vacation and have far-reaching consequences. Therefore, it is imperative to adhere to the valid alcohol limits in Slovenia.

 

Driving ban for trucks

In Slovenia, a driving ban for trucks applies, which is valid on certain routes at specified times. This affects trucks or special transporters weighing more than 7.5 tons. On routes G1-6 (Jelšane - Postojna) and G1-7 (Starod - Kozina), these vehicles are not allowed to drive on Sundays and public holidays between 08:00 and 21:00.

 

Driving ban for trucks during the vacation season

During the summer and vacation season, further restrictions are added to relieve the roads during this time. For example, trucks are not allowed to drive on the above-mentioned routes between 08:00 and 13:00 on Saturdays.

 

Special regulations between Ljubljana and Croatia

Even stricter times apply to the routes Ljubljana - Koper - border Croatia and Postojna - Rijeka, which must remain truck-free between 06:00 and 16:00 on Saturdays and between 08:00 and 24:00 on Sundays and public holidays. The A1, A2, A4, and A5 motorways, which do not have restrictions on truck traffic, serve as alternative routes.

 

Exceptions for international truck transports

There are still some regional exceptions, as well as relaxing of regulations to facilitate international traffic with neighbouring countries Italy and Croatia. Trucks travelling internationally are often allowed to drive on all days to ensure the speedy transit of important goods. So, be sure to find out in advance about the driving ban for trucks in Slovenia.

 

Special traffic regulations in Slovenia

Tolls on expressways and motorways

In Slovenia, tolls also apply to passenger cars on motorways and expressways, so you should enquire about this topic in advance and, if necessary, buy an e-vignette for Slovenia in good time.
Trucks additionally require registration and a DarsGo toll box (post-pay or pre-pay) so that a distance-based charge can be levied.

 

Mobile phone at the wheel

You are also not allowed to talk on a mobile phone while driving in Slovenia. Violations of this law are punishable by a fee of 120 Euros, and they are enforced internationally.

What happens in case of a parking violation?

A parking violation in Slovenia can cost 40 Euros or more depending on the severity. However, this cannot always be enforced internationally if it remains under the de minimis limit of 70 Euros.