Slovakia

Driving in Slovakia

Make sure that you have valid motor insurance for your car. Right-hand drive cars can not normally be registered in Slovakia, which makes it very difficult to obtain insurance for those who intend to settle or remain in Slovakia to work.

You can drive on a UK driving licence for up to six months.

Children under the age of 12 must not sit in the front seat of moving vehicles.

Although reasonably good, many main roads have only a single carriageway in each direction making overtaking difficult. Road markings are difficult to see in poor weather.

The standard of driving is not high and can be aggressive, with drivers often going too fast, pushing into dangerously small gaps, tailgating and overtaking with little regard for other road users. Drive defensively and allow yourself more "thinking time". Specifically, beware of oncoming cars overtaking on your side of the road (particularly on bends and hills). Older, low-powered cars and trucks travel very slowly; be careful not to overestimate their speed. In 2005 there were 560 road deaths in Slovakia (source: DfT). This equates to 10.4 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.5 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2005.

In winter, equip your car for severe driving conditions: use winter tyres, and if travelling outside Bratislava carry extra warm clothing, hot drinks in a thermos-flask, sacking (to help give tyres purchase in slippery conditions) and a shovel. Although winter tyres are not compulsory in Slovakia, where an accident occurs and one vehicle has normal tyres the official presumption is that the vehicle is at fault. From 15 October to 15 March all vehicles must have their headlights switched on, regardless of the weather and whether they are in a town or out in the country. It is also mandatory during the winter period to have snow chains in the car available for instant use.

If crossing into Austria, headlights must be switched on throughout the year. Failure to do so will result in a fine.

Please note that drivers with any trace of alcohol in their body will be arrested. There is no permitted level other than 0%. If you are involved in an accident while driving the Police will give you a breath test regardless of who is to blame