Driving a Rental Car in Slovakia
Parking in Bratislava & Highway Vignettes (with official links)
1. General Driving Rules in Slovakia
When driving a rental car in Slovakia, the following rules apply:
Driving is on the right-hand side.
Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers.
Low-beam headlights must be on at all times, day and night.
Zero alcohol tolerance – any alcohol while driving is illegal.
Children under 150 cm must use an appropriate child seat.
Speed limits (unless otherwise indicated):
Built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Motorways: 130 km/h
⚠️ Important notice regarding fines:
Traffic and parking fines are usually issued to the vehicle owner (the rental company). The processing of fines may take several weeks or even several months. Once received, the fine is charged to the renter’s payment card together with an administrative handling fee, in accordance with the rental agreement.
2. Highway Vignettes in Slovakia
What is a vignette?
Slovakia uses an electronic motorway vignette (e-vignette) system for vehicles up to 3.5 tons, including rental cars.
The vignette is linked to the license plate number – no sticker is required.
The vignette is mandatory on motorways and expressways.
Important for rental cars
Do not assume the vignette is included.
Always check your rental agreement.
If not included, you must purchase it before entering a motorway.
Official purchase website
(Official Slovak government system)
E-vignette prices (passenger cars – approx.)
Validity
Price
1 day
approx. €5.40
10 days
approx. €10.80
30 days
approx. €17.10
365 days
approx. €60.00
Electric vehicles are not automatically exempt and usually still require a vignette.
⚠️ Penalties and delayed charges:
Driving without a valid vignette may result in a fine of up to €150–€500.
In rental cars, such fines are typically processed weeks or months later via the rental company and may include additional administrative fees as stated in the rental contract.
3. Parking in Bratislava – Short Guide
Parking in Bratislava is regulated and zone-based, especially in the city center.
Official parking system (PAAS)
👉 https://paas.sk/en
Parking zones
The city uses the PAAS zone system
Most central districts require paid parking
Prices depend on the zone and location
💰 Typical prices: approx. €1.00–€3.00 per hour
Payment methods:
Parking meters
Mobile apps
Online payment via the city system
⚠️ Parking fines:
Parking violations are usually recorded automatically and sent to the vehicle owner. The fine may reach the rental company long after your visit, and the renter will be charged the fine plus an administrative fee, according to the rental agreement.
Park & Ride (P+R)
Recommended for visitors:
Located outside the city center
Lower daily cost
Easy access to public transport
4. Ždiar – Important Local Information for Drivers
Ždiar is a traditional mountain village located in northern Slovakia, close to the Polish border and the Belianske Tatras. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, hiking, skiing, and winter holidays.
Driving and parking in Ždiar
Access to Ždiar is via regional mountain roads, which are generally well maintained but can be narrow and winding.
In winter season, winter tires are mandatory and snow chains may be required, especially after heavy snowfall.
There are no paid parking zones like in major cities.
Parking is usually available:
at hotels and guesthouses
at ski resorts and trailheads
Always park only in designated areas and follow local signs, as roadside parking may block snow clearing or emergency access.
⚠️ Important notice regarding fines:
Even in smaller towns like Ždiar, parking violations or traffic fines may be issued and sent to the rental car company. The processing time may take several weeks or months, and the final amount charged to the renter may include administrative fees, according to the rental agreement.
5. Practical Tips for Renters
Always confirm whether the vignette is included.
Keep confirmation emails for vignette purchases.
Be aware that fines may appear months after the rental ends.
Administrative fees are set by the rental company, not by Slovak authorities.
✅ Summary
Motorway vignette is mandatory in Slovakia
Buy only from the official website:
👉 https://eznamka.sk/enParking in Bratislava is zone-based and paid
Fines may be charged months later, including administrative fees