Speed limitSlovenia

Learn traffic rules with clear explanations and visual examples in our illustrated book, designed to make studying simple and engaging.


4. Speed limit

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed permitted on a road, lane or within a designated area. It may be established by general traffic law or indicated by fixed, variable or temporary traffic signs.

A speed limit is a maximum, not a target speed. Drivers must travel more slowly whenever traffic, visibility, weather, road conditions, vulnerable road users or the condition of the vehicle make the maximum permitted speed unsafe.

40 km/h speed-limit sign at Gajnice. (Slovenia)
Wikimedia.org • Doremo • CC BY-SA
What is a speed limit?

A speed limit is the maximum legal speed permitted on a road, lane or within a designated area. It does not require drivers to travel at that speed.

How can you recognise a speed limit?

A speed limit is commonly displayed as a number on a regulatory traffic sign. General limits may also apply automatically because of the country, road category, vehicle type or surrounding area, even when no speed-limit sign is present.

Is the speed limit a recommended driving speed?

No. It is the highest speed legally permitted under suitable conditions. Drivers must reduce their speed whenever travelling at the limit would be unsafe.

Can you drive more slowly than the speed limit?

Yes. Drivers should travel more slowly when required by traffic, weather, visibility, road conditions or nearby vulnerable road users. Driving unnecessarily slowly may nevertheless be prohibited when it obstructs normal traffic.

Does the same speed limit apply to every vehicle?

Not always. Lower limits may apply to heavy vehicles, buses, vehicles towing trailers, novice drivers or other vehicle categories. The lowest applicable limit must be respected.

What is a default speed limit?

A default speed limit applies automatically to a particular road type or area when no traffic sign indicates another limit. Examples include general limits for motorways, built-up areas or roads outside built-up areas.

Does a posted speed limit replace the default limit?

Usually, yes. A legally placed speed-limit sign normally introduces another maximum speed, although lower vehicle-specific or special-road limits may continue to apply.

When does a speed-limit sign take effect?

A speed restriction normally begins at the location of the sign. Drivers should reduce their speed before passing the sign so that they are already travelling within the limit when it takes effect.

When does a speed limit end?

A signed limit may end at an intersection, an end-of-limit sign, another speed-limit sign or the beginning or end of a legally defined area. The exact rule differs between countries.

Does an intersection end a speed limit?

This depends on local law. An ordinary speed restriction may end at an intersection in some countries, while a zonal speed limit normally continues across intersections until an end-of-zone sign.

What is a speed zone?

A speed zone is an area in which the displayed maximum speed applies throughout all included roads. The limit normally remains in force until the corresponding end-of-zone sign.

What is a variable speed limit?

A variable speed limit is displayed on an electronic or changeable sign and may be adjusted according to congestion, weather, incidents or roadworks. When activated, it has the same legal importance as another applicable regulatory speed sign.

Can different lanes have different speed limits?

Yes. Signs positioned above individual lanes may impose different limits on those lanes. Drivers must observe the limit applying to the lane they use.

Can a temporary speed limit apply?

Yes. Temporary limits may be introduced near roadworks, collisions, hazards or special events. Drivers must follow the temporary traffic signs and instructions that are legally in force.

May you exceed the speed limit while overtaking?

No. Overtaking does not normally permit a driver to exceed the applicable maximum speed. The manoeuvre must be completed safely while respecting the speed limit.

Do poor conditions change the legal speed limit?

Some countries impose specific lower limits in rain, snow or other conditions. Even where the numerical limit does not change, drivers must reduce their speed sufficiently for the conditions.

1 Slovenia 2 Motorway 3 Zone 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Tunnel 7 Pedestrian zone 8 Speed bump 9 Customs 10 One-way traffic 11 Slope 12 Bus lane 13 Dead end 14 Stop sign 15 Roundabout 16 Priority road 17 Road narrowing 18 Pedestrian crossing 19 Railway crossing 20 Mandatory direction 21 School area 22 Crossing animals 23 Rockfall 24 Chevron 25 Wrong-way driving 26 Roadworks 27 Height limit 28 Weight limit 29 Traffic lights 30 Pedestrian lights 31 Traffic mirror 32 International border 33 Cycling route 34 Parking 35 No stopping 36 Parking disc 37 Reversing 38 Emergency exit 39 City limit 40 Licence plate 41 Charging station 42 Dangers 43 Dip 44 Pedestrian 45 Cyclist 46 Truck 47 Bus 48 Police 49 Ambulance 50 Taxi 51 European emission standard 52 Pothole 53 Path 54 Particulates 55 Air pollution 56 Rush hour 57 Road code 58 Street gutter 59 Cargo bike 60 Forestry vehicle 61 Construction vehicle 62 Semi-trailer truck 63 Trolleybus 64 Speed pedelec 65 Delivery vehicle 66 Idling 67 Tow truck 68 Four-wheel drive 69 No vehicles 70 Bicycle 71 Motorcycle equipment 72 Rail track 73 Caravan 74 Trailer 75 Tow hitch 76 Fire truck 77 Siren 78 Convoy 79 Emergency vehicle lighting 80 Agricultural machinery 81 Electric bicycle 82 Electric vehicle 83 Pedelec 84 Quadricycle 85 Microcar 86 All-terrain vehicle 87 Van 88 Recreational vehicle 89 Scooter 90 Trikke 91 Personal mobility device 92 Skateboard 93 Segway 94 Kick scooter 95 Roller skates 96 Mailman 97 Hitchhiker 98 Toddler 99 Child 100 Disability ...