ExpresswaySlovakia

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Slovakia. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


3. Expressway

An expressway is a road intended to carry through traffic efficiently, usually at higher speeds than ordinary roads. Expressways often have limited access, multiple lanes, separated carriageways or grade-separated junctions, but their design and legal status vary between countries.

An expressway is not always a motorway. It may have intersections, traffic lights or direct access, and the permitted road users, speed limits and special rules depend on local signs and regulations.

Expressway
R1 expressway on the Banská Bystrica bypass. (Slovakia)
Wikimedia.org • Doko • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to an expressway in Slovakia?

The signed road-for-motor-vehicles category is cesta pre motorové vozidlá. The route term rýchlostná cesta is also used for expressways. Check the actual designation rather than deciding the rules from an R-route name alone.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16,35(2)-(5),36(1),(3)-(4),37; Decree signs 311-312

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Traffic Signs Decree 30/2020, effective 31 March 2024

What speed limit applies to cars on an expressway in Slovakia?

On a non-motorway road for motor vehicles, the ordinary car maximum outside built-up areas is normally 90 km/h unless signs provide otherwise. A section designated as a motorway follows motorway limits. Follow the road designation and the actual signs.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16,35(2)-(5),36(1),(3)-(4),37; Decree signs 311-312

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Traffic Signs Decree 30/2020, effective 31 March 2024

Who may use an expressway in Slovakia?

A road for motor vehicles normally admits only motor vehicles with a design maximum speed of at least 60 km/h. Other road users may cross only at junctions or other designated crossing places.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16,35(2)-(5),36(1),(3)-(4),37; Decree signs 311-312

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Traffic Signs Decree 30/2020, effective 31 March 2024

What if a fault prevents my vehicle reaching a safe expressway speed in Slovakia?

If a vehicle or load fault prevents reaching 60 km/h on level ground, leave the road for motor vehicles at the nearest possible place. Traffic conditions can require slower driving even in a mechanically sound vehicle.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16,35(2)-(5),36(1),(3)-(4),37; Decree signs 311-312

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Traffic Signs Decree 30/2020, effective 31 March 2024

1 Slovakia 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Speed limit 5 Bike path 6 Slope 7 Bus stop 8 Roundabout 9 Railway crossing 10 Wrong-way driving 11 Traffic lights 12 Traffic mirror 13 Parking 14 Reversing 15 City limit 16 Licence plate 17 Bus 18 Police 19 Ambulance 20 European emission standard 21 Pothole 22 Path 23 Particulates 24 Air pollution 25 Rush hour 26 Road code 27 Street gutter 28 Cargo bike 29 Forestry vehicle 30 Construction vehicle 31 Semi-trailer truck 32 Trolleybus 33 Speed pedelec 34 Delivery vehicle 35 Idling 36 Tow truck 37 Four-wheel drive 38 Bicycle 39 Motorcycle equipment 40 Rail track 41 Caravan 42 Trailer 43 Tow hitch 44 Fire truck 45 Siren 46 Convoy 47 Emergency vehicle lighting 48 Agricultural machinery 49 Electric bicycle 50 Electric vehicle 51 Pedelec 52 Quadricycle 53 Microcar 54 All-terrain vehicle 55 Van 56 Recreational vehicle 57 Scooter 58 Trikke 59 Personal mobility device 60 Skateboard 61 Segway 62 Kick scooter 63 Roller skates 64 Mailman 65 Hitchhiker 66 Toddler 67 Child 68 Disability 69 Motorail 70 km/h 71 mph 72 Speedometer 73 Ride height 74 Dirt road 75 Driving 76 Start-stop system 77 Manual transmission 78 Automatic transmission 79 Throttle 80 Tachometer 81 Steering wheel 82 Power steering 83 Visual scanning 84 Mirror 85 Fuel 86 Fuel gauge 87 Petrol 88 Diesel 89 Diesel exhaust fluid 90 Car insurance 91 First aid kit 92 Fire extinguisher 93 High-visibility clothing 94 First aid 95 Concrete step barrier 96 Barriers 97 Vehicle lights 98 Street lights 99 Dipped beam 100 High beam ...