MotorwaySlovakia

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.


2. Motorway

A motorway is a road specially designed and signposted for motor traffic. Motorways normally have separate carriageways for opposing traffic, controlled access through designated entrances and exits, no direct access to neighbouring properties, and no level crossings with other roads, railways or paths.

Special traffic rules apply on motorways. The permitted road users, speed limits, lane rules, tolls and emergency procedures vary between countries, so drivers must follow the local traffic signs and regulations.

D1 motorway on the Trnava–Bratislava section at the entrance to Bratislava. (Slovakia)
Wikimedia.org • Doko • CC BY-SA
How do people refer to a motorway in Slovakia?

The Slovak term is diaľnica. Use the road’s legal designation and signs to identify where motorway rules begin.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16(1)-(7),35-36; Decree 30/2020 signs 309-310

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

What speed limit applies to cars on a motorway in Slovakia?

For an ordinary motor vehicle up to 3.5 tonnes without a trailer, the general motorway maximum outside built-up areas is 130 km/h. The built-up-area default is 50 km/h unless signs establish another limit. Follow the actual signs, vehicle-specific restrictions and the duty to drive at a safe speed.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16(1)-(7),35-36; Decree 30/2020 signs 309-310

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

Is there a minimum driving speed on a Slovak motorway?

Drivers must normally travel at at least 80 km/h. The law provides exceptions where safety or traffic conditions require a lower speed. If a fault prevents the vehicle reaching the required speed on level ground, leave at the nearest exit; if a parking area comes before that exit, stop the vehicle there.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16(1)-(7),35-36; Decree 30/2020 signs 309-310

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

What should I do if I miss a motorway exit in Slovakia?

Continue to the next exit and choose a safe onward route. Do not reverse, make a U-turn or cross the central reservation to return to a missed exit.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act sections 16(1)-(7),35-36; Decree 30/2020 signs 309-310

🔗 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 ...