Wrong-way drivingSlovakia

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.


10. Wrong-way driving

Wrong-way driving occurs when a driver travels against the legally permitted direction of traffic. It may happen on a one-way road, divided road, motorway entrance or exit, or another road section reserved for traffic travelling in one direction.

Wrong-way driving creates an extreme risk of a head-on collision. Drivers must follow direction signs, no-entry signs, lane arrows and road markings. Anyone who accidentally enters a road in the wrong direction should slow down, warn other traffic, stop in the safest available place and contact the emergency services.

Wrong-way driving
Road signs indicating restricted access near Uľanka. (Slovakia)
Wikimedia.org • Ulancanka84 • CC BY-SA
How can you avoid driving the wrong way in Slovakia?

Traffic normally keeps right here. Keep to the correct side of the road and use no-entry and one-way signs to identify prohibited approaches; do not enter an exit ramp against its permitted direction.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Decree signs 230,309; Act sections 3-4,9,22,35-36; practical hazard precautions

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

What signs can prevent wrong-way driving in Slovakia?

Read no-entry signs, one-way signs, lane arrows and temporary directions together; a wide road is not automatically two-way. Before entering a motorway, expressway, one-way street or slip road, check the permitted direction rather than relying only on a navigation app.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Decree signs 230,309; Act sections 3-4,9,22,35-36; practical hazard precautions

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

What should you do if you enter a road against traffic in Slovakia?

Stop as soon as you can safely do so, without continuing towards oncoming traffic. Warn other road users if safe and contact the police for instructions. Do not attempt a U-turn, reverse along a motorway or cross moving traffic to correct the mistake. Keep yourself and passengers clear of moving traffic whenever you can reach protection safely.

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Decree signs 230,309; Act sections 3-4,9,22,35-36; practical hazard precautions

🔗 static.slov-lex.sk • Slovakia: Road Traffic Act 8/2009, effective 1 October 2026

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 ...