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Driving Tips in Bratislava, Slovakia

Car Hire Depots
Driving Distance
Driving Licence
Driving Age
Rules and Regulations
Equipment
Child Safety Seats

Speed Limits
Drink Driving
Tolls
Road Signs
Parking
Visa Information

Car Hire Depot information in Bratislava

DriveAway Holidays offer unbeatable rates and a wide range of vehicles with our suppliers in Bratislava. The suppliers are conveniently located at the Bratislava airport and downtown depots located in the city. Bratislava airport is located just 9 kilometres from the city centre, approximately 15 minutes drive.

Car Hire Driving Distances from Bratislava

Terchova – 230 kms (2 hrs/ 30 mins)
Poprad town – 345 kms (3 hrs/ 50 mins)
Budapest, Hungary – 200kms (2hrs )
Brno, Czech Republic – 130 kms (1 hr/ 15 mins)
Wien, Austria – 80 kms (1 hr)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Slovakia;

Vehicles drive on the right hand side of the road.
Pass cars on the left hand side of the road.
Dipped headlights are to be used at all times.
Seat belts are mandatory and must be worn by all passengers and driver.
Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, with the exception of a hands free system.
Radar detectors are banned.
Spare light bulbs must be readily available at all times.
Drivers are to carry at all times while driving, a valid drivers licence, registration documents and insurance documents.

Equipment

The following equipment are required to be carried in the vehicle and which are to be used in the event of an incident, accident or breakdown.

Warning Triangle; to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic.
Reflective Vest; to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road.
First-Aid Kit

Child Safety Seats

Passengers under the age of 12 years old must only be seated in the back seats of the vehicle, if suitable a proper child seat should be used as well.

Speed Limits

Below are the speed limits in Slovakia, unless signed otherwise;

Urban Roads (built up areas): 50km/h
Rural Roads (outside towns): 90km/h
Motorways: 130km/h

Drink Driving

Driving in Slovakia under the influence of alcohol is a criminal offence which may lead to imprisonment. The laws against DUI (Driving under the influence) are very strict with a zero (BAC) limit, police will regularly carry out random alcohol tests on drivers to make sure motorists are obeying the law.

Tolls

There are no highway tolls in Slovakia.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Slovakia adopts the standardization of the Vienna Convention on Road Signs and Signals which many European countries now utilize, but with slight variance. Signs in Slovakia are commonly found in the countries local language however English is also used on city roads and state highways. The signs are very easy to understand as the vast majority of them are posted with symbols. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background or yellow and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitory Signs are signs where motorists must follow the actions they are permitted or forbidden to do. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are indicated with a blue or green background and white text providing motorists with information such as directions.

Parking

Street parking within the major cities of Slovakia are mostly paid parking but free parking is available in some areas of the cities. Paid parking works on a pay-n-display system where a ticket will need to be purchased at a nearby machine or stand and be displayed on the front windscreen, fee's are priced per the hour which are quite reasonable in price. There is the option of secure parking lots which are conveniently close to attractions, but will tend to be more expensive. Make sure to always check signage before leaving your vehicle for any parking restrictions and instructions, any illegally parked vehicles or unpaid parking are subject to their vehicles being either towed and impounded or clamped, which incurs a fine to be removed.

Visa Information

Visa, passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Slovakia;

Australian passport holders do not require a visa for the purpose of tourism for stays up to 90 days. Contact the Embassy of Slovak Republic in your local state for additional information regarding any special visa's.
A valid passport is required with at least 3 months validity.