Why do you need a vignette in Slovakia?

Driving on the highway network of the Slovak Republic without an electronic vignette can be costly! Since January 1, 2016, the vignette in Slovakia is mandatory for most vehicles up to 3.5t, and its absence results in an immediate fine. Here’s everything you need to know to avoid unpleasant surprises.

Which vehicles need to obtain a vignette in Slovakia?

All light and motor vehicles using toll roads must have an e-vignette. This includes the following category:

• ✔ Passenger cars (m1 etc...)
• ✔ Motorhomes and caravans
• ✔ Trailers if the total weight exceeds 3.5 tons
• ✔ Light commercial vehicles

🚫 Exemptions:

• Motorcycles and motorbikes
• Military and emergency vehicles
• Certain diplomatic and governmental administrative vehicles

Which roads require a Slovak vignette?

The use of an electronic vignette is mandatory for driving on highways (Diaľnica) and expressways (Rýchlostna cesta) in Slovakia. Currently, about 435 kilometers of highways and 314 kilometers of expressways are subject to this requirement. Here are the affected routes in detail.

Highways subject to regulation (Diaľnica)

Slovak highways are identified by a "D" followed by a number and belong to the European road network (Europastrae).

• D1 (E50, E58, E75, E571)
  • Bratislava-East – Žilina (173 km)
  • Dubná Skala – Turany (17 km)
  • Ivachuóva – Poprad-West (64 km)
  • Poprad-East – Prešov-West (71 km)
  • Prešov-South – Košice-North (20 km)
  • Rozhanovce – Bidovce (8 km)
• D2 (E65, E75)
  • Brodské (Czech Republic border) – Stupava (50 km)
  • Bratislava-Jarovce – Čunovo (Hungary border, 9 km)
• D3 (E50, E442, E75)
  • Čadca, Bukov – Skalité (border Poland, 21 km)
• D4 (E58)
  • Jarovce (border Austria) – Bratislava-Jarovce (2 km)

Expressways subject to restrictions (Rýchlostna cesta):

Slovak expressways are marked by an "R" followed by a number and are part of the expanding motorway network.

• R1 (E58, E77, E571, E572)
  • Trnava – Sládkovičovo (13 km)
  • Sládkovičovo – Dolná Streda (2 km, temporarily exempt section)
  • Dolná Streda – Nitra-Západ (23 km)
  • Nitra-East – Hronská Breznica (86 km)
  • Hronská Dúbrava – Banská Bystrica-Kremnička (20 km)
• R2 (E58, E77, E571, E572)
  • Lovčica, Trubín – Žiar nad Hronom (6 km)
  • Zvolen-center – Zvolen-Pustý hrad (3 km)
  • Zvolen-east – Kriváň (18 km)
  • Mýtna – Lovinobaňa, Tomášovce (13 km)
• R3 (E77)
  • Martin – Martin-North (2 km)
• R4 (E71, E79)
  • Košice – Hungary border (20 km)
• R5 (E75, under construction)
  • Svrčinovec – Svrčinovec
• R6 (E75)
  • Púchov – Beluša-North (2 km)
• R7 (E575)
  • Bratislava, South – Holice (25 km)
• R8 (under construction)
  • Nitra – Topoľčany – Hradište

Exceptions: roads exempt from vignette

Since August 1, 2024, certain highway bypasses are free to ease traffic and reduce pollution. This is the case for Bratislava, Nitra, Košice, Prešov, Poprad, and Žilina.

What types of stickers are available and what are their prices?

Several factors influence the price, such as the duration and type of vehicles.

The different durations of validity of the stickers

The sticker in Slovakia is available in several formats to meet the needs of drivers:

• 1 day : Ideal for a short trip or a quick passage through the country. Valid until 11:59 PM on the selected day at the time of purchase. (if purchased on March 5, it will expire on March 5 at 11:59 PM).
• 10 days : Perfect for a short stay or vacation. Valid for 10 consecutive days, until 11:59 PM on the last day. (a sticker purchased on March 5 will be valid until March 14 at 11:59 PM).
• 1 month: Suitable for long stays or business trips. Valid from the day of purchase until the same day of the following month at 11:59 PM. (if you purchased on March 5, it will expire on April 5 at 11:59 PM).
• 365 days : Intended for residents and regular users. Valid for 365 consecutive days from the date of purchase. (a sticker purchased on June 10, 2024, will be valid until June 10, 2025, at 11:59 PM).

Sticker prices

You can purchase your e-sticker through our website using a credit card or other secure options.

How is the toll calculation for heavy goods vehicles done?

Vehicles over 3,500 kg, including trucks and certain utility vehicles, are not subject to standard stickers. Their toll is calculated based on the kilometers traveled and the number of axles, via the Eznamka toll system.

• Mandatory on-board device : Vehicles must be equipped with an electronic toll collection device (On-Board Unit or OBU) provided by Eznamka.
• GPS technology and control stations : The OBU uses a GPS tracker to record the kilometers traveled and determine the highway space used.
• Automatic axle detection : The system adjusts the rate based on the number of axles of the vehicle, directly influencing the cost of the trip.
• Automatic payment : Fees are debited in real-time via a prepaid account or deferred billing.

📌 Good to know: The toll for heavy vehicles operates similarly to the HU-GO system in Hungary, where each vehicle is electronically tracked to ensure accurate calculation of fees.

Where and how to buy your vignette for Slovakia?

Buying an electronic vignette for Slovakia is simple and quick. You can choose between online purchase or acquisition on-site at physical points of sale. Each method has its advantages and disadvantages, to consider based on your situation.

Buy your vignette on a website: The fastest solution

Online purchase is the simplest and fastest method to obtain your e-vignette before hitting the road.

• Available 24/7 with no wait at the gas station
• Secure payment via credit card, PayPal, and other payment methods
• Quick confirmation by email and SMS with direct registration in Eznamka. With an electronic version, it is no longer necessary to stick it on your windshield.

Where to buy your vignette online?
✅ Official site Eznamka.sk (managed by the Slovak government)
✅ Resellers like Vintrica, eVignette, or other independent platforms

Beware of additional fees! Some sites charge service fees to facilitate the process.

Buy your vignette on-site: A less convenient option for payment methods

If you prefer to buy your vignette for Slovakia once on-site, you can go to:

• Gas stations located at the borders and along the road network
• The automatic terminals present in certain rest areas
• Authorized sales points (transport agencies and toll offices)

However, buying on-site has some disadvantages such as the risk of waiting in line, especially during peak season.

Good to know: Use this form to check the validity of your vignette!

What to do in case of an error on the license plate?

If you entered the wrong license plate number when purchasing your Slovak vignette, here are the solutions:

• Possible correction : A modification can be requested under certain conditions, by providing supporting documents (proof of purchase).
• Modification deadline : The request must be made before the validity period of the vignette ends.
• Contact customer service : of the provider from whom you purchased it (official site or authorized resellers).

If the correction is not possible, a new sticker must be purchased, without refund.

Extension and modification of the sticker

The electronic sticker for Slovakia is strictly linked to the license plate and the period chosen at the time of purchase. Any modification is subject to specific rules:

• Extension : It cannot be extended. Once the period has expired, a new purchase is necessary.
• Change of validity date : Some resellers offer a Flex option, allowing the start date to be modified, but only before its activation.
• Transfer of sticker : Impossible, unless the registration number remains the same (for example: changing vehicles while keeping the same plate and information).

What happens if you drive without the Slovak vignette?

It should be noted that checks are automated, and the absence of a vignette is detected in a few seconds. To avoid a hefty fine, ensure that your license plate is properly registered in the Eznamka database.

Fines and automated checks

The toll control system operates through a network of cameras installed at the entrances and exits of tolls. These cameras scan the license plate and check in real time for the presence of a valid vignette by the competent authorities. Law enforcement can also conduct roadside checks and directly fine offenders.

✔ Mandatory payment within 30 days, under penalty of an increase.

Regularization after a forgetfulness: What to do?

If you forgot to buy your vignette, there is a partial solution to avoid a maximum penalty:

✔ Immediate purchase of a 30-day vignette within 15 days after the offense.
✔ Contact the competent authority via Eznamka.sk to report your error and see if it is possible to negotiate a reduction.

Who is exempt from the vignette in Slovakia?

According to Article 7, paragraph 1 of Act No. 488/2013 Coll. on the vignette, certain vehicles are granted a total exemption. This measure applies to specific entities for reasons related to security, defense, or public interest. The following are exempt from the vignette:

• Vehicles of the Ministry of the Interior of the Slovak Republic, including those used by organizations under its authority and by the police force.
• Vehicles of the Slovak Ministry of Defense and its affiliated agencies.
• The armed forces of Slovakia and NATO vehicles (North Atlantic Treaty Organization).
• Vehicles of foreign armed forces or civilian units used in the context of official missions.
• Rescue services under the integrated rescue system such as municipal and community fire brigades, municipal police, and the Slovak Red Cross.
• The managers of highways and public roads owned by the State, except for concessionary companies.
• The vehicles of the prison and judicial guards corps.
• Vehicles classified as historical according to a specific legal provision.
• Vehicles of the tax administration, subject to a particular legal basis.
• Vehicles belonging to the national security agency.
• Vehicles belonging to the Slovak Intelligence Service.

How to properly prepare for your trip to Slovakia?

A trip to Slovakia should be prepared in advance to avoid unforeseen events and fully enjoy the country's roads and landscapes. Here are the essential steps for a serene journey.

Check the mandatory documents

✔ Valid passport or identity card (for EU nationals).
✔ Driving license: A national license is sufficient for driving.
✔ Registration and insurance: The international insurance certificate (green card) is recommended.
✔ Buy your vignette for Slovakia online before departure to avoid fines.

Good to know: Check local traffic rules such as the requirement to turn on low beams during the day and night and the zero tolerance for alcohol while driving.

Check the weather and vehicle equipment.

✔ Winter: Winter tires are mandatory between November 15 and March 31 in case of snow or ice.
✔ Mandatory equipment: Warning triangle, reflective vest, first aid kit.
✔ Weather: In the mountains, temperatures can change rapidly, so be sure to check the forecasts before leaving.

Good to know: Some high-altitude routes may be closed in winter, especially in the Tatras.

Where to stay and what to visit in Slovakia?

✔ Accommodation: Wide choice between hotels, hostels, and homestays (Airbnb, Booking…).
✔ Must-see cities: Bratislava, Košice, Banská Bystrica, the Tatras.
✔ Activities: Hiking, natural spas, castle visits, and local cuisine.

Slovakia is renowned for its spa resorts like Piešťany and its natural parks.

By properly preparing your trip, you can fully enjoy your stay in complete peace!

FAQ

Can a vignette be canceled after purchase?

No, an electronic vignette cannot be canceled or refunded once purchased, except in cases of double payment or proven error regarding the registration and owner information.

Is there a single vignette to cross multiple countries in Europe?

No, there is currently no single vignette that allows travel on all toll highways in Europe. Each country has its own toll system, with national vignettes, stickers, or barrier tolls. Some systems like Eurotoll, Telepass, or Tolltickets allow automatic payment of tolls in several countries (France, Spain, Italy, Portugal, etc.), but do not cover all networks.