Slovak drivers, cyclists and pedestrians will have to adapt to new traffic rules. From 1 September, new requirements apply to crossing roads, cycling and using e-scooters, while the system of fines has also been changed. Barikáda looks at the key changes.
The amendments affect almost everyone using the roads. Drivers now have to take new requirements into account when crossing intersections, railway crossings and pedestrian crossings, while cyclists face new rules governing the use of pavements and cycle infrastructure. The legislation contains more than 200 amendments. Here is an overview of the most important changes.
Pedestrian rights
▪️ Drivers must ensure a safe crossing for pedestrians who have already stepped onto a pedestrian crossing, as well as those who are clearly about to enter it.
▪️ When approaching a pedestrian crossing, drivers must travel at an appropriate speed so that they can stop if necessary.
▪️ When dealing with a pedestrian using a white cane, drivers must always stop before the pedestrian crossing.
▪️ If one driver slows down or stops before a pedestrian crossing to let someone cross, other drivers travelling in the same direction must also react accordingly.
▪️ These rules do not apply to tram drivers.
▪️ Pedestrians still may not suddenly step onto a pedestrian crossing. Before entering it, they must pay attention to traffic and take into account the speed and distance of approaching vehicles.
▪️ Before entering a pedestrian crossing and while crossing the road, pedestrians must not use a mobile phone or another device in a way that reduces their ability to monitor the situation.
▪️ Vehicles permitted to enter pedestrian zones will now be limited to 10 km/h, instead of the current 20 km/h. The maximum speed in residential and school zones remains 20 km/h.
Rules for cyclists and e-scooters
The legal definition of a “bicycle” has been expanded to include electrically assisted bicycles with an auxiliary motor of up to 0.25 kW, which cuts out once the bicycle reaches 25 km/h. The law also introduces a new category of “small electric vehicle”, covering e-scooters and other small personal electric vehicles whose motors cannot propel them faster than 25 km/h.
▪️ E-scooters can no longer be ridden on pavements, unless this is explicitly permitted by a road sign.
▪️ A person must be over 15 years old to operate a small electric vehicle on the road. The rules applicable to cyclists also apply to these riders.
▪️ Only cyclists under 15 may ride on pavements. Previously, the age limit was 10. Adults may ride on a pavement only when accompanying a child under 10 or transporting a child under 10 on the bicycle. An adult accompanying a child aged 10–14 cannot use this exception.
▪️ Cyclists riding on pavements must keep to the right, travel no faster than walking speed and must not obstruct or endanger pedestrians.
▪️ People using roller skates, non-motorised scooters, skateboards or similar sporting equipment on cycling infrastructure will be subject to the relevant rules for cyclists.
▪️ Riding an e-scooter or self-balancing vehicle whose motor allows it to exceed 25 km/h will be considered a serious violation.
▪️ Bicycles and scooters may be parked at the edge of a pavement provided that a continuous clear width of at least 1.5 metres remains and the movement of other people is not obstructed or endangered.
New rules at intersections and higher fines
▪️ Reversing is now explicitly prohibited at traffic-light-controlled intersections.
▪️ The general ban on making U-turns at signal-controlled intersections has been lifted. This does not mean that U-turns are permitted everywhere: drivers must still comply with road signs, traffic lights and other safety requirements.
▪️ Outside built-up areas, the prohibition on stopping and parking outside designated parking spaces is being extended from Class I roads to other roads designated as priority roads.
▪️ For speeding by 51 km/h or more in a built-up area or 61 km/h or more outside a built-up area, the on-the-spot fine increases from €250–800 to €500–1,000. Under standard administrative proceedings, the fine increases from €500–1,000 to €800–1,300. Penalties for less serious speeding offences remain unchanged.
▪️ The system of objective liability is being expanded — meaning situations where a traffic violation is recorded by a camera, radar or drone rather than directly by a police officer. Photo-based fines can now be imposed for failing to maintain the minimum distance (€99), using a phone while driving (€249), and a front-seat passenger failing to wear a seat belt (€78).
▪️ Municipal authorities will be able to install radars and record violations, subsequently forwarding the data to the police for a decision on the fine.
▪️ After a third serious traffic violation within the period defined by law, the driver must complete a rehabilitation programme with a traffic psychologist, an additional training course and a professional fitness assessment.
▪️ After a fourth serious violation, the driver’s licence will be revoked. To regain it, the driver will have to complete a rehabilitation programme, additional training, medical and psychological examinations, and a professional fitness assessment.
▪️ Vehicle towing: Municipal police officers may order the towing of a vehicle illegally parked in a disabled parking space, another specially designated space or other locations specified by law. The vehicle operator must cover the costs.
▪️ Trucks: the period during which trucks are subject to driving restrictions is being shortened. The restrictions apply to motorways, roads for motor vehicles and Class I roads. During the summer restrictions, the ban will now begin at 9:00, while on Sundays and public holidays it will begin at 6:00. The restriction ends at 22:00.
