Slovakia, one of the important transit countries in Central Europe, much like the other European states adjusts its regulations to the current road safety requirements as well as the seasonal increase in road traffic during holidays and breaks.
Let’s have a look at the applicable driving bans in Slovakia in the final weeks of the 2024. Let’s also check what days and during what hours the truck driving ban will apply in 2025. Read on, so that you can more effectively and safely plan your transportation through Slovakia!
Truck driving ban in Slovakia – to whom does it apply?
Slovakian traffic regulations say that the truck driving ban applies to vehicles with the permissible total weight above 7.5 tons, which drive on specified days and hours along highways, expressways and first-class roads.
Slovakia, like many other countries, excludes busses used for carriage of passengers from the ban. Naturally, it’s not the only type of carriage excluded from the above regulations. Other exceptions include the carriage of certain goods – more on that later.
What are the dates of the driving ban in Slovakia in 2025?
The truck driving ban applies on Sundays and public holidays between 12:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m. Additional restrictions apply from 1 July to 31 August between 07:00 a.m. and 07:00 p.m.
The last holidays in Slovakia in 2024 are 24, 25 and 26 December. What does the holiday calendar in 2025 look like?
- 1 January – New Year,
- 6 January – Epiphany,
- 18 April – Good Friday,
- 21 April – Easter Monday,
- 1 May – Labor Day,
- 8 May – Day of Victory over Fascism,
- 5 July – St. Cyril and Methodius Day,
- 29 August – Slovak National Uprising Anniversary,
- 1 September – Day of the Constitution of the Slovak Republic,
- 15 September – Day of Our Lady of the Seven Sorrows,
- 1 November – All Saints’ Day,
- 17 November – Day of the Struggle for Freedom and Democracy,
- 24, 25, 26 December – Christmas.
When do the 2025 holiday driving bans fall in Slovakia?
In many countries, it’s a standard practice to introduce temporary holiday restrictions in truck traffic. It’s no different in Slovakia. Much like in the previous years, in 2025 the holiday driving ban will apply from 1 July to 31 August on Saturdays – between 07:00 a.m. and 07:00 p.m.
What are the driving ban exceptions in Slovakia?
Apart from exception for passenger carriage mentioned above, there are other kinds of transportation that need to be excluded from the restrictions stated above, due to their strategic importance or the specific nature of goods carried. Such exceptions include:
- military vehicles, Slovak Information Services vehicles,
- vehicles used for the necessary seasonal agricultural work,
- vehicles carrying medical equipment, biological material, pharmaceuticals and other supplies necessary for the functioning of healthcare facilities,
- vehicles used in intermodal transport and for the loading and unloading of ships and trains in the territory of Slovakia,
- vehicles used for the organization of sports or cultural events,
- auxiliary vehicles used in such circumstances as accidents or natural disasters,
- vehicles carrying dangerous cargo,
- gas station supply vehicles,
- vehicles used for carrying food products (for example: perishable goods, goods sensitive to temperature) or farm animals.
What are the fines for breaking the driving ban in Slovakia?
Slovakian law provides for high fines for traffic violations. Breaking the truck driving ban can result in a fine of as much as EUR 300.
Why are truck driving bans introduced?
Truck driving bans are a solution used all over Europe. Although the main goals are quite similar – to limit the number of trucks on roads on certain days or during certain hours – particular regulations may vary from country to country. The differences can include particular dates or times of the day when the bans apply, the categories of roads, or the types of vehicles to which the bans apply.
Regardless of the local differences, the main goals remain the same – to improve the road safety, to protect the infrastructure and to limit the negative impact of the truck traffic on the environment and the quality of life of the inhabitants.
