Driving in Slovenia from the UK: what you need
Checked against official sources on 8 November 2026 · Sources at the bottom of this page
Driving your own car to Slovenia? You need:
- An e-vignette, bought before you use the motorways From €16.00 a week, on the official site only. See below
- A UK sticker, unless your number plate shows "UK" with the Union flag GB stickers are no longer valid: remove or cover them
- Your photocard driving licence, logbook (V5C) and insurance certificate Still have an old paper licence? You need an international driving permit (£5.50 at a PayPoint) Hire or lease car from the UK? Take a VE103 certificate instead of the logbook
- A passport for everyone in the car See the passport rules for Slovenia below
- A warning triangle, a hi-vis vest and a first-aid kit Slovenian cars must also carry spare bulbs, so it's worth taking some
- Dipped headlights on at all times, set for driving on the right Many newer cars adjust for the right from a menu setting, others need beam deflector stickers
- Winter tyres, or chains in the car, from 15 November to 15 March
🛂 Your border check happens before Slovenia
Driving through France, Germany and Austria? You enter the Schengen area when you cross the Channel, so your passport is checked, and the EU's Entry/Exit System (EES) records your fingerprints, at Dover, Folkestone or your arrival port. Your passport must be less than 10 years old on the day you arrive and valid for 3 months after you leave. Driving through Austria? You'll need its vignette too.
Check your passport for Slovenia →The e-vignette
You need an e-vignette to drive on Slovenia's motorways and expressways. It's digital and linked to your number plate and country, and cameras check it.
Karavanke tunnel (to Austria): not covered by the vignette. It costs €9 each way at the toll booth, by cash or card.
Speed limits in Slovenia
| Road | Limit |
|---|---|
| Motorways | 130 km/h≈ 81 mph |
| Expressways | 110 km/h≈ 68 mph |
| Roads outside towns | 90 km/h≈ 56 mph |
| Towns and villages | 50 km/h≈ 31 mph |
In residential zones the limit is 30 km/h, in shared areas 20 km/h and in traffic-calmed areas 10 km/h. Police issue fines on the spot for speeding, drink-driving and using a phone.
Rules that catch UK drivers out
💡 Headlights on at all times
Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on whenever you drive.
🍷 Drink-drive limit
0.5 g/kg, and zero if you're under 21, have held your licence for less than 2 years, or drive professionally.
📵 Hands-free phones only
Holding a phone while driving is banned, and fines are issued on the spot.
👶 Child seats
Seatbelts and child seats are compulsory.
❄️ Winter equipment 15 Nov – 15 Mar
From 15 November to 15 March, and at any other time when there's snow or ice, cars need winter tyres on all 4 wheels, or summer tyres plus snow chains in the car. Tyres need at least 3 mm of tread.
Without them it's a €125 fine, or €417 if you hold up traffic.
Breakdowns and emergencies
- Call 112 for police, ambulance or fire.
- On motorways and expressways, call 1970 (or +386 1 518 8 518) for help. Turn on your hazard lights, everyone puts on a hi-vis vest, place the triangle behind the car and wait behind the barrier.
- Use only recovery trucks with the official DARS logo. In a tunnel, leave on foot towards the entrance.
Hiring a car in Slovenia instead
- Hire companies may ask for an international driving permit, so check first.
- Slovenian hire cars should come with an e-vignette: check before you drive on the motorway.
- They may ask for a DVLA licence check code. Get one on GOV.UK shortly before you collect the car: it's only valid for 21 days.
FAQs
Do I need a vignette for Slovenia?
Yes. To use Slovenia's motorways and expressways you need an e-vignette linked to your number plate: €16.00 for a week, €32.00 for a month or €117.50 for a year for most cars (2026). Driving without one is a €300 fine.
Where should I buy the Slovenian e-vignette?
On the official DARS site, evinjeta.dars.si, or from authorised sellers such as ASFINAG, ADAC and Petrol stations. DARS warns about unofficial websites that charge more. Make sure your number plate and country are entered correctly, or the vignette doesn't count.
Do I need winter tyres in Slovenia?
From 15 November to 15 March, and at other times when there's snow or ice, cars need winter tyres on all 4 wheels, or summer tyres plus snow chains in the car. Tyres need at least 3 mm of tread. Without them it's a €125 fine.
Do I need headlights on during the day in Slovenia?
Yes. Dipped headlights or daytime running lights must be on at all times.
What is the drink-drive limit in Slovenia?
0.5 g/kg for experienced drivers. It's zero if you're under 21 or have held your licence for less than 2 years, and for professional drivers.
Is the Karavanke tunnel included in the vignette?
No. The Karavanke tunnel between Austria and Slovenia costs €9 each way, paid at the toll booth by cash or card.
More for your trip
Sources
Checked on 8 November 2026. Rules change, so check the official sources before you travel.