If you're unsure about what exactly a vignette is and the related vignette requirement, and how it differs from a distance-based toll, you'll find here the most important information you need for your next trip. The following information is specifically related to Slovakia and may vary by country.
In Slovakia, both the vignette requirement and the distance-based toll exist. Depending on the vehicle class, your vehicle can be categorized into one of the two categories. Key factors include the weight of your vehicle (with exceptions for motorhomes and motorcycles). The following two sections explain the terms more clearly: Vignette Requirement and Distance-Based Toll.
The vignette requirement involves tolls that are not based on kilometers, but instead correspond to a flat rate that varies depending on the travel duration. This means that you purchase a vignette before your trip, and with the payment of a one-time fee, you cover all toll-required routes. The vignette purchase for Slovakia is done digitally, as the paper vignette is outdated and can no longer be purchased. The vignette requirement applies to vehicles up to 3.5 tons GVW.
It is important to note that motorcycles are exempt from the vignette requirement and do not require a vignette. In addition, motorhomes are a special case, as they only require a digital vignette regardless of their weight (even if they weigh over 3.5 tons GVW). Furthermore, with combination vehicles (car + trailer), it should be noted that for a total weight under 3.5 tons GVW, only the vignette for the car is required, whereas for a total weight over 3.5 tons GVW, an additional vignette must be purchased for the trailer.
The vignette requirement does not apply to vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW. Exceptions to this weight rule are motorhomes, which are subject to the vignette requirement regardless of their weight and thus do not need to pay the distance-based toll. For all other vehicles over 3.5 tons GVW, a distance-based toll is applied, which is determined by the kilometers driven, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class (pollutant levels). The distance-based toll is recorded using a transponder, an onboard unit (OBU). This allows the toll to be automatically deducted. Therefore, you must have such a device installed in your vehicle before starting your trip. The distance-based toll covers highways, expressways, and parts of first-class (federal roads) and second-class (state roads) roads.
We deal with tolls in Slovakia every day and keep an eye on any potential legal changes. Especially if you are planning a holiday trip, questions may arise that have not been answered on this page. If that's the case, feel free to contact us at [email protected]. We are happy to take the time to address your concerns in detail. This way, your trip to Slovakia will certainly be a great success!
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