Where you need a motorway vignette in Slovakia in 2026
Exactly where in Slovakia you need a valid motorway vignette in 2026. Toll sections of D1, D2, D3, R1, R2 and city bypasses — all in one place.
If you're planning to drive on Slovak motorways or expressways, it's important to know where a motorway vignette is required. Many drivers rely on navigation or assume that short sections are free — and this is precisely what often leads to fines.
In this article you'll find:
- current toll sections in Slovakia,
- which sections are free,
- where an electronic motorway vignette is needed,
- and how to avoid unnecessary fines.
When do you need a motorway vignette?
An electronic motorway vignette is required when driving on:
- most motorways (D),
- selected expressways (R),
- and designated toll sections.
The obligation primarily covers:
- passenger cars up to 3.5 t,
- motorhomes,
- vans up to 3.5 t,
- and certain vehicle-trailer combinations.
Current toll sections in Slovakia
According to the current toll network, the main paid routes are motorways D1, D2, D3 and expressway R1.
Motorway D1
D1 is the longest and most-used Slovak motorway.
Toll sections include for example:
- Bratislava-Východ → Hričovské Podhradie,
- Lietavská Lúčka → Turany,
- Ivachnová → Poprad-Západ,
- Spišský Štvrtok → Prešov-Západ,
- Prešov-Juh → Košice-Sever,
- Rozhanovce → Bidovce.
Some sections are currently temporarily exempt from tolling.
Motorway D2
Motorway D2 connects:
- Czech Republic,
- Bratislava,
- and Hungary.
Toll sections:
- Kúty → Stupava,
- Bratislava-Jarovce → Čunovo,
- additional sections towards the borders.
The Brodské – Kúty section was temporarily exempt from tolling for some time.
Motorway D3
Northern Slovakia:
- Hričovské Podhradie,
- Žilina,
- Čadca,
- direction Poland.
Tolled sections are mainly:
- Hričovské Podhradie → Žilina,
- Čadca → Skalité.
Expressway R1
R1 is one of the most-used expressways in Slovakia.
It runs through:
- Trnava,
- Nitra,
- Zvolen,
- Banská Bystrica.
Toll sections cover most of the route between Trnava and Banská Bystrica.
Expressway R2
On R2 the toll sections are mainly:
- Lovčica → Žiar nad Hronom,
- Zvolen → Kriváň,
- Mýtna → Lovinobaňa.
From 2026 new toll sections of R2 are being added.
Which sections are free?
Not all motorways in Slovakia are tolled.
Sections that are typically free include:
- some city bypasses,
- short connecting sections,
- selected sections near larger cities.
The state leaves these sections toll-free mainly for local traffic.
Free city bypasses
Some sections near cities are exempt from the vignette requirement, for example:
- part of the Bratislava bypass,
- some sections near Nitra,
- selected parts near Prešov and Košice.
The situation may change based on new decisions and newly opened sections.
How can I tell if a section is tolled?
Before driving we recommend:
- watching road signs,
- checking the route in your navigation,
- looking at the ,
- and buying the vignette before driving.
The official toll sections map is published by the eZnamka system.
Do I need a vignette for a short drive?
Yes.
Even a short trip on a toll section requires a valid motorway vignette.
Many drivers get fined precisely because they:
- entered the motorway for just one exit,
- used navigation,
- or didn't notice the sign.
How does enforcement work?
Enforcement is electronic, using:
- cameras,
- automatic licence plate recognition,
- mobile enforcement vehicles,
- police patrols.
The system works continuously and a fine may also arrive later.
Fine for driving without a vignette
If you drive on a toll section without a vignette, you risk of up to several hundred euros.
:
- missing vignette,
- incorrectly entered licence plate,
- wrong country of registration,
- invalid vignette,
- driving before start of validity.
Does the vignette apply to foreign vehicles?
Yes.
The obligation also applies to vehicles registered in:
- Czechia,
- Poland,
- Hungary,
- Austria,
- and other EU countries.
The electronic system also checks .
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Do I need a vignette on D1?
In most cases yes.
Are all motorways tolled?
No. Some sections are free or temporarily exempt.
Does the vignette also apply on expressways?
Yes, on many expressways.
Where can I find a current toll sections map?
On the official maps of the eZnamka system.
Do I need a vignette when driving through Bratislava?
It depends on the specific section.
Conclusion
You need a motorway vignette in Slovakia on most motorways and several expressways. Since enforcement is automatic, it's best to have your vignette before entering a toll section.
Before driving always:
- check your route,
- review current toll sections,
- and make sure your vehicle details are correct.