The Slovak Parliament approved, and President Peter Pellegrini signed amendments to the Road Traffic Act. Most of the new rules will start from September 2026. The changes affect drivers, pedestrians, and electric scooter users. The main goal is to improve road safety.
What's new for drivers?
The most noticeable changes are fines for speeding and rules for maneuvering at intersections.
Higher fines for speeding. Penalties for significant speeding will become stricter. For example, fines for exceeding the speed limit by more than 50 km/h in a built-up area and by more than 60 km/h outside a built-up area will increase in both regular and block proceedings.
️U-turns at traffic lights. The ban on U-turns at traffic-controlled intersections is being removed. From now on, this maneuver will be allowed by default, unless there is a specific prohibitory sign. This rule brings Slovak traffic regulations in line with international standards.
Lower speed in pedestrian zones. The maximum allowed speed for vehicles in pedestrian zones will be reduced to 10 km/h.
Changes for pedestrians and scooter owners
The new rules also affect the most vulnerable road users.
️ Rules for pedestrians. Pedestrians will have greater priority at crossings: drivers must react when a person is about to step onto the crosswalk. At the same time, pedestrians are forbidden to suddenly step onto the road and to use phones or other gadgets while crossing the road.
️ Restrictions for electric scooters. A new category of "small electric vehicles" is being introduced. The use of electric scooters with a design speed exceeding 25 km/h is prohibited. This means that not those who ride faster, but the devices themselves, capable of reaching such speeds, are banned. Additionally, such scooters will not be allowed to ride on sidewalks unless a special sign permits it.
What proposals were rejected?
Lawmakers rejected the proposal to ban overtaking for trucks on highways. Also, the powers of the municipal police were not expanded. Local authorities asked for the right to fine for speeding using stationary radar to increase local budgets, but this initiative was not supported. Therefore, the municipal police will still only be able to fine for illegal parking.
