From January 1, Ukrainians will have to pay for motorways in Slovakia: the presence of an electronic vignette is mandatory
Car trips are an integral part of the life of many Ukrainians, especially those who often cross European borders. Slovakia, as a popular transit route and tourist location, is introducing new rules for drivers with Ukrainian registration starting January 1, 2025. From January 1, 2025, Ukrainian vehicles and road trains will be required to pay fares on the same terms as all other drivers. One of the key aspects of these changes is the mandatory presence of an electronic vignette for the use of toll roads.
Electronic vignette and toll roads
From January 1, 2025, Ukrainian vehicles and road trains, which previously could use toll highways in Slovakia for free, will be required to pay tolls on general terms, like all other drivers. This information reported Petra Polachikova, press secretary of the Ministry of Transport of the Slovak Republic.
“Refugees from Ukraine have already fully integrated into Slovak society, so there are no grounds for further application of this exception,” – noted in the press service.
This means that from the new year, drivers of cars with Ukrainian license plates will have to buy road vignettes in accordance with the amendments to the law 488/2013 Z. z. In the absence of a vignette for driving on toll roads, a fine of 150 euros is provided. If the fine is paid early, its amount is reduced to 100 euros.
“Fines are imposed by district administrations that are subordinate to the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Slovak Republic”, Polachikova added.
It will be recalled that after the start of the war in Ukraine, cars with Ukrainian registration were given the opportunity to use paid sections of roads in Slovakia for free.
A vignette is an electronic document confirming payment for the use of toll roads in the country. Slovakia uses a modern system of electronic vignettes, which allows to simplify the process of payment for road infrastructure, contributes to its maintenance and development. For drivers, this is not only a legal requirement, but also a convenient way to ensure access to quality roads. From 2025, this system will also be mandatory for owners of cars with Ukrainian license plates.
Until now, Ukrainian drivers could avoid the need to buy vignettes. However, with the entry into force of the new rules, the situation is changing. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in fines. Therefore, the Slovak authorities urge all motorists to take care of purchasing an electronic vignette in advance in order to avoid trouble when traveling through the country. You can buy a vignette both online on the official website eznamka.sk and at sales points at the border or at specially equipped points inside the country. Thanks to the electronic format, users can easily purchase a vignette directly from home or even on the go.
The cost of an electronic vignette
The cost of an electronic vignette depends on its validity period. It costs EUR 8.10 for one day, EUR 10.80 for ten days, EUR 17.10 for a month, and a 365-day vignette will cost EUR 90. These tariffs take into account the needs of different categories of drivers, from those who make short trips to regular users of the Slovak road network. Such a system is convenient and flexible, providing maximum transparency and ease of use.
Introducing this requirement is not just a formality. It is designed to ensure equality for all road infrastructure users. The electronic vignette system helps to reduce red tape, makes it easier to monitor compliance and ensures that the proceeds from the sale of vignettes go towards the development and maintenance of the road network. For Ukrainian motorists, this is also an opportunity to adapt to common European standards and use the infrastructure without hindrance.
Slovakia has long supported the efficiency of its transport system, and the new rules confirm the country’s desire to make roads even better and more accessible. For Ukrainians who often travel to Europe, this means the need to plan their routes and take into account additional costs.
Considering these changes, Ukrainian drivers should familiarize themselves with the new requirements in advance, make sure they have an electronic vignette and follow the rules for using the road infrastructure.
