Driving in Slovenia, the rules worth knowing before you go

Basic rules: headlights, alcohol and phones

Dipped headlights stay on at any hour, sunshine included. gov.uk sets the alcohol limit for experienced drivers at 0.05%, compared with 0.08% in England, and zero for anyone under 21 or who has held a licence for less than 2 years; you could face a fine and possibly prison if you’re caught over the limit. The Spanish foreign ministry adds fines of €150 to €950 for drink-driving. Using a phone without a hands-free kit costs €120, and smoking in the car with children, €250. If you’re planning a route, also see Slovenia road trip.

Motorways, vignettes and breakdowns

The vignette, compulsory on motorways and expressways, is explained in the Slovenian vignette. If your car breaks down on the motorway, gov.uk advises calling 1970 or +386 1 518 8 518, turning on your hazard lights, getting everyone into reflective jackets, leaving the vehicle safely, placing the triangle behind it and waiting behind the barrier. In a tunnel, leave towards the entrance. A car stopped in a lane, on a slip road or in a tunnel emergency bay may be removed by the motorway’s contracted tow service; on the hard shoulder or in a rest area you can arrange your own recovery, but it normally has to be moved within 2 hours. Beware of tow trucks offering help unasked, because gov.uk warns they charge high fees; authorised ones carry the DARS logo. For roadside assistance off the motorway, the AMZS motoring club runs a 24-hour service on +386 1 530 53 00, according to Ljubljana’s tourist board.

What the car must carry

A warning triangle, reflective jacket and first-aid kit. Your UK licence is valid, though hire companies often have stricter requirements, such as a higher minimum age, and if you’re bringing your own car, gov.uk says to check the rules on displaying a UK sticker. If you’re hiring, check car hire in Slovenia.

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Driving in winter

The legal winter season runs from 15 November to 15 March, and at any other time with snow, blizzards or black ice, winter equipment is also required. For cars and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes that means winter tyres on all four wheels, or summer tyres on all four with snow chains in the boot, with a minimum tread of 3 mm. Without it you can be fined €125, or €417 if you also hold up traffic. What travelling at that time of year is like is in Slovenia in winter.

Weather and storms

gov.uk notes that sudden storms with hail, strong winds and heavy rain can hit any part of the country and close roads. Before a mountain drive, check the forecast and traffic reports, available from the traffic information centre on 1970, and plan your timings with distances in Slovenia.

So you do not lose the morning at the ticket office, browse tickets and tours in Bled on GetYourGuide.

If you are staying the night, see the best hotel deals in Bled for your dates: the well-placed rooms go fast.