Which vehicles need the Slovakia vignette
Last checked: 2 November 2026
The Slovakia vignette is required for two-track motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes – cars, category N1 vans, minibuses and motorhomes – and for category M1 passenger cars regardless of weight. A trailer or caravan needs its own vignette only if the vehicle combination exceeds 3.5 tonnes. Motorcycles and trikes do not need a vignette. Electric cars are not exempt.
Vehicles subject to the vignette
Under Section 2(2) of the Slovak Motorway Vignette Act No. 488/2013 Z. z., the obligation applies to:
- two-track motor vehicles or vehicle combinations up to 3.5 tonnes,
- two-track motor vehicles of category M1 regardless of their maximum permissible mass,
- combinations of an M1 or N1 vehicle and an O1 or O2 trailer if the sum of their maximum permissible masses exceeds 3.5 tonnes – in that case a vignette is paid for both the vehicle and the trailer.
What counts is the maximum permissible mass stated in the registration certificate, not the actual weight while driving. The price is the same for all these vehicles – see the guide Slovakia vignette 2026 and 2027: prices.
Car, van, minibus, motorhome
- Passenger car (M1): the vignette is always required, even if its weight exceeds 3.5 tonnes.
- Van and pick-up (N1): category N1 covers goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes; the vignette is required.
- Minibus and motorhome: up to 3.5 tonnes the vignette is required; if the vehicle is registered in category M1, this applies regardless of weight.
- Vehicle with temporary plates: if you want to use a toll section with it, NDS recommends buying a short-term vignette.
Trailer and caravan
For a vehicle combination, the maximum permissible masses of the towing vehicle and the trailer are added together:
| Combination | Sum of masses | Vignettes needed |
|---|---|---|
| car 2,000 kg + trailer 750 kg | 2,750 kg | 1 (vehicle only) |
| car 2,200 kg + trailer 1,300 kg | 3,500 kg | 1 (vehicle only) |
| car 2,400 kg + caravan 1,500 kg | 3,900 kg | 2 (vehicle + trailer) |
| N1 van 3,500 kg + trailer 750 kg | 4,250 kg | 2 (vehicle + trailer) |
If the combination exceeds 3.5 tonnes, a separate vignette is paid for the trailer’s licence plate. Prices are the same as for the vehicle; two 10-day vignettes, for example, cost €21.60 together. If the combination does not exceed 3.5 tonnes, the trailer needs no vignette.
Motorcycles and trikes
The Slovakia vignette is only required for two-track vehicles. You do not need one for an ordinary motorcycle or trike. On Slovak motorways, however, a minimum speed of 80 km/h applies, so motorcycles with a lower design speed should not use them.
Electric cars and hybrids
Electric cars, hybrids and gas-powered vehicles receive no discount or exemption in Slovakia. The Act does not list any type of propulsion among the exempt vehicles, so an electric car pays the same price as a car with a combustion engine.
Exempt vehicles
Under Section 7 of Act No. 488/2013 Z. z., exempt vehicles include, among others:
- vehicles of the Slovak police, the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Defence and the armed forces,
- vehicles of emergency services, fire brigades, municipal police and the Slovak Red Cross,
- vehicles registered by the holder of a Slovak parking card for persons with severe disabilities under Act No. 447/2008 Z. z. (one vehicle per card),
- vehicles of non-profit social service providers and child protection facilities,
- historic vehicles and vehicles of foreign nationals exempt under an international agreement.
Several groups must be registered in the NDS system before travelling; without registration the exemption does not apply. If you bought a vignette for a vehicle already registered as exempt, you can apply for a refund. If the exemption was approved only after the purchase, no refund is given.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a vignette for my caravan?
Only if the sum of the maximum permissible masses of the car and the caravan exceeds 3.5 tonnes. In that case you need a vignette for the car and one for the trailer.
Do electric cars pay for the vignette in Slovakia?
Yes. Electric cars are not exempt and pay the same price.
Do I need a vignette for a motorcycle?
No. The obligation applies only to two-track vehicles.
Where can I find the maximum permissible mass?
In the registration certificate of your vehicle.
You can order the electronic Slovakia vignette online with us: choose the validity and start day, enter the licence plate and pay. You will receive the confirmation by e-mail.