Slovenia has a strict blood-alcohol law: a reading of 0.05% will trigger an arrest and revocation of driving privileges while in the country, at the very least. For many people, just one drink will register a reading close to 0.05%. The rule for drinking and driving is simple: don`t do it. Take a taxi or some other form of transportation if you want to drink at bars or nightclubs.

Note: For novice drivers (those who have had their license less than two years) or for drivers under the age of 21, the blood-alcohol level is zero-tolerance, set at 0.00%.

Seat belts are mandatory for drivers as well as for front and back seat passengers.

Cell phones are only allowed to be used by drivers in Slovenia if the call can be conducted hands-free (like through Bluetooth and car speakers). You will be given an on-the-spot fine of €250 if you are caught using your cell phone without these hands-free devices. Calls must be dialed while the car is parked (not just stopped, as in at a stoplight; this is not allowed).

Navigation aids such as GPS are legal to use in Slovenia, but must be mounted onto the dashboard or windshield and can only be accessed (as in to search for destinations, etc.) while parked (not stopped at a stoplight).

Radar detectors are legal to use in a moving vehicle in Slovenia.

To drive in Slovenia, one must be 18 or over. If you are a legal driver at 16 or 17 in the United States, that does not mean you are allowed to do so in Slovenia. Cars can be rented in Slovenia by all drivers over age 18. Young driver surcharges may be levied for drivers under 25 depending on the car rental brand.

Indicators must be used when overtaking and any other time it is applicable. You will notice some locals not using indicators, but rest assured it is illegal and you will be fined on the spot if you are caught not properly using them.

The rule in Slovenia is drive on the right and overtake on the left. An indicator must be used when overtaking. When a car is turning left, it is acceptable for you to overtake on the right. Overtaking is prohibited on or in front of pedestrian crossings, unless regulated by signs or lights. It is also prohibited to overtake any school bus as it is stopped to let passengers on or off.

Traffic in the roundabout as the right of way, and people entering it do not. Keep that in mind when you enter. Note the signs that indicate the flow of traffic. Do not use your indicator when entering the roundabout, but do use the indicator upon exiting.

It is compulsory for all motor vehicles to use dipped headlights or daytime running lights, day and night, all year round.

You must keep your International Driving Permit with you at all times. Your United States driver`s license is no longer sufficient for driving in Slovenia; it must be paired with the International Driving Permit.

Fines are allowed to be collected on the spot from all drivers who break the rules of the road. Failure to do so puts you in front of a magistrate and almost certainly guarantees a revocation of your driving privileges while in Slovenia. Fines can run into the hundreds of Euros. Be sure you have such money on hand just in case you are pulled over for speeding or another infraction.

Children under the age of 12 and shorter than four feet eleven inches must be restrained in a seat belt adjusted to their size, or a special seat adapted to their size. Child seats are not allowed to be placed on the front passenger seat unless the airbag is deactivated.

If you are in a car accident, the first thing you need to do is alert the police. You can call them by dialing 113 on your phone. Once you`ve done that, the police will arrive to take statements. It is routine for breathalyzers to be performed even if there is no suspicion of drinking. Do not move your vehicle and use your triangles from your car`s first-aid kit to alert motorists of the accident. The police will then take a look at the accident scene. You can obtain a report from the police for your insurance claim; make sure you get the other person`s name, contact information, and their insurance information too.