MORE TIPS FOR DRIVING IN SLOVENIA

- As mentioned previously, you need to have a Vignette transponder to drive on the highways in Slovenia. You can find out more about purchasing the Vignette (Vinjete in Slovene) on the main driving in Slovenia page and the gas stations page, but here`s some extra information on them.

- Vignettes can be purchased nationwide at all gas stations. If a Vignette is not included in your car rental (which many times it is), buy one as soon as you arrive in the country, whether it is in Ljubljana or at the first gas station you encounter upon crossing the border in Slovenia. The Vignettes locals buy are called the `yearly Vignettes`, which are valid for 13 months, starting on the last December 1 before purchase and running through the January 31 of the year after your purchase. Tourists can buy shorter-duration Vignettes, for one week and one month, respectively. Prices are currently €15 (weekly Vignette) and €30 (monthly Vignette).

- Drivers must give the right of way to traffic flowing on the right.

- Those who are driving motorcycles and mopeds must wear helmets at all times. You risk a fine and/or arrest if you are caught violating this law.

- All drivers turning left must give the right of way to the flow of traffic before turning.

- Drivers must always give way to police cars, fire trucks, and ambulances whether their lights and sirens are activated or not.

- You must allow for merges in areas where construction narrows the flow of traffic, or when a merge is necessary as the number of lanes decreases in more built-up areas. Many drivers Stateside have been guilty of speeding up so as not to let someone merge; this is illegal in Slovenia and can result in a ticket if caught.

- Car horns are not allowed to be used in traffic in cities or at night. The only exceptions to this rule include warnings to other drivers that there is an accident, or that the driver or passengers are in distress. Typically car horns are also not allowed to be used within a one-block radius of hospitals, unless transporting someone to the hospital with a life-threatening and urgent condition.