Bratislava – Carriers will soon be required to pay tolls for heavy goods vehicles that include fees for carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and costs related to traffic pollution. This change comes as part of an amendment to the toll collection law for designated road segments, which was signed into effect by Slovak President Peter Pellegrini on Friday. This amendment aligns with the Eurovignette directive, as reported by the president’s office to TASR.
The revised toll regulations, part of the Eurovignette directive agreed upon by EU institutions in 2021, aim to combat greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate environmental impacts, alleviate road congestion, and improve road infrastructure funding.
Additionally, the law will lower the motor vehicle tax for heavy goods vehicles weighing over 12 tons. This tax adjustment is part of the government’s initiative to support carriers in upgrading their tachographs. Furthermore, the Ministry of Transport noted that there will also be a reduction in tax rates for vehicles weighing between 3.5 and 12 tons, which are subject to toll fees for the use of road infrastructure in Slovakia, including motorways, expressways, and Class I roads.
It’s important to note that this rate change does not affect vehicles up to 3.5 tons, which are not subject to tolls but instead require a time-valid highway sticker. The amendment standardizes tax rate adjustments based on vehicle age across all categories for both light and heavy vehicles.
Parliamentarians also approved an amendment proposed by Ľubomír Vážny (Smer-SD) that includes exemptions from toll payments for historic vehicles. Approximately 80 historic vehicles over 3.5 tons are currently registered in Slovakia, while those under this weight limit are already exempt from the highway sticker fees.
Additionally, opposition MP Marek Lackovič (PS) suggested establishing a discount system for toll rates, particularly to provide minimum discounts for buses, to avoid escalating public transportation costs. However, this proposal was ultimately rejected by members of parliament.
The new regulations will take effect on January 1, 2025, while the changes related to toll collection will be implemented starting July 1, 2025. (December 13)
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