From September 1, 2026, Slovakia strengthens the rules for using electronic devices while driving. Changes to the Road Traffic Act will apply not only to phones but also to smartwatches and other similar gadgets.
What exactly is prohibited?
The law is clear: while driving a car, the driver cannot hold or use a phone or other similar device in any way. The exception is only the "hands-free" system (hands-free). Any other activity not directly related to driving is also prohibited.
Modern smartwatches, such as Apple Watch or Galaxy Watch, allow reading messages, making calls, and controlling music. Essentially, these are the same communication devices as smartphones, so they fall under the law.
When does the problem arise?
Simply wearing a smartwatch or quickly checking the time is not a violation. The problem starts when you actively interact with it while driving: viewing notifications, reading long messages, writing replies, or switching apps. In other words, doing anything that distracts from the road.
The law is deliberately broadly formulated so it cannot be bypassed with the appearance of new types of gadgets.
New fines and objektívna zodpovednosť (objective responsibility)
Until now, using a phone while driving in Slovakia was fined up to 200 euros, and if paid on the spot — up to 100 euros.
From September 1, 2026, things become more serious. Slovakia extends the principle of objektívna zodpovednosť (objective responsibility) to this violation. This means that if a camera records a driver holding a phone or watch, the car owner will automatically receive a fixed fine of 249 euros. Moreover, the owner must pay it even if another person was driving.
By the way, cameras will also start automatically recording other violations: unfastened seat belts, failure to maintain a safe distance, and driving into the oncoming lane. From September 1, 2026, Slovakia expands the responsibility of car owners for fines.
How to avoid a fine?
The easiest way is to set up your smartwatch before the trip. Many devices allow you to enable concentration mode, which limits notifications while driving. You can listen to messages and reply by voice without touching the screen.
Keep in mind: the "do not disturb" mode will not save you from a fine if you still start manually doing something on the watch while driving.
Read more about road traffic rules and fines in Slovakia in our transport guide.
