On Wednesday morning, September 2, 2026, in Bratislava, a 30-year-old driver caused a traffic accident by crashing into an information board and then into the ramp of a luxury car dealership on Stará Vajnorská street. The police, arriving at the scene, conducted an alcohol test which was negative, but a preliminary test for narcotic and psychotropic substances showed a positive result.
According to Michal Seiff, spokesperson for the Bratislava regional police, the incident occurred shortly after 5:00 a.m. The driver, for unknown reasons, veered off the roadway. Fortunately, no one was injured in the accident. The police detained the driver and took him to the station for further investigation. The case is being handled by officers of the district police department in Bratislava II.
Consequences of driving under the influence of drugs in Slovakia
Driving under the influence of narcotic substances in Slovakia is strictly punished. The country's legislation provides for significant fines and deprivation of the right to drive a vehicle. In 2026, fines for traffic violations, including driving under the influence, can be issued on the spot or sent by mail.
According to information published on the KOMPAS portal, Slovakia has a zero-tolerance policy toward driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This means that even a minimal amount of prohibited substances in the body can lead to serious consequences. For a first offense related to driving while intoxicated, in Ukraine, for example, a fine of 17,000 hryvnias and deprivation of the right to drive for 1 year is provided. Although this is Ukrainian legislation, Slovakia also adheres to strict European standards on this issue.
Why this is important for Ukrainians in Slovakia
Ukrainians living in or traveling through Slovakia should be especially careful to comply with local laws. Ignorance of the law does not exempt from responsibility, and the Slovak police have the right to impose fines on the spot for minor offenses.
Following traffic rules, especially regarding driving under the influence, is key to avoiding legal problems and ensuring personal safety. General safety conditions in Slovakia meet European standards, where traffic moves on the right side, seat belts are mandatory, and low beam headlights must be on at all times.
More information about traffic rules and fines can be found in our transport section.
