rtt0921

“Is this then an unusual occurrence or ubiquitous? How does one pay - on the spot or can pay later or with c c? Cash?”

It’s not unusual and it’s not ubiquitous, the checks are random. In my driving experience, I came across them only occasionally. IMO there is no preying at unwitting visitors right after the border. If there was, I would probably be aware as my commute went through one such border area. If you are not a resident the fine always has to be paid on the spot, otherwise you receive a ticket with payment details for a bank transfer. On the spot, toll inspectors can collect payments by cash or card, police fines can only be paid in cash.

“So what were those years-ago toll booths for, Michael? The ones that I saw? Even if you think they weren't for vignettes, why didn't they have signs understandable to foreigners explaining what they were for?”

Vignettes were introduced about ten years ago. Before that, Slovenia had a very incomplete toll booth system that caused a lot of traffic jams. Vignettes were introduced for cars as they eliminate the need for stopping at toll booths. The booths are still there in a modified form for trucks until electronic truck tolling is introduced in 2018.

“I'm really skeptical that people know or have evidence every border crossing into Slovenia is adequately signed.”

There are only 7 highway border crossings in Slovenia, it’s a small country. Having lived there, I’ve done about 90 thousand miles in Slovenia, Italy and Austria in the past ten years and am quite familiar with the state of things.

thursdaysd

"If you are not a resident the fine always has to be paid on the spot,"

When I first moved to the US I was pulled over for not stopping at a stop sign (quiet surburban street, no cars in sight, would have been a yield in the UK, police car obviously lurking with an eye on that specific intersection...)

Since I was driving on my UK license I had to follow the police car downtown to pay the fine at a police station instead of getting a notice in the mail.

Michael

<i>Have you been back to Slovenia to see what's going on since the vignettes were introduced?</i>

I am relying on the links posted by others, but have had varying experiences with countries that require the vignette, although not Slovenia. Trying to get out of the Basel airport car rental area with a car rented on the French side and having no intention of driving in Switzerland is a real pain if you do not want to pay for a useless vignette.

KTtravel

I am sorry you had this experience but agree with some of the others that calling this a "governmental rip-off" is a bit over the top.

"Beware! Slovenia has much to learn about tourism" perhaps should have been stated as "I had something to learn about travel in Slovenia which may be helpful to others."

fourfortravel

"Have you been back to Slovenia to see what's going on since the vignettes were introduced?"

Yes. We have crossed the Slovenian border at four different points several times in the last five years, each of which was marked with notices for vignettes.

Boolanger

As for driving in Europe as a US citizen, I have only driven in Italy, Spain and France but have rented cars there many times. Some would consider that well traveled but I can tell you I would have no idea what a vignette was nor did I see any sign in this post of where to purchase one. Being the type to drive somewhere on the spur of the moment, I appreciate the OP info and would have a tendency to agree with the conclusion. Yes, I learned about the crazy ZTL in Italy (never been fined) and had long discussions about the need of the International Driving Permit(I couldn't help but wonder if the OP was also fined for not having an IDP which nobody seems to know if it is ever requested). Although I try to do my research, I feel this incident is something I could have easily fallen prey to as the signage seems woefully lacking and ambiguous. In light of the ambiguity, the punishment seems excessive.

pariswat

Punishment excessive ? All rentals and all guides will tell you about vignette.
Stupidity is no safe heaven from fines.

dgunbug

Pariswat - we informed sixt rental car company that we would be crossing borders into each of the countries we traveled to and in fact paid extra to sixt for the privilege of doing so. We assumed that this covered charges to cross over the border. At no time were we told we had to pay extra by the rental company. There is no reason for implying stupidity and name calling.

Boolanger - thank you for your supportive tone and understanding.

kja

I'm sorry you had this experience, dgunbug, and I agree that stupidity was not at issue -- but lack of information (aka "ignorance" in its classic sense) was. Personally, I would not expect a rental company to explain the relevance of a vignette, but maybe that's just me. I do expect to find information like this in guidebooks. And it's situations like this one that make me consistently recommend guidebooks to even experienced travelers -- its the stuff one does NOT know that is often most useful in these resources.

scdreamer

http://www.dalnicni-znamky.com/en

dgunbug

Kja - I just finished reading your wonderful trip report on Greece, a destination we intend to return to in February. Having spent 6 weeks there already, we look forward to exploring more and especially look forward to Meteora and Thessaloniki which we missed on the first two go around.

kja

Thanks, dgunbug! I think you will enjoy Meteora and Thessaloniki -- assuming that you realize that both will likely be a bit chilly in February. And BTW, do get a good guidebook or two! ;-)

Traveler_Nick

You're legally required to know the rules of the road before getting behind the wheel. Somebody hopefully tested you before handing you a license.

What happens at home if you don't pay a toll?

thursdaysd

If you are going to northern Greece, don't miss Kastoria and Ioannina.