Highway Safety In Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria's compact size, history and stunning landscapes make it a road tripper's dream destination. Its well-developed road network makes it easy to get around. But how safe are its highways? Well, it depends on several factors. Firstly, the terrain is very mountainous, which can be intimidating for drivers, especially on one-lane roads through the Alps. Secondly, while Austrian roads are generally well-maintained, there are often roadworks, which have resulted in several fatal accidents in recent years. Thirdly, while Austrian drivers are usually very respectful, those on the autobahn tend to drive much faster and pass aggressively. Lastly, there are local idiosyncrasies to be mindful of, such as the fact that road signs are often not in English.

Driving laws and regulations

Austria has a well-developed road network, and its traffic regulations and road signs generally correspond to those of other European countries. However, there are some specific laws and regulations that drivers should be aware of:

• Driving is on the right side of the road.
• All passengers must wear seat belts. The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is a €35 on-the-spot charge.
• The blood alcohol limit is 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood, and for provisional licence holders, as well as lorry and bus drivers, the limit is 0.1 milligrams.
• Using a phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device, which must be operable with one hand and must not interfere with driving in any way.
• It is mandatory to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, and motorcycles must have their dipped headlights on during the day.
• Every driver must carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and be able to present them during a traffic check.
• From 1 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or with snow chains on at least two drive wheels.
• To drive on motorways and highways, you need to purchase a vignette (a prepaid sticker) and stick it to your car's windshield.
• The speed limit on motorways is usually 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph).
• When driving in cities, be aware of public transportation, bike lanes, and foot traffic. The speed limit in Austrian cities is generally 50 km/h (approximately 30 mph).
• On provincial roads outside of towns, the speed limit is typically 100 km/h (approximately 60 mph). These roads often have only one lane, so overtaking other vehicles is common.
• Road signs in Austria are only written in German, so it is helpful to know some basic German vocabulary related to driving.
• Gas stations can be few and far between on highways and provincial roads, so it is recommended to keep your fuel tank topped up.
• When parking, be sure to check the signage carefully, especially in major cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, as parking restrictions can be unclear.

Road safety

Austria has a well-developed road network, but there are some important safety considerations to keep in mind when driving in the country. Here are some key tips to ensure a safe journey on Austrian roads:

Road Conditions and Hazards

Austrian roads are generally well-maintained, but winter conditions can make driving hazardous, especially in alpine areas. From November 1 to April 15, it is mandatory to use winter tires, with a minimum tread depth of 4mm, and all-season tires must be marked "M+S". Snow chains may also be required during or after heavy snowfall, and local police will post signs indicating this. Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal and strictly enforced, with a maximum blood-alcohol limit of 0.05%.

Speed Limits and Traffic Rules

The speed limit on Austrian motorways is typically 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph), while the limit on open roads is 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph) and within town limits is 50 km/h (approximately 31 mph). It is important to obey speed limits and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles. When passing or overtaking, always use your turn signal, and be aware that Austrians often drive faster than the speed limit and pass aggressively.

Road Signs and Markings

Road signs in Austria are often only in German, which can be challenging for non-German speakers. It is important to familiarize yourself with common road signs and their meanings before embarking on your journey. Additionally, keep in mind that Austrian roads may have different markings than what you are used to, such as tram tracks in cities, which can be confusing.

Tolls and Vignettes

Austria operates a toll system for its highways and expressways, which requires drivers to purchase a "vignette", or prepaid toll sticker, to be displayed on the vehicle's windshield. Vignettes can be purchased at gas stations, post offices, and border crossings, and the fine for not having a valid vignette is €120. For larger vehicles over 3.5 tons, such as RVs or caravans, a separate "GO toll" vignette is required.

Emergency Preparedness

In the event of a breakdown or accident, it is mandatory to wear a reflective safety vest when exiting your vehicle. Austria also has strict requirements for emergency corridors on highways and expressways. When traffic stops, an emergency lane must be formed between the far-left lane and the lane immediately to its right to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Failure to comply with this regulation can result in significant fines.

Driving Licenses and Insurance

If you have a non-EU driver's license, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Austria. This requirement is waived for EU and European Economic Area licenses. It is important to note that an IDP is only valid for the first six months of driving in Austria; after that, you must obtain an Austrian driver's license. Always carry your license and vehicle registration documents with you when driving. Additionally, make sure your insurance is valid in Austria and provides adequate coverage in case of an accident.

Tolls and vignettes

Austria's road network is well-developed, but all motorways and expressways are subject to tolls. This means that to drive on Austrian highways and S roads, you need to purchase a vignette and stick it to your car's windshield. A vignette is a prepaid sticker that allows you to travel on toll roads.

You can buy either a physical or digital toll sticker. Physical stickers can be purchased at gas stations, post offices, and border crossings, and must be displayed on the inside of the windshield. Digital vignettes can be purchased online or via an app, but they are only valid 18 days after purchase. The price is the same for both options, with a 10-day vignette costing €9.60, a 2-month vignette costing €28.20, and an annual vignette costing €93.80.

The fine for not having a vignette is €120, and it is charged on the spot. If you are driving a large vehicle over 3.5 tons, such as an RV, motorhome, or caravan, you must purchase the "GO toll" vignette. This is a separate toll device called a GO-Box, which must be attached to the windscreen of your vehicle. It costs €5 to register, and offers both post-pay and pre-pay options.

Weather conditions

Austria's weather conditions can be a significant factor in road safety, especially in alpine areas during winter. From November 1 to April 15, it is mandatory to use winter tires, with a minimum tread depth of 4mm. All-season tires are acceptable if they carry the "M+S" marking. In addition, local police may require snow chains in heavy snow, and road signs will indicate when they are mandatory. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in fines and vehicle suspension.

During the winter months, roads in mountainous regions can become hazardous due to snowfall, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods, so it is essential to check road conditions before travelling. Even outside of winter, sudden weather changes can occur, and drivers should be cautious when faced with rain or snow, reducing speed and maintaining a safe distance.

The weather can also impact visibility, especially in alpine areas with heavy fog or snowstorms. In such conditions, it is crucial to drive slowly, use headlights, and keep a safe distance from other vehicles. Additionally, roads in Austria are often surrounded by epic views, which can be distracting. Drivers should always stay focused on the road to ensure a safe journey.

When planning a trip to Austria, it is essential to consider the potential impact of weather conditions on road safety. By being aware of the regulations and staying informed about road closures and weather alerts, drivers can help ensure a safe and enjoyable journey through the country's stunning landscapes.

Road closures

Austria has a well-developed road network, but some roads may be closed due to weather conditions or construction work. During the winter months, roads in alpine areas may become hazardous or even closed due to heavy snowfall, ice, or avalanches. It is mandatory to use winter tires between November 1st and April 15th, and all-season tires must have the "M+S" marking and a tread depth of at least 4mm to be considered winter equipment.

Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods, and tire chains are often required. It is important to check the weather conditions and current traffic reports before setting off on a trip to the high-alpine regions. If the traffic sign "snow chains required" is displayed, all vehicles must fit snow chains to their drive wheels.

In addition to weather-related closures, there may also be road closures due to construction work. For example, the Arlberg Tunnel on the S 16 Arlberg Expressway between Tirol and Vorarlberg will be closed to all traffic in both directions from April 15th to November 22nd, 2024. The Tauern Route will also be closed due to construction work on the ÖBB Tauern Tunnel from November 18th, 2024, to July 4th, 2025.

It is important to stay informed about road closures and plan alternative routes when necessary. Up-to-date traffic information can be found on various websites and radio stations, such as Hitradio Ö3, which provides traffic updates every half hour.

Frequently asked questions