Speed Cameras In Austria: What You Need To Know

Austria has a network of toll roads that require a vignette to use. Vignettes can be purchased at gas stations near the border and are valid for a certain period. The fine for driving on toll roads without a valid vignette is €120 if paid on-site and can reach up to €3000 in court proceedings. Speed cameras are present across the country, including in major cities like Vienna, Graz, and Salzburg. Fines for speeding vary depending on the area and the method of detection, with police officers having some discretion in minor cases.

Speed cameras in Vienna, Graz, Linz, Salzburg and Innsbruck

Speed cameras are used in Austria to monitor and enforce traffic laws. They are automated tools that detect and record vehicles travelling over the speed limit. These cameras are an important tool to promote road safety and deter dangerous driving behaviours.

Vienna

Vienna is Austria's capital and largest city. It is essential to be aware of the locations of speed cameras in Vienna to avoid fines and contribute to safer roads.

Graz

Graz is a vibrant city in Austria. It is crucial for drivers to be informed about the locations of speed cameras in Graz to navigate safely and avoid any costly fines.

Linz

Linz is a major industrial city in Austria. Drivers should be cautious and informed about the locations of speed cameras in Linz to ensure they adhere to speed limits and avoid any penalties.

Salzburg

Salzburg, the oldest city in Austria, is known for its Baroque architecture and cultural significance. Drivers in Salzburg should be aware of the camera locations to avoid fines and contribute to road safety.

Innsbruck

Innsbruck is a popular destination in Austria. By staying informed about the locations of speed cameras, drivers can ensure a pleasant driving experience and avoid any costly surprises.

In general, it is important to follow traffic rules and regulations, including speed limits, to ensure a safe driving experience in Austria.

Speeding fines in Austria

Inside the urban area:

• Exceeding up to 20 km/h: from €30.
• Exceeding up to 30 km/h: from €50.
• Exceeding up to 40 km/h: from €70.
• Exceeding more than 40 km/h: from €150 and possible driving licence denial.

Outside the urban area:

• Exceeding up to 20 km/h: from €30.
• Exceeding up to 30 km/h: from €50.
• Exceeding up to 50 km/h: from €70.
• Exceeding more than 50 km/h: from €150 and possible driving licence denial.

Motorways (130 km/h):

• Exceeding speed up to 10 km/h: from €20.
• Exceeding speed from 11 to 20 km/h: from €35.
• Exceeding speed from 20 to 25 km/h: from €50.
• Exceeding speed from 26 to 30 km/h: from €50.
• Exceeding speed more than 30 km/h: from €150 and possible disqualification from driving.
• Exceeding speed more than 50 km/h: from €300 and possible disqualification from driving.

It is important to note that Austrian police officers are allowed to estimate your speed without the need for electronic speed traps or lasers. If you receive a speeding fine, it is advisable to pay the fine as soon as possible to avoid further penalties.

Austria's relaxed attitude to speeding offences

Austria seems to have a relaxed attitude towards speeding offences when compared to other European countries. The country has a unique system called "Vormerksystem", where drivers start with zero points and lose their license after accumulating only 3 points. Interestingly, none of the 13 offences that result in a point are related to speeding.

Austrian police officers are allowed to estimate a driver's speed without requiring further proof, such as electronic speed traps or lasers. This has been a source of frustration for some, especially those from neighbouring countries with stricter speed enforcement. The fines for speeding vary depending on whether they are issued by a police officer or an automatic device, and the location of the offence, with fines in built-up areas typically ranging from €150 to €2,180 and resulting in a suspended license for 6 weeks.

There are over 114,000 fixed speed cameras in Austria, and drivers can purchase access to a speed camera database to stay informed about their locations. These speed cameras are an important tool to promote road safety and deter dangerous driving behaviours. Additionally, there are live traffic cameras available through a PRO subscription on livetraffic.eu, providing real-time traffic updates.

While Austria may have a more relaxed attitude towards speeding offences, it is important for drivers to stay informed about speed limits and camera locations to ensure a safe and smooth journey.

Police officers' attitude to speeding offences

Austria's police officers are allowed to estimate the speed of a vehicle, meaning they do not need proof from electronic speed traps or lasers. This means that they can pull over a driver and make them pay a fee, even if the driver is sure they were not speeding. The fee is calculated to be just below the limit where it has to be reported to the driver's home country. If a driver does not have enough cash on them, the police will take all the money they can get, and the driver will not receive a receipt.

In the case of a large fine, the driver will be asked to pay a deposit, and the rest of the fine within two weeks. The police officer must issue an official receipt.

The amount of punishment is left to the discretion of the police patrol and the specific circumstances of the traffic situation. For example, in the zone of validity of the "school" sign, punishment will follow even for minimal speeding.

There is no general catalog of fines for traffic violations in Austria. Different fines may be imposed for the same violation in different federal states.

Speed limits in Austria

Austria has strictly enforced speed limits on its highways, and although you may not see law enforcement monitoring speeds, there are speed cameras in operation. If you do get caught speeding, you will receive a ticket, and the fine often must be paid on the spot.

The speed limit in Austria is indicated using kilometres and metres. The national speed limit on Austrian motorways is 130km/h (80 mph). On a main road outside a built-up area, it's up to 100km/h. For built-up areas, it's between 30km/h and 50km/h.

Speed limits vary depending on the type of vehicle. Here are the general speed limits for cars, vans, and motorcycles:

• Cars and vans with light trailers (less than 750 kg)
• Cars and vans with heavy trailers (over 750 kg)
• Heavy goods vehicles (over 3.5 t)

In addition, it's important to note that speed limits in Austria may be reduced during bad weather conditions. For example, if visibility is less than 150 feet, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h.

Frequently asked questions