Driving In Austria: Rules For Americans

Driving in Austria as an American is possible, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, a U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. It must be accompanied by an international driving permit (IDP) or an official German translation of the U.S. driver's license, which can be obtained through organizations like AAA or Austrian automobile clubs. This arrangement is only valid for the first six months in Austria; after that, a U.S. license must be exchanged for an Austrian one. Additionally, drivers in Austria must be over 18 years old and abide by the local road rules and regulations, which may differ from those in the U.S.

Driving licence requirements

To drive in Austria, you must be over 18 and have a valid driver's licence. If you have a non-EU licence, you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This acts as both a translation of your original licence and a licence in itself in countries that do not recognise a US driver's licence. You can apply for an IDP online, by mail, or from the AAA. It is recommended to do this several weeks in advance of your trip.

If you are a tourist, your US driver's licence and IDP will allow you to drive in Austria for up to a year. You must carry both documents with you at all times. Alternatively, you can obtain a German translation of your US driver's licence from an Austrian automobile club, such as ÖAMTC or ARBÖ, for a fee.

If you are a resident of Austria, your US driver's licence and IDP will only allow you to drive for six months. After this, you must exchange your US driver's licence for an Austrian one. To do this, you will need to submit the following documents to the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or, in municipalities, the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat):

• Application form
• Passport, original and two copies
• Foreign driver's licence, original and two copies
• International driving permit or a German translation of the driver's licence
• One passport-sized photo
• Medical certificate
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), original and one copy

There may be additional documents requested, and a fee of 60.50 Euros will be charged.

International Driving Permits

In the case of Austria, a U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive. It must be accompanied by either an International Driving Permit or an official translation of the U.S. driver's license, which can be obtained at one of the Austrian automobile clubs, ÖAMTC or ARBÖ. This arrangement is acceptable for tourists and for the first six months of residence in Austria. After this period, drivers must exchange their U.S. license for an Austrian one.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) is the official organization authorized by the U.S. Department of State to issue IDPs to U.S. citizens. The process typically involves submitting an application, providing a valid U.S. driver's license, and paying a permit fee. It is recommended to obtain an IDP before travelling, as some countries may require it for legal driving and fines for driving without one can be costly.

In addition to the IDP, there are other important considerations for driving in Austria. For example, drivers need to purchase a vignette, which is a toll sticker required for driving on Austrian highways and S roads. The vignette can be purchased physically at gas stations or post offices near the country's borders, or digitally through the ASFINAG online shop or app.

Furthermore, Austria has specific road regulations that drivers must follow, including a strict blood alcohol level limit of 0.05, a requirement to keep headlights on at night and when entering tunnels, and mandatory winter tires from November 1st to April 15th.

Driving in Austrian cities

To navigate this bustling environment, it's essential to maintain a low speed, typically around 50 km/h or 30 mph. This speed limit is enforced by speed cameras, and exceeding it could result in a ticket being mailed to you later. The intricate network of roads and the constant movement of people and vehicles can be challenging to navigate, but it's important to remain calm and attentive.

When it comes to parking, there are a few things to keep in mind. Along streets, parking is generally allowed on the right side. You can take advantage of blue-lined parking spots for free, but you'll need a blue EU parking disc, which should be placed inside your car, indicating the time you arrived. In cities, parking garages offer an alternative, but it's a good idea to check reviews beforehand, as some garages may be too tight for larger vehicles. Additionally, parking in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck is typically free on weekends.

While driving in Austrian cities, it's crucial to be aware of the unique road rules and regulations. For example, passing vehicles should always be done on the left, and using your turn signal is mandatory. Headlights are not required during the day but are essential at night and when entering tunnels, which you'll frequently encounter in mountainous areas.

It's also important to note that driving in Europe, including Austria, may require an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation of your U.S. driver's license, especially if you're staying for an extended period. This can be obtained from organizations like AAA before your trip or from Austrian automobile clubs like ÖAMTC or ARBÖ once you arrive.

Lastly, remember that driving in Austria offers the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the country's breathtaking scenery. So, while it may be challenging at first, with a bit of preparation and adherence to local rules, you'll soon be navigating Austrian cities like a local!

Driving on provincial roads

Driving in small towns in Austria is generally calm. However, you must stick to the speed limit as there are often speed cameras that you might not see, and you will receive a ticket in the mail if you exceed the limit.

On provincial roads outside of towns, the speed limit is usually 100 km/h (60 mph). Many of these roads are just one lane, so you may need to overtake vehicles or be overtaken.

The most challenging aspect of driving on provincial roads is navigating mountain passes. You will likely encounter one-lane roads winding through the Austrian Alps, which can be nerve-wracking, even with barriers in place. The locals are accustomed to these roads and tend to drive at the regular speed limit.

It's important to stay focused on the road, as the views of the epic scenery can be distracting.

• Gas stations can be few and far between, so it's advisable to refuel before reaching the limit.
• Gas prices in Europe tend to be high. In Austria, the average price in July 2022 was €1.96 per litre, which is about $7 per gallon.
• Some gas stations only accept cash payments and do not take credit or debit cards.
• You may need to pay to use the bathroom at gas stations.
• There are different types of parking spots, so be aware of the rules to avoid fines.
• Parking is allowed on the right side of the road along streets.
• You can park for free for a specified time in blue-lined parking spots if you have the blue EU parking disc.
• In cities, there are parking garages, but some can be tight, so check reviews and dimensions before parking a large car.
• Parking in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck is often free on weekends.

Road rules

Basic Rules

Driving in Austria is on the right-hand side of the road, and all passengers must wear a seatbelt. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05, and the speed limits are 100 km/h on freeways and 130 km/h on highways. In residential and urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h, unless otherwise posted.

Overtaking

When passing vehicles, you must overtake on the left and always use your indicator to signal that you are passing.

Headlights

Headlights are compulsory at night and optional during the day. However, when driving through tunnels in mountainous areas, you must turn your headlights on.

Winter Driving

From November 1st to April 15th, your vehicle must be fitted with winter tires. During this period, you may also need to use snow chains in the higher elevations of the Alps.

Safety Items

You must carry a reflective safety vest in your car, to be worn if you need to get out of your vehicle on the side of the road. You must also carry a warning triangle and a first-aid kit. If you are riding a motorcycle, you must wear a helmet and have your headlights on at all times.

Tolls and Vignettes

Since 1997, it has been compulsory for vehicles to carry a toll sticker, known as a vignette, to drive on Austrian highways. Vignettes can be purchased at automobile clubs, post offices, tobacco shops, some gas stations, or online. The vignette must be displayed on the inside of the windshield and is valid immediately after purchase. The fine for not having a vignette is €120.

Parking

Parking is allowed on the right side of the road. You can park for free for a specified amount of time in blue-lined parking spots, but you will need a blue EU parking disc. Place the disc inside your car in the corner of the windshield, with the time that you arrived displayed.

Fuel and Refuelling

Gas stations can be few and far between on highways and provincial roads, so it is recommended to refuel before reaching the limit of your tank. Gas prices in Austria are high, with an average price of €1.96 per litre in July 2022, which is about $7 per gallon. Some gas stations are cash-only and do not accept credit or debit cards.

Driving in Cities

Major cities in Austria can be chaotic due to well-developed public transportation networks, bike lanes, and foot traffic. The speed limit in cities is low, at around 50 km/h.

Driving on Provincial Roads

When driving in small towns, you must stick to the speed limit of 50 km/h, as there are often speed cameras. On provincial roads outside of towns, the speed limit is usually 100 km/h, and you may encounter one-lane roads and mountain passes.

Frequently asked questions