Driving German Rental Cars In Austria: What You Need To Know

Renting a car in Germany and driving it into Austria is possible, but there are some things you should know before you go. An International Driving Permit is required if your driver's license is not from Europe, and some rental companies may charge a cross-border fee. You will also need to purchase a vignette or toll sticker to drive on the highways in Austria, which can be bought at the border or at a gas station. In addition, there are certain requirements and restrictions when renting a car in Germany, such as age limits and insurance requirements. It is also important to be aware of the driving rules and regulations in both countries, including speed limits and parking restrictions. Overall, renting a car in Germany and driving it into Austria can be a great way to explore the region, but it is important to be informed and prepared beforehand.

Driving licence requirements

To rent a car in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old and have held your licence for one year. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for car rentals in Austria, and some sources recommend also obtaining an International Drivers License as a translation tool for your driver's licence. Drivers under the age of 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

If you are renting a car in Germany and plan to drive it into Austria, you will also need to be at least 18 years old, but the minimum age to rent a car is 21, and some agencies charge a young driver surcharge for those under 25. You will need a valid licence, your passport, and a credit card in the main driver's name. If your licence is from outside Europe, you will also need an International Drivers Permit.

Some rental car companies in Germany may have restrictions on taking their vehicles into other countries and may charge additional fees. It is recommended that you check with the rental company before collecting your car.

Border crossing fees

When driving a rental car from Germany to Austria, there are a few things to keep in mind regarding border crossing fees. Firstly, you will need to obtain a highway toll sticker, also known as a "vignette", which is required for driving on the autobahn in Austria. This sticker can be purchased at the border or at gas stations when entering Austria, and it costs around €8 for a 10-day sticker. Some rental companies in Austria charge around US$10 per day for a toll sticker, so it may be more cost-effective to purchase it directly at the border or gas stations.

In addition to the vignette, there may be other costs associated with crossing the border. Some rental car companies charge a cross-border fee for taking their vehicles into another country. These fees can vary, with some companies charging up to €50, while others may charge a smaller fee or none at all. It is important to check with your rental company about any applicable cross-border fees and include them in your comparison when shopping for a rental car.

Furthermore, it is important to ensure that you have the necessary documentation for driving in Austria. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required in Austria, and it is recommended to have your passport and driver's license with you at all times. Additionally, it is advised to obtain an International Drivers License as it serves as a translation tool for your driver's license. While it may not be mandatory, having an IDP can provide peace of mind and make communication easier if you need to interact with local authorities.

When crossing the border, you may also want to consider purchasing additional insurance for your rental car. Check with your credit card company to understand the coverage they provide, and review the insurance options offered by the rental company to ensure you have adequate protection. Keep in mind that regulations of the country where you rent the car will apply during your rental period.

Lastly, be mindful of the driving rules and regulations in Austria. For example, seat belts are mandatory, and children up to age 12 are required to use appropriate restraints. Speed limits and drunk driving laws are strictly enforced, and fines for violations can be steep. Driving in the mountains can be challenging, especially during winter, so consider adding snow chains to your rental if you plan to drive in the Alps.

Vignette requirements

To drive on Austrian roads, you will need to purchase a vignette, or toll sticker, for your vehicle. This is a requirement for all vehicles using the autobahn (motorways) and expressways ("S" roads). The vignette can be purchased as either a physical toll sticker or a digital vignette.

Physical Vignette

The physical vignette sticker can be obtained from Austrian Automobile Clubs, post offices, newsagents, and petrol stations. It can also be purchased at border crossings when entering Austria by road. The cost of the vignette depends on the type of vehicle and the duration of validity. The prices for 2024 are as follows:

• Annual vignette: €96.40
• 2-month vignette: €28.90
• 10-day vignette: €11.50
• 1-day vignette: €8.60

The physical vignette sticker must be displayed on the inside of the vehicle's windshield, stuck to the top left-hand edge or behind the rear-view mirror.

Digital Vignette

The digital vignette is available for purchase online through the ASFINAG website or mobile app. It can also be purchased at physical sales offices or vending machines. The digital vignette is linked to the vehicle's registration number, so there is no need to display a sticker. The cost of the digital vignette is the same as the physical vignette, and it is available with the same validity periods.

Exemptions and Additional Tolls

There are some sections of Austrian motorways and expressways that are exempt from the vignette requirement. These include certain toll sections of the A1, A12, A14, and A26 motorways. In addition, some roads require the payment of additional tolls, such as the A9, A10, A11, A13, and S16. These tolls can be paid directly at the toll stations or online in advance.

Vignette for Rental Cars

If you are renting a car in Austria, the rental company will usually provide the option to purchase a vignette along with the vehicle. It is important to check with the rental company in advance to avoid any issues. If you are renting a car in a neighbouring country and plan to drive into Austria, you will need to purchase the vignette separately and display it on your vehicle when entering Austria.

Insurance and damage cover

When renting a car in Germany, third-party liability insurance is a legal requirement and is included in the rental price. This covers any damage or injury to people or property outside of the rental car. Fire insurance is also included in the rental price.

However, this basic cover may not be enough. It is recommended that you purchase fully comprehensive insurance for your rental vehicle in Germany. This is because the basic cover usually includes a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) with an excess that has to be paid by you in the event of damage to the rental car. This excess can range from a few hundred to thousands of Euros.

You can reduce or remove this excess by paying an additional daily rate for full CDW cover. This gives peace of mind that any damage to the car is covered and makes returning and picking up the rental car easier and quicker as rental companies usually don't check the car for damage at pick-up or return.

You can also purchase zero-deductible car rental insurance or refundable deductible car rental insurance. Zero-deductible insurance reduces the CDW & TP deductible hold on your credit card to $0, while refundable deductible insurance will reimburse you for a portion or the entirety of the deductible in the event you damage your rental car.

Some credit card companies (especially US-issued cards) offer car rental insurance with full CDW cover, so make sure to check with your credit card provider before you travel to Germany and inform your rental car agency of the cover when you pick up the car.

If you are planning to drive your German rental car into Austria, it is worth noting that there are some countries that require private cars to display a vignette, which is like a toll cost for using the roads in these countries. Vignettes are required for cars in Austria, and can be purchased at the border crossings or in fuel stations/shops close to the border. Austria has three vignette options: 10 days (€8.50), two months (€25), or one year (€83).

Driving rules and regulations

If you're planning to rent a car in Germany and drive it into Austria, there are a few things you need to keep in mind in terms of rules and regulations:

• International Driver's License: This is a translation tool for your driver's license and is required when driving in Austria. It's a good idea to obtain one before your trip, as it's inexpensive and provides peace of mind.
• Vignette/Toll Sticker: To drive on highways in Austria, you need to purchase and display a vignette or toll sticker. You can buy this at gas stations or stores near the border, or even online. Failure to display the vignette can result in a fine.
• Cross-Border Charges: Some car rental companies may charge a fee for taking their vehicles across borders. This fee can vary between companies, so it's important to inquire and compare prices.
• Insurance: Make sure your rental car has the necessary insurance coverage for driving in Austria. Check with your rental company about their policies and restrictions.
• Documentation: Always carry your passport or ID card, proof of insurance, and the car's documentation when driving.
• Speed Limits:. Austria has different speed limits for various types of roads. On main highways, the limit is 130 km/h (74 mph), on other inter-city roads, it's 100 km/h (62 mph), and in cities and built-up areas, the limit is 50 km/h (31 mph). Speed cameras are in use, and fines for speeding can be steep.
• Drunk Driving: Austria has strict laws regarding drunk driving, with limits of 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.01% for novice drivers. Violations can result in serious fines, license bans, or even prison sentences.
• Tolls: In addition to the vignette requirement, there are designated toll roads in Austria, especially for tunnels and alpine passes. You will usually pass through a toll gate and pay the fee in cash or by credit card.
• Child Seats: It is mandatory in Austria for children over three years old to travel in the rear seats. Children under 12 and shorter than 150 cm must use a child seat or restraint.
• Traffic Rules: Austria drives on the right-hand side of the road. Using a mobile phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free system that has a loudspeaker and a fixed microphone.
• Rental Requirements: To rent a car in Germany, you must be at least 18 years old, and some companies may charge a surcharge for drivers under 25. A credit card in the main driver's name, a valid license, and a passport are typically required.

Frequently asked questions