Driving A Rental Car Between Liechtenstein And Austria

If you're planning to drive a rental car between Liechtenstein and Austria, there are a few things you should know. Firstly, both countries have distinct driving rules and requirements that you must follow. In Liechtenstein, you drive on the right and overtake on the left, and pedestrians generally have the right of way. On the other hand, Austria also drives on the right-hand side of the road, and you must have your passport or ID card with you at all times while driving.

When it comes to renting a car, the minimum age and required driving experience may vary by company, but you will typically need to be at least 18 years old and have held your license for at least a year. Additionally, an International Driver's License or Permit is required for renting a car in Austria, and it is recommended to have one for Liechtenstein as well.

It's also important to be aware of the insurance requirements and restrictions when renting a car. Make sure to review the insurance coverage provided by the rental company, as well as any additional options like collision damage waiver or theft protection. Keep in mind that some rental cars may not be allowed to cross borders, so always check with your rental company beforehand if you plan to drive between countries.

Lastly, both countries have different speed limits and road regulations. Liechtenstein has a speed limit of 50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on open roads, and 120 km/h on motorways. In Austria, the speed limits are 100 km/h on open roads and 130 km/h on highways. Be sure to follow the speed limits and road rules to avoid fines or other penalties.

Driving requirements and documents

Before embarking on your journey from Liechtenstein to Austria, there are several important driving requirements and documents you need to keep in mind. Here is a detailed guide to help ensure you have a safe and smooth journey:

• Driving Licence: A valid, full UK driving licence is essential. All drivers must be at least 18 years old.
• Proof of Identification: In addition to your driving licence, it is recommended to have a second form of ID, such as your passport.
• Vehicle Registration: If you are driving your own vehicle, ensure you have the original vehicle registration document. For rental cars, carry the hire car paperwork provided by the rental company.
• Insurance: It is mandatory to have third-party insurance recognised in Liechtenstein. Check with your insurance provider to ensure you have the minimum required cover. Additionally, some rental companies may require you to purchase additional insurance for cross-border travel.
• Country Stickers: From 28th September 2021, vehicles registered in the United Kingdom must display the letters "UK" when driven in Liechtenstein. This can be incorporated into the number plate or displayed as a separate sticker.
• Headlamp Converters and Warning Triangle: It is a legal requirement to carry headlamp converters (stickers for your headlights when driving on the right) and a warning triangle in case of a breakdown.
• Other Recommended Items: While not mandatory, it is advisable to carry spare bulbs for your car's external lights, a fire extinguisher, and a Camping Card International, which provides additional proof of identity and insurance.
• Cross-Border Fee: If you are renting a car, inform your rental company in advance if you plan to drive across the border. You may be required to pay a cross-border fee, which covers additional taxes, insurance, and other expenses associated with cross-country travel.
• Vignettes: When driving a rental car from Germany through Austria to Liechtenstein, you will need an Austrian vignette for the car. Liechtenstein does not require a vignette, but if you plan to use the highways in Switzerland, you will need a Swiss vignette. These can be purchased at gas stations near the border or at a shop on the border itself.
• International Driving Permit: If you have a US driver's licence, an International Driving Permit (IDP) will be necessary. An IDP is recognised in Liechtenstein, Austria, and Switzerland, and can be obtained before your trip.

Cross-border fees

When renting a car, you must inform the rental company if you plan to drive across borders. Cross-border fees are charged by rental companies to insure your cross-country travels. This fee covers extra taxes, insurance, and other expenses. The fee varies depending on the rental company and the countries you plan to visit. It can range from €10 to €50 per rental, with some companies charging a daily rate or restricting certain car models. Some companies include the cost of extra cover for cross-border travel in their rental deals, while others charge a separate fee. It is important to read the terms and conditions of your rental agreement carefully to understand the specific cross-border fees and restrictions that may apply.

Different rental companies have different policies and charging methods for cross-border travel. There are generally four conditions:

• Forbidden: The rental car can only be driven in the country of pick-up due to war/political instability or foreign policy issues.
• Free: The rental car can cross into permitted countries free of charge.
• Conditional: The rental car can cross into permitted countries, but additional insurance may be required, which can be purchased at the counter.
• Charge: The rental car can cross into permitted countries by paying a cross-border fee. The fee varies depending on the company and the countries being visited.

It is important to note that cross-border fees are typically paid at the counter when picking up the rental car. Online rental fees usually do not include the cross-border fee. If you plan to cross multiple borders, some companies will only charge the highest transit fee, while others will charge for each additional country. It is recommended to consult the rental company beforehand and choose one that suits your needs.

In addition to cross-border fees, there may be other costs associated with driving across borders, such as toll charges or vignette requirements for using motorways and expressways. For example, when driving from Germany to Austria, a toll vignette called 'Mautvignette' is required for using motorways and expressways in Austria, which can be purchased at the car rental desk or major border crossings.

Driving conditions and rules

If you are planning to rent a car to drive between Liechtenstein and Austria, there are a few things you should know about the driving conditions and rules in both countries.

Firstly, it is important to note that Liechtenstein is a small landlocked country in central Europe, nestled between Switzerland and Austria, with much of its terrain forming part of the Alps. While there aren't many roads, driving is an easy way to get around. However, it is crucial to be prepared as driving in Liechtenstein has many differences compared to other countries.

When driving in Liechtenstein, you should carry several essential documents, including a valid, full driving licence (along with a passport as a second proof of ID), your motor insurance certificate, and the V5 registration document for your own car or the hire car paperwork for a rental. If your vehicle is registered in the United Kingdom, you must also display the letters "UK" on your number plate or have a separate UK sticker. It is also recommended to have a Green Card, which can back up your insurance documents and show that you have the minimum legal level of cover.

In addition to the necessary documents, there are several legally required items you must bring when driving in Liechtenstein. These include headlamp converters (unless your headlights can be adjusted), a warning triangle in case of a breakdown, and spare bulbs for your car's external lights. It is also recommended to have a fire extinguisher and a Camping Card International, which provides additional proof of identity and third-party liability insurance, along with discounts at campsites and tourist attractions.

When driving in Liechtenstein, you will be driving on the right side of the road and overtaking on the left, with a national speed limit of 120km/h (74mph) on motorways and 80 km/h on main roads outside built-up areas. Pedestrians generally have the right of way, and when overtaking, you must indicate before moving back into the right lane. It is compulsory to wear seat belts in both the front and rear seats, and children under 12 years old or measuring less than 150cm in height must be placed in a child restraint that conforms to European safety standards. The drink-drive limit is 0.08%, and the police can ask any driver to take a breath test. It is illegal to use radar detection equipment, and if you have a GPS system that shows fixed speed camera locations, you must deactivate this function.

In terms of road conditions, the alpine winters in Liechtenstein can be harsh, so it is recommended to equip your car with winter tyres or snow chains and to check road conditions before setting off.

When crossing the border between Liechtenstein and Austria, there are a few additional considerations. Firstly, inform your car rental company in advance if you plan to drive outside the country of hire, as you may need to pay a cross-border fee, which covers extra taxes, insurance, and other expenses. Additionally, you may need to purchase a vignette for your rental car, which can be bought at gas stations near the border or on the border itself.

Planning your route

The first thing to do when planning your route is to decide where in Austria you will be driving from and to. This will help you to calculate the total driving time and distance. The driving distance from Liechtenstein to Austria is approximately 260 miles or 418 kilometres.

When driving in Liechtenstein, there are several items that you are legally required to bring with you. These include:

• A valid, full UK driving licence (you must also be 18 or over)
• Your motor insurance certificate
• The V5 registration document for your own car or the hire car paperwork for a rental
• A GB or UK sticker for your vehicle (this is required if your vehicle does not have the UK identifier within the number plate)
• Headlamp converters (unless your headlights can be adjusted)
• A warning triangle in case of breakdown

It is also recommended that you have spare bulbs for your car's external lights, a fire extinguisher, and a camping card international, which will give you additional proof of identity and third-party liability insurance, as well as discounts at campsites and tourist attractions.

When driving in Liechtenstein, you should be aware of the following rules of the road:

• Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
• Pedestrians generally have right of way.
• Indicate before moving back into the right-hand lane when overtaking.
• Sound your horn before going around a sharp bend with limited visibility during the day, and flash your headlights at night.
• There are no motorway tolls in Liechtenstein, but there may be tolls in neighbouring countries such as Austria and Switzerland.
• Petrol, diesel, and lead-replacement additive are readily available in Liechtenstein. If you need LPG, it is sold in Switzerland.
• The drink-drive limit is 0.08%.
• The national speed limit on motorways is 120km/h (74mph), on main roads outside built-up areas it's 80 km/h, and in built-up areas, it's 50km/h.

When planning your route, keep in mind that parking is generally not a problem in Liechtenstein as the roads are quiet. However, if you park illegally or cause an obstruction, your vehicle may be towed away. Hitch-hiking is not allowed on motorways and other major roads.

If you are renting a car, there are a few additional things to keep in mind. First, check with the rental company if you are allowed to drive outside of Liechtenstein. You may also need to pay a cross-border fee, which covers extra taxes, insurance, and other expenses. In addition, most companies require a credit card for the deposit. Make sure to get car hire excess insurance before your trip to protect yourself from unexpected costs.

What to do if you accidentally cross the border

If you accidentally cross the border between Liechtenstein and Austria, don't panic. Both countries are part of the Schengen area, which allows citizens to cross borders freely without undergoing identity checks. However, it is always recommended to carry a passport or ID card with you as proof of identification.

If you realise your mistake while still in sight of the border, you can simply turn around and go back. This is generally not a problem, as border crossings are usually relaxed in the Schengen area. However, it is important to note that Liechtenstein and Austria are not members of the EU Customs Union, so there may be goods checks at the border. In such cases, border control officers may also check your identity.

If you have wandered further into the other country and need to interact with locals or authorities, remain calm and polite. Explain that you accidentally crossed the border and didn't realise your mistake. In most cases, people will be understanding, and you will be asked to return to the country you came from. It is always a good idea to have some form of identification with you, such as your passport or ID card, to help verify your identity and citizenship.

While there are usually no systematic border controls in the Schengen area, authorities may occasionally ask for identification. If you are stopped by the police or other authorities, cooperate with them and provide any requested identification. If you are unable to produce an ID, they may take you to a police station to determine your identity.

In general, accidentally crossing the border between Liechtenstein and Austria is not a significant issue as long as you remain calm, polite, and cooperative. Remember to carry your identification with you and be mindful of any customs regulations that may apply.

Frequently asked questions