Driving In Austria: Canadian License Validity

If you're planning a trip to Austria and want to drive while you're there, it's important to know the local laws and requirements. For citizens from non-EU countries, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Austria. This document translates and validates your driver's license for use in the country. Here's what you need to know about driving in Austria with a Canadian license.

Driving in Austria as a tourist with a Canadian license

Austria is a beautiful country with a lot to offer tourists, from historic landmarks to lively cities and breathtaking natural vistas. If you're planning to drive in Austria as a tourist with a Canadian license, here's what you need to know:

Yes, if you're a tourist in Austria with a non-EU/EEA driving license, you are required by law to have an International Driving Permit (IDP). The IDP serves as an official translation of your Canadian license and is recognized in over 150 countries, including Austria. You can obtain the IDP from the Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) before your trip, and it is generally valid for one year from the date of issue.

When driving in Austria, you must always carry your IDP and your Canadian driving license. Additionally, it is recommended to have your passport or another form of government-issued identification with you.

Yes, you must be at least 18 years old to drive in Austria.

If you plan to rent a car in Austria, most agencies will require your local driver's license and IDP. There may also be age requirements, such as being 21 or older, and having a minimum of two years of driving experience.

During the summer, driving conditions on Austrian roads and highways are generally excellent, and all the main roads are paved and well-maintained. However, from November 1st to April 15th, be prepared for snow, especially on mountain roads at higher altitudes. Winter tires or snow chains may be mandatory during this period.

Traffic regulations in Austria are similar to those in other European countries. The speed limits are 100 km/h on freeways (Bundesstraße) and 130 km/h on highways (Autobahn). In residential and urban areas, the speed limit is usually 50 km/h unless posted otherwise. Always adhere to the speed limits and road signs to ensure a safe driving experience.

Yes, since January 1, 1997, it has been compulsory to have a toll sticker, called a Vignette, on Austrian highways. You can purchase the Vignette at automobile clubs, post offices, tobacco shops, some gas stations, or online. Driving without a valid toll sticker can result in high fines.

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and severely punished in Austria. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, and the penalties range from a minimum fine of €300 to license suspension.

All traffic accidents involving personal injury must be reported immediately to the police. Accidents involving only material damage, also known as fender benders, must be reported if the identity of the other party cannot be established.

Obtaining an International Driving Permit (IDP)

A Canadian driver's license is not sufficient to drive in Austria. You must also have an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a German translation of your Canadian driver's license.

An IDP is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages. It is a valid form of identification in 150 countries worldwide. To obtain an IDP, you must apply before you travel in the same country that issued your national driving license. The IDP is issued through a worldwide network of AIT/FIA organizations, duly authorized by their governments. In the US, the American Automobile Association (AAA) is the only private entity authorized by the US Department of State to issue an IDP.

You can apply for an IDP online, in person, or by mail. Here is what you need to do:

• Online Application Process: Complete and sign the application, take a digital passport photo, capture the front and back of your driver's license, and pay the permit fee and passport photo fee.
• In-Person Application: Download and fill out the application, provide two original passport pictures, present a valid driver's license, and pay the permit fee.
• By Mail: Send your completed IDP application form, two original passport pictures (each signed on the back), a photocopy of both sides of your driver's license, and the permit fee.

Exchanging a Canadian license for an Austrian one

If you are a Canadian visiting Austria as a tourist, you can drive with your Canadian driver's license, but you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must carry both your IDP and your Canadian driver's license with you at all times when driving in Austria.

If you are a resident of Austria, different rules apply. If you are a holder of a non-EEA (European Economic Area) license, you may continue driving vehicles for up to six months after moving your residence to Austria. After this period, your license will expire and must be converted to an Austrian one.

The cost of exchanging your Canadian license for an Austrian one is €60.50. You will need to submit an application form, which can be obtained from the driving license authority or downloaded. You will also need to provide the following documents:

• Your passport, original and two copies
• Your Canadian driver's license, original and two copies
• An international driving permit or a German translation of your Canadian driver's license
• One photo (portrait, 35 mm x 45 mm) in which you are clearly recognizable (if possible, in line with passport photo criteria)
• A medical certificate
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), original and one copy

In some cases, additional documents may be requested. The conversion procedure may take longer if any criminal record checks are required.

It is worth noting that driving licenses from some countries are not recognized in Austria, and a full Austrian driving test will be required. As of January 2024, these countries include Afghanistan, Bolivia, Burundi, Cameroon, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Indonesia, Kosovo, Libya, Nepal, Nicaragua, Solomon Islands, Somalia, Sudan, Tanzania, Tonga, and Yemen.

Driving requirements for residents

If you are a resident of Austria and have a Canadian driver's license, you will need to exchange it for an Austrian driver's license within six months of establishing your residence in the country. This is because a Canadian driver's license is only valid for six months in Austria.

To convert your Canadian driver's license to an Austrian one, you will need to submit an application to the relevant driving license authority. In cities with a State Police Department, this will be the State Police Department. In Vienna, you will need to go to the State Police Department Vienna-Traffic Department. In cities without a State Police Department or in municipalities, you will need to go to the District Authority.

When submitting your application, you will need to provide the following documents:

• A completed application form, which can be obtained from the driving license authority or downloaded.
• Your passport, with the original and two copies.
• Your Canadian driver's license, with the original and two copies.
• An international driving permit or a German translation of your Canadian driver's license.
• One photo (portrait, 35mm x 45mm) in which you are clearly recognizable. If possible, this should meet passport photo criteria.
• A medical certificate—more information on this can be found on the official Austrian website.
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), with the original and one copy.
• In some cases, additional documents may be requested.

A fee of 60.50 Euros will be charged for the exchange. Please note that driving test and medical certificate fees are not included in this cost.

It is important to note that you must be at least 18 years old to drive in Austria, and winter tires or snow chains are mandatory when driving in winter conditions.

Driving laws in Austria

In Austria, you drive on the right side of the road. The speed limits are 30 to 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h outside built-up areas, and 130 km/h on motorways. It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt in the front and back seats, and the fine for failing to do so is a €50 on-the-spot charge. All drivers and passengers in Austria must wear seat belts. Children under 14 who are shorter than 150 cm may only be transported in appropriate child seats.

Mobile phones can only be used with a hands-free car kit. It is mandatory to carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and you must be able to present them during a traffic check. You must also carry suitable warning signs and reflective clothing in case of accidents.

From 1 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory in Austria. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or with snow chains on at least two drive wheels. Snow chains are only permitted when the road is completely or almost completely covered with snow or ice.

All motorways and expressways are subject to tolls. You must have a vignette, which can be purchased at a petrol station, tobacconist, automobile association, post office, or border crossing. The fine for not having one is 120 Euros.

If you have a foreign driving licence, you can usually drive in Austria for up to six months, depending on your circumstances. However, it is always best to switch to an Austrian licence as soon as possible. In addition to a non-EU licence, you must have an international driver's permit. Any licence that is not in German must be accompanied by an official translation.

Frequently asked questions