Travel To Austria By Road: What You Need To Know

Driving in Austria is a great way to explore the country's stunning landscapes and historic cities. However, there are some important things to keep in mind before hitting the road. Firstly, make sure you have the necessary documentation, including a valid driver's license, proof of ID, insurance certificate, and vehicle registration documents. It's also important to note that driving is on the right-hand side of the road in Austria, and seatbelt usage is compulsory for all passengers. When it comes to speed limits, the maximum speed is typically 100 km/h on freeways and 130 km/h on highways, while in residential and urban areas, it's usually 50 km/h. During the winter months, from November 1st to April 15th, winter tires or snow chains are mandatory due to snowy and icy road conditions. In addition to the documentation and road rules, it is also essential to have certain items in your car, such as a reflective vest or jacket, a first aid kit, and a warning triangle. So, can you drive to Austria now? Absolutely! Just make sure you're well-prepared and familiar with the local driving laws and conditions.

Driving laws and licences

Austria's road system is well-developed, with excellent driving conditions on roads and highways during the summer. All the main roads are paved and well-maintained. However, from 1 November to 15 April, snow is common on Austrian roads, especially at higher altitudes. During this period, winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory.

In Austria, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. The speed limits are 30-50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h outside built-up areas, and 130 km/h on motorways.

Seatbelts are compulsory in the front and back seats, and the fine for not wearing one is €35. Children under 14 years old and shorter than 150 cm must be seated in appropriate child seats.

Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited, although sat nav systems that indicate fixed speed cameras are allowed.

Drivers must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted, and international driving permits are recognised but not required. If your licence is not written in German, it must be accompanied by an international driving permit or a translation.

Third-party insurance is compulsory, and it is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The blood alcohol limit is 0.049% for drivers of private vehicles, and the punishment for drink-driving includes a fine of up to €5,900 and the suspension of your licence.

When driving in Austria, you must carry certain items with you, including your driving licence, proof of ID, motor insurance certificate, vehicle registration document, reflective jackets, a warning triangle, a first aid kit, headlamp beam deflectors, and crash helmets for mopeds and motorcycles.

What to do in an emergency

If you find yourself in an emergency situation in Austria, here is what you need to know:

• Dial 112 to speak to an operator in their own language, English, or French. This is the European emergency number and can be called from anywhere in Europe.
• If you are on a motorway, move as far left or right as possible into the emergency lanes, called 'rettungsgasse', to allow emergency vehicles to pass.
• If you are in a car, you must carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and be able to present them during a traffic check.
• If you are a motorcyclist, you must wear a helmet and have dipped headlights on during the day.
• If you are outside of a built-up area, wearing a safety vest is mandatory. This means that drivers must put on a safety vest when stepping out of the car in the event of a breakdown or accident.
• If you are in a busy area such as Vienna, be aware of the city's distinctive red trams (known as 'Bims'). Drive carefully around them and assume they have priority at all times.
• If you encounter a plain-clothes officer and something doesn't feel right, call the dedicated Police emergency number, 133, and ask for assistance.

Speed limits

Austria has a well-developed road network, but it's important to be aware of the country's speed limits and other driving laws before getting behind the wheel.

In Austria, speed limits are indicated in kilometres and metres, and they are strictly enforced on highways. Motorists should be aware that speed cameras are present, and fines for speeding can range from €20 to €2,180, depending on the speed and the type of road. If you are caught speeding, you may be required to pay the fine on the spot.

The general speed limits for private cars in Austria are as follows:

• Within town/city limits: 30 km/h to 50 km/h (approximately 31 mph to 31 mph)
• On the open road/outside built-up areas: 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph)
• On expressways: 100 km/h or 130 km/h (approximately 62 mph or 80 mph)
• On motorways: 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph)

It's important to note that speed limits may vary depending on local signs and road conditions. For example, if visibility is less than 150 feet due to bad weather, the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/h. Additionally, special speed restrictions apply to certain classes of vehicles, such as mopeds, motorhomes, and vehicles with trailers.

Other Driving Laws in Austria

In addition to speed limits, there are several other important driving laws and regulations that motorists should be aware of when driving in Austria:

• Overtaking and Passing: Overtaking is prohibited on pedestrian crossings and when it involves crossing a continuous white line. When overtaking trams, drivers must ensure that no passengers are hindered or endangered, and there must be at least 1.5 metres of space.
• Priority: In general, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right, unless otherwise indicated. Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails always have priority.
• Seat Belts: It is compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with them. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is €35.
• Drink-Driving: The general drink-driving limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049%. For professional drivers and newly qualified drivers, the limit is lower at 0.01%.
• Vignette Requirement: To use motorways and expressways in Austria, vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes must display a motorway tax sticker (vignette). These can be purchased at border points, fuel stations, or online, and are valid for 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year.
• Emergency Lanes: On motorways and dual carriageways, motorists must move as far left or right as possible to create an emergency lane in the middle when an emergency vehicle is approaching.
• Parking: Parking is only allowed on the right side of the street and is prohibited in front of red or yellow lines, within 3 metres of a fire hydrant, and on white lines at bus stops.

Overtaking and warning of approach

In Austria, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. Here are some key things to keep in mind regarding overtaking and warning of approach:

• Overtaking is forbidden on and approaching pedestrian crossings, and when it means crossing a continuous white line.
• Trams can be overtaken as long as no passengers are hindered or endangered, and there is at least 1.5 meters of space. The tram must be overtaken at walking speed.
• As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated otherwise.
• Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails, such as trams, have priority over other road users.
• On narrow mountain roads where two vehicles cannot pass each other, both drivers should stop, and the one who can more easily reverse should do so to a passing place. There is no priority rule in this situation.
• Horns should only be used in cases of danger and are mostly prohibited in Vienna and around hospitals.
• It is compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with them. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is a €35 on-the-spot charge.

Drink-driving regulations

Austria has strict drink-driving laws. The general limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049% or 0.5g/l, which is equivalent to 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood. For provisional licence holders, the limit is lower at 0.1 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood or 0.1g/l. The limit is also lower for professional drivers (driving a bus, coach, HGV or public service vehicle).

If you are caught driving under the influence of alcohol, you face heavy fines, the suspension of your driving licence, and even the confiscation of your driving licence. In some cases, you may also have to undergo a breath test or saliva test for drugs. Visitors caught drink-driving could be banned from driving in Austria.

Frequently asked questions