Exploring Germany And Austria: Can You Take A Rental Car?

Austria is a picturesque country with majestic mountains, charming cities, and famous mountain and nature destinations. Many people choose to rent a car to explore the country and travel between Austrian cities or even take a quick trip over the border to Switzerland, Italy, or Germany. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when considering renting a car and crossing borders. In this discussion, we will explore the topic of renting a car in Germany and taking it to Austria, covering questions such as cross-border fees, insurance coverage, and driving rules.

Cross-border fees

When renting a car in Germany and planning to cross the border into Austria, you may be charged a cross-border fee by the rental company. This fee covers the additional insurance required when driving in another country and guarantees that you have valid insurance. It also covers the cost of any additional documents you may need. The fee varies between rental companies and the countries you plan to visit, ranging from £20-50 or €10-50. Some companies may not charge a fee at all.

It is important to notify your rental company about your travel plans in advance so they can prepare the necessary documents and inform you of any additional costs or restrictions. Some companies only allow their vehicles to be driven in certain countries, and there may be restrictions on luxury vehicles. Driving without the necessary documents or outside of permitted areas could invalidate your insurance.

In addition to the cross-border fee, you may also need to purchase a vignette or toll sticker to use the motorways and expressways in Austria. This can be bought at the border or from gas stations when you enter the country and usually costs around US$10 per day.

Vignette requirements

Understanding Vignettes

Vignettes, also known as toll stickers, are mandatory for driving on most motorways in Austria. They can be purchased online or at border crossings, gas stations, and convenience stores near the German-Austrian border. Vignettes are typically valid for a set period, such as 10 days, two months, or one year. The cost is relatively low, usually around €8.70 for a 10-day vignette.

Obtaining a Vignette

Before embarking on your trip, it is recommended to check with your rental car agent if the vehicle already has a vignette. If not, you can purchase one at various locations:

• Gas stations near the German-Austrian border
• Convenience stores near the border
• Border crossings
• Online (if you know the license plate number and country of registration)

Exemptions from Vignette Requirements

It is important to note that vignettes are not required for all roads in Austria. If you choose to avoid highways and opt for scenic routes, you may not need a vignette at all. Some stretches of the Austrian Autobahn, such as around Kufstein and south from Bregenz, do not require vignettes. Additionally, if you are entering Austria from specific neighbouring countries, you may be exempt from vignette requirements.

Additional Requirements for Driving in Austria

In addition to vignettes, there are other requirements to keep in mind when driving in Austria:

• First aid kit: Ensure your car has a well-stocked first aid kit.
• Warning triangle: In case of a breakdown, a warning triangle must be placed approximately 50 meters away from the car to alert other drivers.
• Safety vests: All occupants of the car must have safety vests that meet the EN471 standard and wear them during emergencies or breakdowns.
• Snow chains: During winter, snow chains are mandatory when indicated by road signs. It is recommended to keep snow chains in your car at all times when travelling through Austria.
• Winter tires: From November 1st to April 15th, your car must be equipped with winter tires.
• Toll roads: Aside from vignettes, there are specific toll roads, mainly tunnels, that require a separate toll vignette or payment.
• International Driving Permit: If you are a non-EU resident, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required for driving in Austria.

In conclusion, when planning a road trip from Germany to Austria, be sure to familiarize yourself with the vignette requirements and other driving regulations in Austria. Obtaining a vignette is straightforward and can be done at various locations near the border or online. Remember to check with your rental car agent and always follow the local traffic rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Driving rules and speed limits

Germany

Germany has no universal motorway speed limit for some classes of vehicles, although about 30% of its motorways do have some kind of temporary or permanent limit. The default speed limits are 50 km/h (31 mph) inside built-up areas and 100 km/h (62 mph) outside built-up areas. The speed limits are enforced with a small tolerance—driving 3 km/h (2 mph) or faster above the posted limit in urban areas is a punishable infraction.

The three-colour light system is in use in Germany. However, a red light with a green arrow pointing right allows motorists to turn right at a red light if they give way to other drivers and pedestrians. At railway crossings, a flashing red light means a train is approaching, and all traffic must stop until it has passed.

Trams can be overtaken on the right on a two-way street, unless there is inadequate space, in which case they may be overtaken on the left. On a one-way street, trams can be overtaken on either side.

Drivers must wear seatbelts at all times. Children under three cannot travel without a child seat, and children aged three or over must travel in the rear seats. Any child under the age of 12 and less than 1.5m tall must use a child seat or restraint.

Austria

Austria has strictly enforced speed limits on its highways. The speed limits are:

• 130 km/h (74-80 mph) on main highways
• 100 km/h (62 mph) on other intercity roads
• 50 km/h (31 mph) in cities and built-up areas

Speed cameras are in use in Austria, and fines for speeding are steep. If you are caught speeding, the fine will usually be sent to your rental car provider, who may add an additional administrative fee.

Drivers must carry certain items in their vehicles when travelling in Austria, including reflective jackets, a warning triangle, and a first aid box.

In Austria, motorists drive on the right and overtake on the left. As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless indicated. Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails have priority over other road users.

Drivers must stop at zebra crossings when a pedestrian is on or showing intention to use the crossing.

Rental company restrictions

When it comes to rental company restrictions, it's important to note that each company will have its own set of rules and regulations that you must follow. These rules will be available to you before booking, and it's essential that you understand them thoroughly before embarking on your journey. While some companies may charge a cross-border fee, others may not. It is recommended that you ask the supplier directly about any potential charges.

Some companies, such as Hertz, specify the countries where you cannot take their vehicles. For instance, Hertz prohibits driving their rental cars into several countries, including Italy. Additionally, certain vehicle types may have restrictions. For example, luxury cars and specific brands like Audi, BMW, Mercedes, Volkswagen, Land Rover, and Jaguar often have more limitations on where they can be driven.

It's worth noting that some rental companies charge a fee for each border crossed. This means that even within the Schengen Area, there might be an additional cost for crossing from one country to another in a rental car. These fees can vary, so it's important to inquire about them beforehand.

Moreover, rental companies may have specific rules regarding ferries. While you are usually allowed to take the rental car on a ferry, any breakdown or issue that renders the vehicle unusable may result in a hefty repatriation cost. Therefore, it is crucial to carefully read the rental policy and understand the terms and conditions of your chosen rental company.

Insurance and liability

When driving a rental car from Germany to Austria, it is essential to have adequate insurance coverage. Most rental car companies include basic insurance in the rental package, but it is recommended to purchase additional coverage for complete protection.

In Germany, there is a mandatory minimum of unlimited third-party liability insurance required when renting a car, which should be included in the base price of your rental agreement. However, it is highly recommended to purchase fully comprehensive cover. The basic cover usually includes third-party liability and a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) that covers damage to the car in the event of an accident or accidental damage. This basic CDW usually has an excess payable by you in the event of damage to the rental car, ranging from a few hundred euros up to thousands. You can reduce or remove this excess by paying an additional daily rate for full CDW cover.

In Austria, fire and third-party liability insurance is mandatory and is included in all rentals. Third-party liability insurance covers damage or injury to people or property outside of the rental car. Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and/or theft protection are often included in the rental rates at a discount. The CDW and theft coverage will carry deductibles, depending on the vehicle type. If CDW is purchased at the rental counter, the cost varies depending on the car class. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is also available at the rental counter.

It is important to note that some rental car companies may require a deposit to cover any damages or incidents that may occur during the rental period. Thus, it is essential to understand the terms and conditions of the rental agreement and any potential liabilities before embarking on your journey.

Additionally, when taking a rental car from Germany to Austria, it is important to be aware of the different driving laws and regulations in the two countries. Austria, for example, has stricter laws regarding drinking and driving, with a legal blood-alcohol limit of 0.05%. Understanding these differences and adhering to the local laws is crucial to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.

Frequently asked questions