Avis Rental Cars: Austria's Vignette Sticker System Explained

If you're planning a trip to Austria and thinking of renting a car to explore the country, it's important to be aware of the country's toll system. Austria has a vignette system, which means that instead of paying tolls, you need to purchase a vignette sticker (also known as a highway toll sticker) and display it on the inside of your vehicle's windshield. This sticker can be purchased for different lengths of time, including weekly, monthly, or annually, and is required for all cars driving on Austrian motorways and expressways. Rental cars are not exempt from this requirement, so it's important to ensure that your rental car has a valid vignette before driving on these roads.

So, do Avis rental cars include vignette stickers in Austria?

Where to buy a vignette sticker in Austria

Vignette stickers can be purchased at physical locations or online. In Austria, they are available at Austrian Automobile Clubs, post offices, newsagents, and petrol stations. They can also be purchased in neighbouring countries at petrol stations, borders, and Automobile Clubs.

The vignette is a motorway toll payment system in force in several European countries, including Austria. It is a simple sticker that is stuck to the windscreen of your car so that it is constantly in view. It is not compulsory for driving in Austria, but if you are stopped at a control without a valid vignette, you will have to pay a fine ranging from €300 to €3,000.

The cost of the Austrian motorway sticker varies depending on the type of vehicle and its duration. A 10-day vignette costs €9.40 for passenger cars and €5.40 for motorbikes. A two-month vignette costs €27.40 for passenger cars and €13.70 for motorbikes. An annual vignette costs €91.10 for passenger cars and €36.20 for motorbikes.

The digital vignette can be purchased online on the website of Asfinag, the Austrian company that manages the country's motorways, or via their free downloadable app.

How to display a vignette sticker

Vignette stickers are mandatory for rental cars in Austria. If you are renting a car within Austria, the rental vehicle should already have a vignette sticker equipped on the windshield. However, if you are renting a car in a neighbouring country and plan to drive into Austria, you will need to purchase a vignette sticker at the border crossing.

• Purchase the vignette sticker: If you are renting a car in Austria, you may obtain the vignette sticker from your car rental agency. Alternatively, you can purchase the sticker from Austrian Automobile Clubs, post offices, newsagents, and petrol stations. If you are entering Austria from a neighbouring country, you can buy the sticker at petrol stations, borders, and Automobile Clubs in those countries.
• Display the vignette sticker on your windshield: Affix the vignette sticker to the inside of the windshield of your vehicle as you enter Austria. It must be stuck to the windscreen to be valid.
• Ensure the sticker is placed in the correct position: For cars, place the vignette sticker on the top left-hand edge or behind the rear-view mirror. Make sure it is not covered by any tinting strips. For motorbikes, affix the sticker to a component that is difficult to remove, such as the fork leg or tank, and ensure it is clearly visible.
• Keep the receipt: Even after returning your rental car, retain the receipt as proof of purchase in case of any mistaken fines.
• Be aware of the validity period: Vignette stickers are available for different periods, including one day, ten days, two months, or one year. Digital vignettes purchased online may have different validity rules, so be sure to check before buying.

By following these steps, you can ensure that you have properly displayed the vignette sticker and avoid any fines or penalties.

Vignette exemptions

As of 15 December 2019, there are several stretches of road in Austria that are exempt from the vignette requirement. These exemptions are based on the Federal Roads Toll Act (Bundesstraßenmautgesetz). The roads that do not require a vignette are:

• The A 1 Westautobahn toll road between the national border at Walserberg and the Salzburg Nord junction.
• The A 12 Inntalautobahn toll road between the national border at Kufstein and the Kufstein-Süd junction.
• The A 14 Rheintal/Walgau Autobahn toll road between the national border at Hörbranz and the Hohenems junction.
• The A 26 Linzer Autobahn toll road (which is currently still under construction).

It is important to note that these exemptions only apply to the specified toll road sections and that a vignette is still required for other roads in Austria. Additionally, there may be certain toll roads in Austria that are not covered by the vignette, such as the Brenner pass or the Grossglockner road. For these roads, you may need to pay an additional toll.

When driving a rental car in Austria, it is important to ensure that you have a valid vignette sticker displayed on your windshield. Failure to do so can result in heavy fines. It is recommended to check with your rental car company if your vehicle comes with a vignette sticker or if you need to purchase one separately.

Vignette costs

For example, the 10-day vignette costs 9 Euros and is available at many outlets in Austria and abroad, as well as in the ASFINAG toll shop or the App Unterwegs. The 2-month and 1-year vignettes are valid from the 18th day after online purchase at the earliest due to consumer protection laws.

It is important to note that the vignette is required for all roads in some countries, while in others, it is only needed for national motorways. Additionally, there may be roads that require additional tolls, such as the Brenner pass or the Grossglockner road in Austria.

Failing to display a valid vignette sticker on your windshield when entering Austria can result in a heavy, on-the-spot fine.

Vignette alternatives

If you are planning a trip to Austria and are unsure about the vignette, here are some alternatives to consider:

Digital Vignette:

Instead of a physical sticker, you can opt for a digital vignette, which is now available in Austria. The digital vignette is linked to your vehicle's registration number, eliminating the need for a sticker on your windshield. You can purchase it online through authorised websites, such as the ADAC toll portal, and it will be delivered to you via email. The digital vignette is environmentally friendly and offers a faster and more convenient alternative to the traditional vignette sticker.

Avoid Toll Roads:

If you are concerned about the cost or hassle of obtaining a vignette, you can choose to avoid toll roads altogether. By using a GPS device or map, you can navigate routes that do not require the use of toll roads. However, keep in mind that this may result in a longer travel time, and there is always the possibility of accidentally ending up on a toll road.

Purchase at Border Crossings:

If you are entering Austria by car, you can purchase a vignette at the border crossings. This option allows you to obtain the vignette just before entering the country, ensuring you have the necessary permit to use the roads. However, it may cause some delay in your travel plans, and it is always a good idea to be informed about the process and requirements beforehand.

Buy at Petrol Stations:

Vignettes can also be purchased at local petrol stations in Austria and, in some cases, at German petrol stations near the border. This option provides flexibility if you decide to use toll roads during your trip. However, it is essential to be aware of the locations of these petrol stations, as they may not be readily available along your route.

Rental Car Options:

If you are renting a car, it is worth checking with the rental company to see if a vignette is included in your package. Some rental cars may already have a vignette sticker, saving you the trouble of purchasing one separately. Additionally, rental companies can provide guidance on the requirements and alternatives for driving in Austria, ensuring you comply with the local regulations.

It is important to remember that driving on motorways and expressways in Austria without a valid vignette can result in financial penalties. Therefore, it is essential to explore these alternatives and choose the option that best suits your travel plans and preferences.

Frequently asked questions