Driving In Austria: Permit Requirements Explained

If you're planning a trip to Austria and want to rent a car, it's important to know the local driving laws. In Austria, you must be over 18 to drive and have a valid driver's license. If you have a non-EU license, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This acts as a translation of your original license and allows you to drive in countries that do not recognize your home country's license. You can obtain an IDP online or by mail, and it is valid for one year. It's important to carry both your IDP and your driver's license with you at all times when driving in Austria.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your national driving licence. The IDP allows motorists to drive vehicles in foreign countries. You must always have your IDP along with your national licence at all times.

If you have a non-EU licence, you need an IDP to drive in Austria. This can be purchased through the AAA club and is valid for one year. You can also obtain a German translation of your licence at one of the Austrian automobile clubs, for a fee.

If you are a resident of Austria, your non-EU licence in connection with an international driving permit can only be used for 6 months. After this period, you must exchange your non-EU licence for an Austrian one.

To get an International Driving Permit in Austria, visit ÖAMTC or Austria ARBÖ.

Driving licence translation

If you are a tourist in Austria, you can drive using your non-EU/EEA driving licence for up to six months, as long as it is accompanied by an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official German translation of the licence. You can obtain a German translation from Austrian automobile clubs ÖAMTC or ARBÖ for a fee.

If you are a resident of Austria, you can use your non-EU/EEA driving licence for up to six months, as long as it is accompanied by an IDP or an official German translation. After this, you must exchange your licence for an Austrian one.

If you have an EU/EEA driving licence, this will be recognised in Austria and you can drive with it without needing to obtain an Austrian licence. However, if you are moving your residence to Austria, your licence will only be valid for up to five years, unless it is converted to an Austrian one within that time.

To exchange a foreign driving licence for an Austrian one, you will need to submit some documents to the appropriate licensing office, including your passport, foreign licence, and photo. You will also need to show a valid medical report of good health and your Austrian residence registration form. The conversion costs €60.50, but if you need it immediately, you must pay an additional €18.94. In some cases, you may also need to take a driving test.

Driving in Austria as a tourist

If you're planning a trip to Austria and want to drive while you're there, there are a few things you need to know. Here's a guide to help you navigate the roads safely and legally.

Firstly, if you're a tourist in Austria and want to drive, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This is a translation of your national driving license, allowing you to drive in foreign countries. The IDP must be carried alongside your original license at all times. If you have a non-EU license, you will definitely need an IDP to drive in Austria.

You can obtain an IDP from your home country before travelling, or you can get one from ÖAMTC or Austria ARBÖ once you arrive. It's valid for one year, and you must be over 18 to drive in Austria.

Driving Conditions and Rules

Driving in Austria can be challenging due to the mountainous terrain. The roads are well-maintained, but it can be intimidating driving through the peaks and valleys. In general, Austrian drivers are respectful, and traffic is well-organized.

The basic road regulations are similar to those in most countries: driving is on the right, and all passengers must wear seatbelts. Some other important rules to remember include:

• You overtake on the left and always use your indicator when passing.
• Headlights are compulsory at night and optional during the day. However, when driving through tunnels or mountainous areas, headlights must be turned on.
• Austria has a strict blood alcohol limit of 0.05. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs carries severe penalties, including a minimum fine of €300 and loss of your driver's license.
• From November 1st to April 15th, winter equipment is obligatory. Your vehicle must be fitted with winter tires, and in some cases, you may need snow chains for high elevations.
• It is mandatory to carry a reflective safety vest, a warning triangle, and a first-aid kit in your vehicle. These items are typically provided when renting a car.

Driving on Motorways and Highways

When driving on Austrian highways or the autobahn, there are two key things to remember: speed limits and tolls. The speed limit is usually 130 km/h (around 80 mph), and it is strictly enforced.

Austria's toll system uses a vignette, which is a prepaid sticker displayed on your windshield. This allows you to drive on highways and S roads. You can purchase a physical or digital vignette, with prices starting at €9.60 for 10 days up to €93.80 for an annual pass. Failure to display a valid vignette can result in a fine of €120.

Driving in Cities and Towns

Driving in Austrian cities can be chaotic due to well-developed public transportation networks, bike lanes, and foot traffic. The speed limit is typically around 50 km/h (30 mph) in urban areas, and it's crucial to stay attentive at all times.

Parking regulations vary, and it's important to be aware of the different types of parking spots to avoid fines. Blue-lined parking spots, for example, require a blue EU parking disc displayed inside your car, showing the time of arrival.

Road Signs

One important thing to note is that road signs in Austria are only in German. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with some basic German vocabulary related to driving, such as "Ausfahrt/Ausgang" for "exit" and "Autobahn" for "highway".

Fuel and Gas Stations

Gas stations can be spread out, so it's recommended to refuel before reaching the limit. Fuel prices in Austria are typically high, with an average price of €1.96 per liter as of July 2022.

Additionally, some gas stations only accept cash payments, so it's advisable to carry local currency. Bathroom facilities at gas stations may also incur a small fee, usually around €0.50 to €1.

Renting a Car in Austria

To rent a car in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old and have held a valid driver's license for over a year. Car rental companies will also require you to have an International Driving Permit. Keep in mind that renting a car as a young driver (under 25) may result in additional fees.

When driving a rental car outside of Austria, always check with the company regarding any restrictions on which countries and vehicle types are permitted.

Vignette and Tolls

When driving in Austria, you will need to purchase a vignette, a toll sticker that must be displayed on your windshield. This is required for driving on motorways and highways. You can buy a physical vignette at gas stations, post offices, or tobacco shops, or a digital vignette online or through an app.

The vignette is valid for 10 days, two months, or one year, with prices ranging from €9.60 to €93.80. Failure to display a valid vignette can result in a fine.

Additionally, there are high tolls on certain tunnels, highways, and private roads that are not covered by the standard vignette. These tolls can be paid at the time of use.

In conclusion, driving in Austria as a tourist requires careful planning and adherence to local regulations. By following the above guidelines and staying informed about any updates, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable driving experience during your visit to Austria.

Driving in Austria for more than six months

If you're planning on driving in Austria for more than six months, you'll need to exchange your foreign driver's license for an Austrian one. This applies to both EU and non-EU citizens. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to obtain an Austrian driver's license:

Step 1: Prepare the Required Documents

Before you begin the process, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• A completed application form, which can be found on the official Austrian website: Foreign driving licenses – conversion (oesterreich.gv.at).
• Your passport, along with two copies.
• Your foreign driver's license, along with two copies.
• An international driving permit or a German translation of your foreign driver's license.
• One passport-sized photo (35 mm x 45 mm) that clearly resembles you.
• A medical certificate—you can find detailed information about this on the official Austrian website.
• Confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), if applicable.

There may be additional documents requested in certain cases, so it's always good to check with the relevant authorities beforehand.

Step 2: Submit Your Application

Once you have all the required documents, you can submit your application to the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat), depending on whether you reside in a municipality or not.

Step 3: Pay the Fee

Along with your application, you'll need to pay a fee of 60.50 Euros.

Step 4: Wait for Processing

After submitting your application and fee, you'll need to wait for the authorities to process your request. The time it takes for processing may vary, so it's a good idea to inquire about the expected timeline when submitting your application.

By following these steps, you'll be able to obtain your Austrian driver's license and legally drive in the country for more than six months. Remember to always carry your license with you when driving and adhere to the local traffic rules and regulations for a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Austria.

Driving on toll roads

Tolls are compulsory on all motorways in Austria, including smaller urban motorways. The expressways, which serve as important links to neighbouring countries and access roads to the motorways, also incur fees.

Vignette

To drive on Austrian toll roads, you must buy a vignette. This is a sticker that goes on the top left-hand side of your windshield. Vignettes can be purchased online, at gas stations, borders, and automobile clubs in Austria and its neighbouring countries. The vignette is valid only if you show the purchase receipt with the sticker.

Vignette prices vary depending on the validity period and the type of vehicle. For passenger cars, prices range from €8.70 for 10 days to €84.40 for a year.

Exemptions

There are currently four sections of roads in Austria that are toll-free:

• A1 Westautobahn: Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg Nord
• A12 Inntalautobahn: border crossing Kiefersfelden to Kufstein
• A14 Rheintal/Walgau: border crossing Hörbranz to Hohenems
• A26 Linz Westring: still under construction

Special toll sections

Certain tunnels and passes used to cross the Alps incur additional tolls. These include the A11 Karawankentunnel tunnel.

Vehicles over 3.5 tons

Vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons are subject to a truck toll, which is calculated via a special device (GO Box) installed inside the vehicle.

Frequently asked questions