Driving In Austria: Vignette Requirements And Rules

Driving through Austria? You'll need to know about vignettes. Vignettes are toll stickers that are required for almost all motorways and expressways in Austria. They can be purchased as either a paper vignette or a digital vignette, and prices vary depending on the length of validity. Vignettes can be purchased online, at border stations, or at filling stations. If you're caught driving on a tolled road without a vignette, you could face a hefty fine.

Vignette exemptions

The Vignette is a toll sticker that is compulsory for most motorways in Austria. However, there are some exemptions where a Vignette is not required. These are generally specific stretches of road that are exempt from the mandatory time-related toll.

The following motorway sections are exempt from the Vignette requirement and can be driven on free of charge:

• A1 West Motorway: From the Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg-Nord (Province of Salzburg).
• A12 Inntal Motorway: From the Kiefersfelden border crossing to Kufstein-Süd (Tyrol).
• A14: From the Hörbranz border crossing to Hohenems (Vorarlberg). Vignette exemption applies from (coming from the south) or junction 23 Hohenems Diepoldsau.
• A26 Linz Motorway Westring: (Upper Austria). You will only need a digital vignette after the completion of the entire A26 motorway and its connection to the A7 motorway.

In addition, trailers, caravans, and motorbike sidecars are exempt from needing a vignette. Only the towing vehicle requires a vignette, provided it does not exceed a permissible total weight of 3.5 tonnes.

Furthermore, vehicles with Ukrainian license plates are currently exempt from the vignette requirement, including the section toll. This exemption also applies to vehicles transporting refugees as part of a humanitarian organization, regardless of nationality.

Lastly, persons with disabilities who possess a disability pass with the notation "Impracticality of using public transportation" are exempt from the vignette requirement. They can obtain a free digital vignette for their vehicle from ASFINAG if the license plate is registered in their name. However, it is important to note that this exemption does not apply to vehicles from abroad.

Vignette costs

For vehicles up to 3.5 tons, the vignette is available in four different validity periods: 1 day, 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year. The prices for these vignettes are as follows:

• 1-day vignette: Available digitally for €15.50.
• 10-day vignette: Available as a physical sticker or digitally for €10.20.
• 2-month vignette: Available as a physical sticker or digitally for €27.80.
• 1-year vignette: Available as a physical sticker or digitally for €93.80.

It is important to note that the 1-day and 10-day digital vignettes are valid immediately after purchase, while the 2-month and 1-year digital vignettes are only valid from the 18th day after purchase.

For vehicles over 3.5 tons, a different toll system called the GO toll is applied. This toll is determined by factors such as the distance traveled, the number of axles, the time of day, and the vehicle's emission output. The GO-Box, which is required for vehicles over 3.5 tons, can be obtained from various outlets, including petrol stations, and costs approximately €120.

Where to buy a vignette

Vignettes are available in both physical and digital formats.

Physical Vignette

Physical vignettes can be purchased from Austrian Automobile Clubs, post offices, newsagents, and petrol stations. They are also available in Austria's neighbouring countries at petrol stations, borders, and Automobile Clubs.

Digital Vignette

Digital vignettes can be purchased online through the ASFINAG online shop or the ASFINAG app "Unterwegs". They are also available at physical sales offices or vending machines.

Vignette Exemptions

It's worth noting that there are some toll-free motorways and expressways in Austria:

• A1 West Motorway: From the Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg-Nord (Province of Salzburg)
• A12 Inntal Motorway: From the Kiefersfelden border crossing to Kufstein-Süd (Tyrol)
• A14: From the Hörbranz border crossing to Hohenems (Vorarlberg)
• A26 Linz Motorway Westring: (Upper Austria)

Vignette validity

The validity of a vignette depends on the type and the option chosen at the time of purchase. Paper vignettes can be purchased with validity periods of 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year. These are available from physical outlets in Austria and other countries, as well as online through the ASFINAG toll shop or the App Unterwegs. Digital vignettes can be purchased with validity periods of 1 day, 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year. The digital option is more convenient for those with transferable number plates and can be purchased online through the ASFINAG toll shop or the ASFINAG app.

It's important to note that the validity of a vignette starts at midnight and ends at 23:59 on the last day of the selected period. For example, a 10-day vignette starting on August 10 will be valid from 00:00 on August 10 until 23:59 on August 19. Additionally, 2-month and annual vignettes are valid from the 18th day after online purchase at the earliest due to consumer protection regulations.

To check the validity of your vignette, you can visit the ASFINAG website and enter your vehicle license plate number. This will allow you to see if your car has a valid digital vignette or digital section toll and the periods for which it is valid.

It is crucial to have a valid vignette when driving in Austria. Failure to display a valid vignette or pay the toll can result in hefty fines. The fine for driving without a valid vignette can be up to €240, and failure to pay the fine immediately can lead to an administrative penalty, increasing the costs to between €300 and €3,000.

Fines for driving without a vignette

Vignettes have been compulsory on almost all motorways and expressways in Austria since 1997. If you're driving a vehicle that weighs less than 3.5 tons, you will need a vignette to drive on Austrian roads. Heavier vehicles, such as trucks, buses, and coaches, are required to have a special on-board device called a Go-Box, which calculates the fee based on the distance travelled.

The fine for driving without a vignette in Austria can be steep. The Austrian Government has implemented an extensive AVK camera system to monitor vehicles and scan for valid vignettes. If you're caught without a valid vignette, you could face a fine of up to €240. Failure to pay the fine immediately could result in additional administrative penalties, increasing the total cost to between €300 and €3,000. In some cases, the fine may be even higher, ranging from €300 to €3,000, depending on the driver's conduct during the control and the type of vehicle.

It's important to note that the placement of the vignette on your vehicle is crucial. Make sure to securely affix the paper vignette to the inside of your windscreen, outside any tinted strip. Incorrect placement may result in a fine. Additionally, it is important to keep the vignette undamaged as proof of your toll payment.

To avoid fines, it is recommended to purchase a vignette before your trip to Austria. You can buy vignettes online or at various sales points, including toll shops and petrol stations. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and stress-free driving experience during your stay in Austria.

Frequently asked questions