International Driving In Austria: Accepted Licenses And Rules

If you're planning a trip to Austria and want to rent a car, you may be wondering if your driver's license is enough to get you on the road. The short answer is that it depends on where you're from. If you're a citizen of the US, your driver's license alone won't cut it. You'll need to get an international driving permit (IDP) or an official translation of your US driver's license. This can be obtained either before your trip from the American Automobile Association (AAA) or once you're in Austria from one of their automobile clubs (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). The IDP is a translation of your license into multiple languages and is valid for one year. It's a good idea to get one anyway, as it will make things easier if you get into an accident or have an encounter with the police. If you're planning to stay in Austria for more than six months, you'll need to exchange your US license for an Austrian one.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a translation of your driving licence into various languages. It is a requirement in Austria and some other European countries. It is not a licence in itself, but it is a requirement to carry one alongside your driving licence.

In Austria, an IDP can be obtained from ÖAMTC or Austria ARBÖ. It is also possible to obtain one from the AAA club in the US, before travelling to Austria. The IDP is valid for one year and costs around $15.

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

Translation of US driver's license

If you are a US citizen and plan to drive in Austria, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) or a translation of your US driver's license. Here is some information on how to obtain a translation of your US driver's license:

Translation of a US Driver's License:

• Obtaining a Translation: To drive in Austria with a US driver's license, you must obtain a German translation. This can be done at one of the Austrian automobile clubs, such as ÖAMTC or ARBÖ, for a fee.
• Documents: When visiting one of the automobile clubs, be sure to bring your US driver's license, as they will need to see the original document. You may also need a passport-sized photo, although some locations can take the photo for you for an additional charge.
• Validity and Use: The translation of your US driver's license will be valid for one year and must always be carried with your physical driver's license. This is only acceptable for tourists in Austria for the first six months. If you are a resident of Austria, you must exchange your US driver's license for an Austrian one within six months of taking up residence.
• Costs: There is typically a small fee associated with obtaining the translation of your driver's license. Costs may vary depending on the automobile club you visit. Additionally, there may be extra charges if you need passport photos taken.
• Other Considerations: When driving in Austria, keep in mind that you must be over 18 years old. Also, be aware of the requirement to display a toll sticker, called a "Vignette," on Austrian highways, which can be purchased at automobile clubs or other locations. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited and can result in fines and loss of your driver's license.

Driving in Austria as a tourist

If you're planning to drive in Austria as a tourist, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Here's a guide to help you navigate the roads safely and legally.

International Driver's License

Firstly, it's important to note that an international driver's license is required to drive in Austria as a tourist. If you have a U.S. driver's license, it must be accompanied by an international driving permit (IDP), which can be obtained from the AAA club in the U.S. before your trip. The IDP is valid for one year, and you must carry it with you at all times, along with your driver's license. Alternatively, you can get a German translation of your U.S. driver's license at one of the Austrian automobile clubs, ÖAMTC or ARBÖ, for a fee. Please note that this arrangement is only valid for the first six months in Austria. If you're planning to stay longer, you'll need to exchange your U.S. license for an Austrian one.

Driving Age

To drive in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old.

Road Conditions and Safety

Austria has a well-developed road network, making it easy to get around. During the summer, driving conditions are generally excellent, with all the main roads being paved and well-maintained. However, from November 1 to April 15, you may encounter snow on Austrian roads, especially at higher altitudes and on mountain roads. Winter equipment, such as winter tires or snow chains, is mandatory during this period.

It's worth noting that Austria's traffic regulations and road signs are similar to those in other European countries. Driving is on the right side of the road, and seat belts are compulsory for all passengers. The speed limits are typically 50 km/h (31 mph) in residential and urban areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on open roads, and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways. Please be aware of speed limits and adjust your speed accordingly.

When driving in Austria, always carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest. These items may be required during a traffic check. Additionally, wearing a safety vest is mandatory when stepping out of your vehicle on roads outside built-up areas.

Toll Roads

Since 1997, it has been compulsory for vehicles to display a toll sticker, known as a "Vignette," on Austrian highways. You can purchase the Vignette from automobile clubs, post offices, tobacco shops, select gas stations, or online through ASFINAG. The fine for driving without a valid toll sticker or displaying it properly can be high, and the police are authorized to collect the evaded toll, along with an additional sum as a substitute fine.

Alcohol and Accidents

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly prohibited in Austria, and the penalties are severe. The minimum fine is approximately €300, and you may lose your driver's license. The maximum blood-alcohol level allowed is 0.05. If you are involved in a traffic accident, you must report it immediately to the police, especially if there are any injuries. For accidents that only result in material damage, a police report is only necessary if the identity of the other party cannot be established.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

• Always carry the necessary documentation, including your driver's license, IDP, and vehicle registration.
• Be cautious of bogus police officers in unmarked cars. All highway/traffic police in Austria wear uniforms, and plain-clothes officers will identify themselves if needed.
• Be careful when parking, especially in major cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg. The signage can be unclear, and you may end up parking in a restricted area.
• Keep some cash on hand for tolls and unexpected expenses.
• Familiarize yourself with Austrian road signs, as they may differ from those in your home country.
• Stay informed about road conditions and construction zones, especially on the A-1 East/West Autobahn, which has seen several fatal accidents in recent years.
• Keep up-to-date with local weather conditions and traffic service reports, especially if you're driving in alpine areas during the winter.

Driving in Austria for more than six months

If you are a resident of Austria, your non-EU/EEA driver's license in connection with an international driving permit can only be used for six months. If you are planning to stay in Austria for longer than six months, you must exchange your non-EU/EEA driver's license for an Austrian driver's license within six months of taking up residence in Austria.

You must be over 18 to be able to obtain an Austrian driver's license. The responsible authorities for this conversion are the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or, in municipalities, the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat).

The following documents are required for the conversion of a non-EU/EEA driving license:

• Application form, obtainable on the official Austrian website
• Passport, original and two copies
• Foreign driver's license, original and two copies
• International driving permit or a German translation of the driver's license
• One photo (portrait, 35mm x 45mm) in which the applicant is clearly recognizable (if possible, in line with passport photo criteria)
• Medical certificate, detailed information is available on the official Austrian website
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), original and one copy
• In some cases, additional documents may be requested

A fee of 60.50 Euros will be charged.

General Information about Driving in Austria

During the summer, driving conditions on Austrian roads and highways are excellent. All the main roads are paved and kept in good shape. In winter, however, from November 1 to April 15, drivers may encounter snow on all Austrian roads, especially on mountain roads at higher altitudes. Depending on the weather, winter equipment is obligatory.

Speed limits are 100 km/h (62 mph) on freeways (Bundesstraße) and 130 km/h (81 mph) on highways (Autobahn). In residential and urban areas, the speed limit is usually set at 50 km/h (31 mph), unless posted otherwise.

Since January 1, 1997, it has been compulsory for vehicles to carry a toll sticker, the so-called Vignette, on Austrian highways. The Vignette is available for purchase at automobile clubs (e.g., ÖAMTC, ARBÖ), in post offices, tobacco shops (Trafik), at some gas stations, or online through the Austrian publicly-owned company responsible for the highways, the ASFINAG. If driving without a valid toll sticker or a sticker not properly affixed, you will be subject to high fines. The police and customs authorities are authorized to collect the toll evaded, together with an additional sum as a substitute fine.

Driving under the influence of alcohol (or drugs) is severely punished. The minimum fine is approximately €300, and loss of driver's license. The maximum blood-alcohol level is 0.05%. All traffic accidents involving personal injury must be reported immediately to the police. Accidents limited to material damage (fender benders) must be reported only when the identity of the other party cannot be established.

Requirements for US citizens

US citizens visiting Austria who wish to drive during their stay are required to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their US driver's license. This can be purchased through the AAA club for a small fee and is valid for one year. Both the IDP and your driver's license must be carried with you at all times.

If you are a resident of Austria, your US driver's license in connection with an international driving permit can only be used for 6 months. If you plan on staying in Austria for longer than 6 months, you must exchange your US driver's license for an Austrian one. The responsible authorities for this conversion are the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or, in municipalities, the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat).

To obtain an Austrian driver's license, you must be over 18 years old and provide the following documents:

• Application form, obtainable on the official Austrian website
• Passport, original and two copies
• Foreign driver's license, original and two copies
• International driving permit or a German translation of the driver's license
• One photo (portrait, 35 mm x 45 mm) in which the applicant is clearly recognizable (if possible in line with passport photo criteria)
• Medical certificate, detailed information is available on the official Austrian website
• Where possible, confirmation of registration in the civil registry (Meldezettel), original and one copy

In some cases, additional documents may be requested. A fee of 60.50 Euros will be charged for the conversion.

Frequently asked questions