Austria's Right-Hand Traffic Rule: A Unique Driving Experience

Austria is a picturesque country with stunning landscapes, charming villages, and a rich cultural heritage. Its well-developed road network makes it easy to get around and explore the beauty of the country. The traffic rules in Austria are generally similar to those in other European countries, but there are some differences to be aware of. One of the most important things to know is that Austria has right-hand traffic, meaning you drive on the right side of the road.

Driving rules and regulations

Austria has right-hand traffic, and its driving rules are similar to those in other European Union (EU) and Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) countries. Here are some essential rules and regulations to keep in mind when driving in Austria:

Drive on the Right: In Austria, you must drive on the right-hand side of the road and overtake on the left. This rule applies to motorways and multi-lane roads outside built-up areas. Within built-up areas, drivers can choose their lane as long as there are at least two lanes for their direction of travel, clearly demarcated by road markings.

Speed Limits: Speed limits vary depending on the type of road and vehicle. For passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes, the speed limits are as follows:

• Within town limits: 50 km/h (approximately 31 mph)
• On the open road: 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph)
• On expressways: 100 km/h or 130 km/h (approximately 62 mph or 80 mph)
• On motorways: 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph)

Blood Alcohol Limit: The legal blood alcohol limit in Austria is generally 0.5 milligrams per millilitre of blood. For drivers with provisional licences, as well as lorry and bus drivers, the limit is lower at 0.1 milligrams. Driving under the influence carries heavy fines and can result in the confiscation of your driving licence.

Mobile Phone Usage: It is illegal to hold and use a mobile phone while driving, even when stopped at a traffic light. You can only use your phone with a hands-free system or for navigational purposes.

Seat Belts: The use of seat belts is mandatory for all occupants of a vehicle, including the driver and passengers in both the front and rear seats.

Child Restraint Systems: Children under 14 years of age and shorter than 150 cm (4.9 feet) must be secured in appropriate child seats or booster seats. Only one child per seat is allowed, and they must be properly secured according to their age and size.

Trams and Right of Way: Trams and vehicles on rails have priority at intersections, and they approach from the left. If you have the right of way but stop, you lose your right of way.

Roundabouts: At roundabouts, the traffic entering the roundabout has the right of way unless indicated otherwise by signage.

Emergency Lane (Rettungsgasse): In case of an emergency or traffic congestion, motorists must create an emergency lane by driving as far left or right in their respective lanes as possible. This rule is compulsory on motorways and dual carriageways and helps emergency vehicles pass through quickly.

Headlights: Dipped headlights must be used during the day and at night or in poor visibility conditions.

Safety Equipment: All vehicles must carry a safety vest, a warning triangle, and a first aid kit. It is also recommended to have a spare set of bulbs.

Winter Equipment: From November 1 to April 15, winter equipment is mandatory. Vehicles must have winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels.

Road Signs: Familiarise yourself with Austrian road signs, as some are unique to the country. For example, a white inverted "T" in a blue square means "dead end," and "EINBAHN" on a blue rectangle with a white arrow indicates one-way traffic.

Tolls and Vignettes: Austria has toll roads, including expressways and autobahns, which require a vignette, a special permit or toll sticker. Vignettes can be purchased at gas stations, post offices, and online, and they are valid for various durations (10 days, two months, or one year).

Parking: Austria has special parking zones marked with signs. Parking is free for up to 15 minutes, after which you must purchase a parking ticket. Fines for violating parking rules can be hefty.

Licence Requirements: To drive in Austria, you must have a valid driving licence recognised in the country. EU citizens can use their home country licence indefinitely, while non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an Austrian licence after six months.

Vehicle Documents: Always carry your vehicle's registration, insurance policy, and technical inspection documents. Foreign-registered vehicles are allowed for up to six months before requiring Austrian registration.

Speed limits and speed cameras

Austria has a well-developed road network, but it's important to be aware of the country's speed limits and enforcement methods. The speed limit within town limits is 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph), on the open road it's 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph), and on motorways, it's 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph). These limits are strictly enforced, and while you may not see law enforcement monitoring speeds, there are speed cameras in operation, and you will receive a ticket in the mail if you are caught speeding.

Speed limits may be further reduced due to weather conditions. In the case of poor visibility (less than 150 feet), the speed limit is reduced to 50 km/hr. It's also important to note that speed limits may be indicated by traffic signs, so drivers should remain vigilant and observe the posted limits.

In addition to speed cameras, law enforcement officers may pull over speeding drivers. If this happens, be aware that the fine often must be paid on the spot.

To avoid speeding, it is recommended to research the route in advance and be mindful of the speed limit at all times. This is especially important when driving in unfamiliar areas or in challenging weather conditions.

It is worth noting that Austria's traffic regulations and road signs generally correspond to those of other European countries. However, it is always a good idea to familiarise yourself with the specific rules and regulations of the country you are visiting.

Toll roads and fees

In Austria, all motorways and expressways are subject to tolls. Vignettes are required on all motorways and expressways, except on road sections where tolls are calculated based on mileage. Vignettes are small stickers that are affixed to the top left of the car's windshield and are valid for a specific period of time. They can be purchased online, at gas stations, borders, and automobile clubs in Austria and its neighbouring countries. The cost of vignettes varies depending on the duration of their validity:

• 10-day vignette: 8.70 EUR
• 2-month vignette: 25.30 EUR
• 1-year vignette: 84.40 EUR

For vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, tolls are collected electronically with the help of toll boxes, and the toll amount is calculated based on the kilometres driven and the Euro emission class.

In addition to the vignettes, there are special toll routes, such as tunnels and pass roads, where additional fees must be paid. These include the Brennerautobahn A13, Tauernautobahn A10, Felbertauerntunnel, Arlbergtunnel, Gleinalmtunnel, Bosrucktunnel, and Pyhrn motorway A9.

It is important to note that failing to display a valid vignette can result in a replacement toll of €120 for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes and €65 for motorcycles.

General road rules

Austria has right-hand traffic, and some of the general road rules are as follows:

Driving on the Right

Motorists should drive as far to the right of the carriageway as is practical and safe. This rule applies to motorways and multilane roads outside built-up areas. In built-up areas, drivers can choose their lane as long as there are at least two lanes for their direction of travel, and road markings guide drivers into the correct lane.

Speed Limits

Unless otherwise indicated, the maximum speed limits in Austria are:

• Within town limits: 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph)
• On the open road: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
• On expressways: 100 km/h or 130 km/h (approx. 62 mph or 80 mph)
• On motorways: 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)

Seat Belts and Child Restraints

The use of seat belts is mandatory in Austria. Children under 14 years old who are shorter than 150 cm (4.9 feet) must be transported in appropriate child seats. Only one child per seat is allowed, and they must be properly secured according to their age and size.

Mobile Phone Use

Using a mobile phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device that can be operated with one hand and does not interfere with driving.

Helmets and Headlights for Motorcyclists

Motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and use dipped headlights during the day.

Safety Equipment

All drivers must carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, which they must be able to present during a traffic check.

Winter Equipment

From November 1 to April 15, vehicles must be equipped with winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels. Winter tyres must have the "M+S" marking and a tread depth of more than 4 mm.

Other Rules

Other important road rules in Austria include maintaining a distance of at least 20 meters behind rail vehicles and keeping a safety distance of 7 to 14 meters between cars. Indicators must be used for overtaking or changing lanes, and overtaking is prohibited within 80 meters of a railway crossing.

Emergency procedures

In the event of an accident or breakdown, you are required to wear a safety vest when exiting your vehicle. You must also place a warning triangle behind your vehicle at a safe distance. If the accident has resulted in physical injury or a fatality, the police must be called.

If you are driving on a motorway or dual carriageway and you encounter a traffic jam, you are legally obliged to create a Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor) to allow emergency vehicles to pass through. On a two-lane carriageway, a lane must be cleared between the two lanes. On carriageways with more than two lanes, a lane must be cleared between the far-left lane and the lane next to it.

If your vehicle breaks down in a tunnel, you must turn off the engine. Idling is prohibited.

If you encounter an emergency phone along the motorway, it will be equipped with a light that flashes to warn of dangerous situations such as ghost drivers, traffic accidents, traffic jams, or fog. If you see this light flashing, reduce your speed and proceed with caution.

Important Emergency Numbers

• European emergency number: 112
• ÖAMTC emergency breakdown service: 120
• ARBÖ emergency breakdown service: 123

Frequently asked questions