Rental Car Rules In Austria: Understanding Tag Requirements

Austria is a picturesque country with charming cities and majestic mountains. It is a popular destination for tourists looking to explore the country by car. If you're planning to rent a car in Austria, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. Firstly, you must meet the age requirements, which vary between rental companies but generally require drivers to be at least 18 years old. Additionally, you need a valid driver's license, and if you're from outside the EU, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). When picking up the rental car, most companies will require you to present your passport or national ID, and a credit card in your name.

Now, to answer the question, does Austria require a special tag for driving a rental car? The answer is yes. To drive on Austrian highways or the autobahn, you need to display a highway toll sticker or vignette on the inside of your windshield. You can purchase these stickers at gas stations, post offices, or online. They are typically included with your rental car, but it's essential to verify this with your rental company to avoid any fines.

Driving age requirements

The minimum age to obtain a driving licence in Austria is 16 years for a motorcycle, 17 or 18 years for a car, and 21 years for buses and cargo vehicles. However, the minimum age to rent a car in Austria is typically 18 years old, although this may vary depending on the rental company and the car category. Some companies may require renters to be at least 21 years old. Additionally, drivers under the age of 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge due to the perceived higher risk associated with newer drivers.

To rent a car in Austria, individuals must have held their driver's licence for at least one year. For citizens of countries outside the EU, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required in addition to a valid driver's licence from their home country. US citizens, for example, will need an IDP or an official German translation of their US driver's licence. This can be obtained through the AAA in the US or through Austrian motoring organizations such as ÖAMTC or ARBÖ.

In terms of starting driving lessons, individuals may begin theory and practical lessons at a driving school for certain licence categories up to six months before reaching the minimum age applicable for that category. For the category AM licence, lessons can start two months before an individual's 15th birthday. For the category A1 licence and L17 training, lessons can commence six months after an individual's 15th birthday. For the category A2 licence, lessons can begin at 16 years of age, but the practical driving test for this category cannot be taken before the candidate's 18th birthday. Apprentices training to be professional drivers for categories B and C may begin lessons six months before their 17th birthday.

International Driving Permits

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document that translates your identifying information into different languages. It is recognised as a valid form of identification in over 150 countries and contains your name, photo, and driver information in several languages.

If you are a US citizen, you can obtain an IDP from the American Automobile Association (AAA). This can be done online, in person, or by mail. You will need to provide two passport photos, a valid US driver's license, and pay a $20 permit fee. It is recommended to apply for an IDP before travelling, as it can save potential hassles and reduce the risk of costly fines.

When driving in Austria, it is recommended to carry both your national license and your IDP (if required). An IDP may be required for car rentals in Austria, and it is advised to check the specific requirements of your home country.

Rental costs

Austria is not the cheapest country in Europe for renting a car, but there are several ways to reduce the costs. For example, booking early, picking up a car at the airport, travelling for multiple days instead of just one, and choosing a smaller vehicle can all help to lower the cost.

The cost of renting a car in Austria will depend on various factors, such as the type of car, the length of your trip, and the time of year. Small cars are the cheapest option, with an average daily rate of €21. Medium and large cars are more expensive, starting at €27 and €32 per day, respectively, while premium cars can cost upwards of €157 per day.

The rental price is also influenced by the transmission type, with manual cars being almost always cheaper than automatic ones. Additionally, the daily rental price is typically lower for longer trips.

When it comes to picking up and dropping off your rental car, doing so at the airport is usually more cost-effective than in the city. One-way rentals are also available for an extra fee, allowing you to return your car to a different location than where you picked it up.

To save money on insurance, consider opting for a collision damage waiver and theft protection, which are often included in the rental price. You can also purchase additional coverage, such as personal accident insurance, directly from the rental company.

It is worth noting that renting a car during the summer months will generally be more expensive, as this is the peak tourist season in Austria. To find the best deals, consider visiting during the shoulder season or off-peak months, such as April, May, September, or October.

Overall, by being mindful of these factors and planning ahead, you can keep your rental car costs in Austria manageable and have a fantastic road trip experience in this beautiful country.

Tolls and vignettes

Tolls are required to be paid when driving on many of Austria's roads, including the major Autobahns. You can pay the toll at designated toll stations or purchase a vignette, which is a sticker that allows you to use the toll roads for a specified period of time. Vignettes can be purchased for 10 days, two months, or one year. As a visitor to Austria, you will most likely need the 10-day option.

Vignettes can be purchased at automobile clubs, post offices, tobacco shops, some gas stations, and online. You can also buy them at the border or gas stations when entering from another country. The vignette must be displayed on the inside of the windshield of your vehicle.

If you are renting a car, check with your rental company, as many of them will offer rental packages that include tolls. If not, you will need to purchase the vignette separately. The cost of the vignette is usually included in the full rental price.

In addition to the required purchase of a highway vignette, there are designated toll roads in Austria, often tunnels and alpine passes. You will typically pass through a toll gate when entering these roads and pay the toll in cash or by credit card. The exact fee depends on the specific road.

Make sure to display the vignette in your vehicle at all times when driving on Austrian roads. Failure to do so can result in a fine.

Insurance

When renting a car in Austria, it is important to understand the insurance options available and choose the coverage that best suits your needs. Basic insurance, which typically includes fire and third-party liability insurance, is usually included in the rental price. Third-party liability insurance covers damage or injury to people or property outside of the rental car. However, it is recommended to purchase additional coverage for extra protection.

One important option to consider is the Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), which protects you from any damages to the rental car. CDW is typically included in the rental price at a discounted rate, but it is optional. If you choose to purchase CDW at the rental counter, the cost will vary depending on the car class. Keep in mind that CDW comes with deductibles, which depend on the vehicle type.

Theft protection is another coverage option that may be included in the rental price or purchased separately. Similar to CDW, the cost of theft protection depends on the car class. Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) is also available at the rental counter and can provide additional peace of mind.

Additionally, some rental companies offer a Super CDW, which can reduce the collision deductible to as low as zero. This option may be worth considering, especially if you plan to drive in areas with a higher risk of accidents or theft.

When deciding on insurance coverage, it is essential to review the specific regulations of the country where you rent the car, as these will be in effect during your rental period. It is also a good idea to check with your credit card company, as some cards may offer rental car insurance benefits.

Furthermore, it is always recommended to carefully inspect the rental car for any existing damage before leaving the rental company premises. Taking photos of the vehicle from all angles can provide valuable proof of its condition and help avoid any disputes upon return.

Frequently asked questions