Driving In Austria: A Challenging Experience

Driving in Austria can be challenging for several reasons. Firstly, the terrain is mountainous, which can be intimidating for drivers as they navigate steep valleys and winding roads. While the roads are generally well-maintained, the presence of giant peaks can still make driving a daunting task. Additionally, road signs are often only in German, which can be confusing for non-German speakers.

Another factor to consider is the strict traffic rules and regulations. For example, the blood alcohol level limit is 0.05, and the use of mobile phones while driving is prohibited. There are also special lanes called emergency corridors that must be formed during traffic jams to allow emergency vehicles to pass through.

It's worth noting that driving in major Austrian cities can be chaotic due to well-developed public transportation networks, bike lanes, and foot traffic. However, the speed limit in these cities is relatively low, ranging from 30 to 50 km/h.

Overall, while driving in Austria may present some challenges, it is also a highly scenic and enjoyable experience, offering travellers epic views and a well-developed road network.

Driving licences and requirements

To drive in Austria, you must be 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence. Driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are accepted. International driving permits are recognised but not required. If you have a non-EU licence, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Austria. This can be purchased through the AAA club and is valid for one year. You must carry both your IDP and your driver's licence with you at all times.

If you are a resident of Austria, your non-EU driving licence in connection with an international driving permit can only be used for six months. After this, you must exchange it for an Austrian driving licence. The responsible authorities for this conversion are the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or, in municipalities, the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat).

For your first driving licence, you must be at least 17 years old (L17: for a certain period, driving is only allowed in the presence of an authorised person), or 18 years old. You will need a medical report and a first aid certificate. You must also attend a theory course at a driving school of your choice and take a theory test.

Once you have passed your theory test, you can take your practical driving test. You must provide a suitable vehicle according to the class of the driving licence. You can choose the driving school for your practical test. After passing, you will be issued a temporary licence. Your photocard driving licence will be sent to you by post within a few days after you have paid the indicated fee.

Documents for Driving in Austria

If you are driving a vehicle from the UK, you must carry the following documents:

• Full, valid UK driving licence
• Proof of ID (passport)
• Motor insurance certificate
• V5 registration document

Vignette

To drive on motorways and highways in Austria, you need to purchase a vignette and stick it to your car's windshield. This is a prepaid sticker that allows you to travel on Austrian highways and S roads. The cost depends on how long you plan to stay in the country. The cheapest option is a vignette valid for 10 days for €9.40-9.60. A vignette with a two-month validity costs €27.40-28.20. An annual vignette costs €91.10-93.80.

The fine for not having a vignette is €120, charged on the spot.

Road rules and safety

Austria has a well-developed road network, but driving there is different from the UK. Here are some things to keep in mind when driving in Austria:

• Drive on the right: In Austria, motorists drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left.
• Seatbelts are compulsory: All vehicle occupants must wear a seatbelt if their seat is equipped with one. The fine for failing to wear a seatbelt is €35.
• Blood Alcohol Level: Austria has a strict blood alcohol limit of 0.05. The general limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049%, while the limit is lower at 0.01% for professional drivers and newly qualified drivers.
• Winter tyres and snow chains: From 1 November to 15 April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains if weather conditions require them.
• Speed limits: The speed limit in built-up areas is between 30-50 km/h, outside built-up areas is 100 km/h, and on motorways is 130 km/h.
• Emergency lanes: During congestion, motorists must move as far left or right in their respective lanes as possible to create a route down the middle of the traffic for emergency vehicles.
• Headlights: Headlights are compulsory at night and when driving through tunnels or mountainous areas.
• Vignette: A vignette, or toll sticker, is required to drive on most motorways in Austria. It can be purchased online, at gas stations, or at post offices. The fine for not having a vignette is €120.
• First aid kit, warning triangle, and safety vest: By law, motorists must carry these items in their vehicle. In the event of a breakdown or accident, drivers must put on the safety vest when stepping out of the vehicle.
• Mobile phone use: It is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving, even when stuck in traffic.
• Children crossing the street: Children have priority when crossing the street, regardless of where they cross.
• Trams: Trams can be overtaken, but only if no passengers are endangered and there is at least 1.5m of space. Walking speed must be maintained when overtaking trams.
• Pedestrian crossings: Drivers must stop at zebra crossings when a pedestrian is on or showing the intention to use the crossing.
• Parking: Parking regulations are strictly enforced in Austria, and illegally parked vehicles will likely be clamped or towed away. Major cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg can be confusing due to public transportation and foot traffic, so stay attentive.

Speed limits

Austria has a well-developed road network, which makes getting to your destination easy. The country uses the metric system for all road signs, meaning speed limits are indicated in kilometres and metres.

The speed limit on Austrian motorways is 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph). On main roads outside built-up areas, the speed limit is 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph). For built-up areas, the speed limit is between 30 km/h and 50 km/h (approximately 18.6 mph to 31 mph).

Special speed restrictions apply to certain classes of vehicles, including mopeds, motorhomes, and vehicles with trailers, so it is important to check before travelling. For instance, the speed limit for lorries up to 3,500 kg with a lightweight trailer (Class B) is 50 km/h.

On provincial roads outside of towns, the speed limit is usually 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph). Many of these roads are single-lane, so drivers may need to overtake or be overtaken.

In addition, speed camera detectors are prohibited in Austria, although sat nav systems that indicate where fixed-speed cameras are located are permitted.

Other Driving Tips

• Driving is on the right-hand side of the road, and overtaking is on the left.
• It is compulsory to wear a seatbelt in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with them.
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049% (or 0.05% according to another source).
• From 1 November to 15 April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains if weather conditions require them.
• It is compulsory to wear a helmet when riding a motorcycle, and headlights must be on at all times.
• When driving in cities, be aware of the well-developed bus and tram networks, as well as bike lanes and foot traffic. The speed limit in Austrian cities is approximately 50 km/h (30 mph).

Alcohol and drug laws

Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in Austria is a serious offence. The blood alcohol limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049% or 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood, which is lower than the limit in the UK. For professional drivers and those with less than two years of experience, the limit is even lower at 0.01%.

Drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol or drugs may be required to undergo a breath test for alcohol or a saliva test for drugs. Refusing to take a test is punishable by a fine. Offenders face heavy fines, licence revocation, and visitors may be banned from driving in Austria.

There is zero tolerance for drug-impaired driving in Austria. Anyone whose awareness is impaired due to the consumption of narcotic substances is considered unfit to drive and must not operate a vehicle. The penalty for driving under the influence of drugs is consistent with that for driving under the influence of alcohol. There is no legally acceptable limit for the quantity of drugs in a person's system. The decision to prosecute is based solely on the degree to which an individual's ability to drive is impaired, as determined by an authorised physician.

Tolls and vignettes

Tolls are required for all drivers on Austria's motorways and dual carriageways. This toll can be paid through the vignette system. Vignettes are stickers that must be displayed on the inside of your windshield, or, in the case of motorbikes, affixed to a component that is difficult to remove (e.g. the fork leg or tank). They can be purchased as either a physical sticker or a digital vignette.

The vignette is not required on all sections of motorway, with some notable exceptions being:

• The A 1 Westautobahn toll section between the state border at Walserberg and the Salzburg Nord junction.
• The A 12 Inntal motorway toll section between the state border at Kufstein and the Kufstein-Süd junction.
• The A 14 Rheintal/Walgau motorway toll section between the state border at Hörbranz and the Hohenems junction.
• The A 26 Linz motorway toll section (currently still under construction).

The vignette is also not required on provincial and federal roads.

Physical Vignette

Physical vignettes can be purchased at gas stations, post offices, newsagents, tobacconists, and automobile clubs in Austria. They can also be purchased in neighbouring countries at gas stations, borders, and automobile clubs. The physical vignette must be displayed on the top left-hand edge of your windshield or behind the rear-view mirror.

Digital Vignette

Digital vignettes can be purchased online at the official website, asfinag.at, or on the ASFINAG app "Unterwegs". They are available for 1 day, 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year. The 1-day and 10-day vignettes are valid immediately, while the 1-year and 2-month vignettes are only valid from the 18th day after purchase. Digital vignettes can also be purchased at physical sales offices or vending machines, in which case they are valid immediately.

Cost of Vignettes

The cost of vignettes varies depending on the length of validity and where you purchase them from. Here are the prices for 2025 (valid from December 1, 2024):

• 1-day vignette: €3.70 (only available digitally)
• 10-day vignette: €12.40
• 2-month vignette: €31.10
• Annual vignette: €103.80

Enforcement of Vignette Requirement

Cameras on motorways and highways automatically check the validity of vignettes. Random checks can also be carried out by ASFINAG staff or the police. Failure to display a valid vignette will result in a heavy, on-the-spot fine of €120.

Frequently asked questions