Driving In Austria: Easy Or Difficult?

Driving in Austria can be challenging due to several factors, including language barriers, complex road regulations, and varying terrain. While the country boasts well-maintained roads and respectful drivers, its mountainous landscape can make navigation intimidating, especially on narrow passes through the Alps.

To drive in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. If you have a non-EU license, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. Additionally, you need to obtain a motorway sticker or 'vignette' to drive on toll roads, which are prevalent across the country.

Austria has strict road rules, including a low blood alcohol limit of 0.049% to 0.05% and mandatory seat belt usage. The speed limits vary depending on the area, with a maximum of 130 km/h on motorways.

Overall, while driving in Austria presents some unique challenges, careful planning and adherence to local laws can ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

Driving licences, insurance and registration

To drive in Austria, you will need a valid driver's licence. If you have a non-EU licence, you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This can be purchased through the AAA club and is valid for one year. You must carry your IDP and your driver's licence with you at all times.

If you are a resident of Austria, a non-EU/EEA driving licence is only valid for six months. After this, you must exchange it for an Austrian driving licence. You can apply for this at the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or, in municipalities, the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat). The process costs 60.50 Euros.

When driving in Austria, you must always carry your driving licence and vehicle registration certificate (Zulassungsbescheinigung) with you. If your primary residence is in Austria, you must obtain an Austrian vehicle registration certificate. You can register your vehicle at the vehicle registration offices (Zulassungsstelle) of insurance companies. You will receive your number plate there, too.

In order for a vehicle to be registered with an insurance company registration office, it must be covered by third-party liability insurance that is valid in Austria. The insurance must be purchased from an insurance company that is entitled to provide third-party liability insurance services in Austria.

There are two options for registration certificates: the standard paper version, and the chip card version. The latter is referred to as a 'Scheckkartenzulassungsschein'. The chip card costs 28.10 Euros and is sent to the registration address by standard post within two weeks.

Traffic rules and safety equipment

Austria has a well-developed network of roads, but there are some local rules and safety equipment requirements to be aware of before driving in the country.

Traffic Rules

• Driving is on the right, and overtaking is on the left.
• The speed limit is 30-50km/h in built-up areas, 100km/h outside built-up areas, and 130km/h on motorways.
• Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited, but sat nav systems that indicate the location of fixed speed cameras are permitted.
• Dashboard cameras are prohibited.
• It is compulsory to wear a seat belt in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with belts. The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is a €35 on-the-spot charge.
• The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049% (or 0.05% according to another source), lower than in England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
• It is forbidden to drive under the influence of any type of performance-impairing drug.
• It is prohibited to use a mobile phone while driving unless it is with a hands-free system.
• High-visibility jackets must be worn if you need to get out of your vehicle in an emergency, such as a breakdown.
• In the event of a breakdown or accident, an emergency corridor must be formed on Austrian motorways and expressways.
• Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails have priority over other road users.
• Drivers must stop at zebra crossings when a pedestrian is on or showing intention to use the crossing.
• On mountain roads where two vehicles cannot pass each other, both drivers should stop, and whichever driver it is easier for should reverse to a passing place.
• Horns should only be used in cases of danger and are largely prohibited in Vienna and around hospitals.

Safety Equipment

• Reflective jackets
• Warning triangle
• First aid kit
• Headlamp beam deflectors
• Crash helmets (for riders of mopeds and motorcycles)
• Winter tyres or snow chains during winter driving conditions (from 1 November to 15 April for cars and trucks up to 3.5 tons, and from 1 November to 1 March for buses)

Alcohol limits and speeding fines

Alcohol Limits

Driving under the influence of alcohol is illegal in Austria, as it is in most Western countries. The maximum blood-alcohol level allowed when driving is 0.05%. The punishment for drink-driving is significant, with a minimum fine of approximately €360 and the loss of your driver's license. The police can also impose fines on the spot, which must be paid within 14 days.

Speeding Fines

Austria seems to have a relaxed attitude to speeding offences compared to other European countries. The police have some discretion in estimating the speed of vehicles, and can impose fines on the spot for minor offences.

The fines for speeding vary depending on the location and the severity of the offence. Here are the typical fines for speeding:

• Inside the urban area:
• Exceeding up to 20 km/h: from €30
• Exceeding up to 30 km/h: from €50
• Exceeding up to 40 km/h: from €70
• Exceeding more than 40 km/h: from €150 and possible driving licence denial
• Outside the urban area:
• Exceeding up to 20 km/h: from €30
• Exceeding up to 30 km/h: from €50
• Exceeding up to 50 km/h: from €70
• Exceeding more than 50 km/h: from €150 and possible driving licence denial
• Motorways (130 km/h):
• Exceeding speed up to 10 km/h: from €20
• Exceeding 11 to 20 km/h: from €35
• Exceeding 20 to 25 km/h: from €50
• Exceeding from 26 to 30 km/h: from €50
• Exceeding more than 30 km/h: from €150 and possible driving disqualification
• Exceeding more than 50 km/h: from €300 and possible driving disqualification

Vignettes and tolls

Austria's toll system is vignette-based. A vignette is a prepaid sticker that must be placed on your car's windshield to drive on Austrian highways and S roads. Vignettes can be purchased physically or digitally. Physical vignettes can be purchased at gas stations on the country's borders, post offices, automobile associations, tobacconists, and border crossings. The digital vignette can be purchased on the ASFINAG online shop or the ASFINAG app "Unterwegs". The price of the vignette depends on the duration of your stay, with options for 10 days, 2 months, or 1 year. The cheapest option is the 10-day vignette, which costs €9.60. The 2-month vignette costs €28.20, while the annual vignette costs €93.80.

The vignette must be clearly displayed, and failure to have one will result in a fine of €120. For larger vehicles over 3.5 tons, such as RVs, motorhomes, or caravans, the "GO toll" vignette must be purchased. This is called a GO-Box and must be attached to the vehicle's windshield. It has a €5 registration cost and offers post-pay or pre-pay options.

In addition to the vignette, there are tolls on certain roads in Austria. These include motorways and expressways, for which a toll called a "mautvignette" must be paid. The cost of this toll depends on the length of your stay and can be purchased at border points, fuel stations, and post offices. Failure to have or display a valid toll sticker can result in a fine of €120.

Driving in cities and on motorways

Driving in Cities in Austria

Driving in major Austrian cities can be chaotic, but not because of disrespectful drivers or a lack of rules. There is simply a lot going on, with well-developed bus and tram networks, bike lanes, and foot traffic. The speed limit in Austrian cities is very low, at about 50 km/h (30 mph).

Parking in cities like Vienna and Innsbruck is often free on weekends. However, be careful where you park, as the signage can be unclear. Even if you think you are parking legitimately, you could be in a bus lane or restricted area.

Driving on Motorways in Austria

There are two important things to know about driving on Austrian highways or the autobahn: the speed limit and the toll system. The speed limit is usually 130 km/h (80 mph).

Instead of individual toll booths, Austria operates a vignette toll system. A vignette is a prepaid sticker that goes on your windshield, allowing you to travel on Austrian highways and S roads. You can purchase either a physical or digital vignette. The physical sticker can be bought at gas stations on the country's border, post offices, or some sales points within Austria. The digital vignette can be purchased online or via an app. The price is the same for both options, but the physical sticker is valid immediately after purchase, while the digital sticker is valid 18 days after purchase.

The vignette is compulsory and must be displayed clearly on your windshield. The cheapest option is the 10-day vignette for €9.60, but you can also get a 2-month vignette for €28.20 or an annual vignette for €93.80. If you don't have a vignette or fail to display it, you will be charged a fine of €120.

Frequently asked questions