Driving In Austria: Safe Or Not?

Austria's well-developed road network, stunning landscapes, and compact size make it a road tripper's dream destination. However, driving in Austria comes with its own set of challenges and local idiosyncrasies that travellers need to be aware of to stay safe. Here is a guide to help you navigate the roads and stay safe while driving in Austria.

Driving laws and regulations

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

Driving Side

Motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Austria and overtake on the left. This can take some adjustment if you're used to driving on the left.

Driving Licence

You must be aged 18 or over and hold a full, valid driving licence to legally drive in Austria. International driving permits are recognised but not required. If you're in the country for more than six months, you'll need to get an Austrian licence.

Documents

The following documents should always be carried when driving in Austria:

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

Vehicle Requirements

All vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tonnes must display a vignette (toll sticker) to use the motorway. Vignettes can be purchased at most petrol stations, border points, and fuel stations. The cost depends on how long you plan to stay in the country. A 10-day vignette costs €9.60, a two-month vignette costs €28.20, and a one-year vignette costs €96.40. Failure to display a valid vignette could result in a fine of €120.

If your vehicle weighs more than 3.5 tonnes, you will need to purchase a GO-Box, a transponder that deducts tolls as you travel along the motorway. The GO-Box costs €5, with either post-pay or pre-pay options.

Speed Limits

The general speed limit on Austrian motorways is 130 km/h. In built-up areas, the speed limit is between 30 km/h and 50 km/h, and on main roads outside built-up areas, it's 100 km/h.

Drink-Driving

Drink-driving is illegal in Austria, and the punishment is significant. The minimum fine is approximately €360, and you will lose your driver's licence. The maximum blood alcohol level is 0.5 mg/ml, but for drivers under 20 years of age, the limit is lower at 0.1 mg/ml.

Seat Belts

It is compulsory to wear seat belts 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.

Child Seats

Children under 14 years old and shorter than 150 cm must use special seat belts adapted to their size or special child restraints. Children taller than 135 cm must use adult seat belts.

Emergency Lanes

Motorways and dual carriageways in Austria have emergency lanes called "rettungsgasse" on both sides. When an emergency vehicle is approaching, motorists should move as far left or right as possible to create a clear lane for the emergency vehicle to pass through.

Parking

Parking regulations are enforced rigorously, and cars that don't comply are regularly towed away. On-street parking in major cities like Vienna, Innsbruck, and Salzburg is limited, and parking charges apply in most towns and cities.

Winter Driving

Winter driving in Austria can be challenging. From 1 November to 15 April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains if weather conditions require them. Failure to comply can result in fines ranging from €35 to €5,000, depending on the level of endangerment caused.

Safety equipment

When driving in Austria, it is mandatory to carry the following safety equipment:

• Reflective jackets: These should be worn in the event of a breakdown outside built-up areas and on all major routes.
• Warning triangle: This is compulsory in every vehicle with more than two wheels.
• First aid kit: This should be stored in a strong, dirt-proof box.
• Headlamp beam deflectors: Depending on your car, you will either need deflector stickers or have to adjust the beam manually to avoid dazzling oncoming traffic when driving at night.
• Crash helmets: These are compulsory for riders of mopeds and motorcycles.
• Winter tyres or snow chains: Between 1 November and 15 April, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres or snow chains if weather conditions require them.

Drink driving

The fines for drink driving in Austria are heavy, starting at a minimum of 218 Euros and going up to 5813 Euros. You will also lose your driving licence for between four weeks and four months. If you are involved in an accident, or fail to stop at a stop sign, the consequences will be even more severe.

If you are driving in Austria, it is best to avoid drinking alcohol completely. The advice is to use trains and buses to get around instead, so you can drink as much as you like without putting yourself and others at risk.

Tolls and vignettes

Tolls are collected through either a paper vignette or a digital vignette. Vignettes are compulsory for all vehicles driving on Austrian motorways and expressways. The vignette must be displayed on the inside of the windshield of your vehicle as you enter Austria. Failure to do so could result in a fine of up to €240.

The vignette can be purchased with various validity periods: one day, ten days, two months, or one year. The cost of the vignette depends on the length of validity and the type of vehicle. For example, a one-year vignette for a motorcycle costs €37.20, while a one-year vignette for a car, truck, or motorhome with a maximum weight of 3.5 t costs €93.80.

Vehicles heavier than 3500 kg must purchase a GO-Box, a transponder that deducts tolls as the vehicle travels along the motorway or expressway. The GO-Box costs €5, with either post-pay or pre-pay options. Tolls for these vehicles range from €0.05 to €0.48/km based on the number of axles, time of day, and type of fuel used.

In addition to the vignette, a road charge (toll) is levied for cost-intensive Alpine passes such as the Arlberg or the Karawanken Tunnel. These tolls can be paid directly at the respective toll station or online in advance.

Weather conditions

Austria has a well-developed road network, but driving in the country in winter can be challenging due to the weather conditions. From 1 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory in Austria. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or with snow chains on at least two drive wheels. Winter tyres are only considered winter equipment if they have the "M+S" marking and a tread depth of more than 4mm. This also applies to all-season tyres and studded tyres.

Snow chains are only permitted when the road is completely or almost entirely covered with snow or ice. While carrying snow chains is not mandatory, it is recommended for trips into the high-alpine regions. If the traffic sign "snow chains required" is displayed, all vehicles must fit snow chains to the drive wheels. So, it's important to check the weather conditions and current traffic service reports before setting off.

During the winter, roads in alpine areas can become dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. Snow and ice must be removed from your car's roof, windows, lights, and number plates before driving.

In addition to winter tyres and snow chains, there are a few other things to keep in mind when driving in Austria during the winter months. Firstly, always carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and be able to present them during a traffic check. Secondly, keep up to date with traffic information, as roads may be closed or hazardous due to construction or maintenance. Finally, be prepared for potential delays due to reduced lanes and two-way traffic in construction zones, particularly on the A-1 East/West Autobahn.

Frequently asked questions