Winter Driving In Austria: Safe Or Not?

Austria is a great country to explore by road, with historic cities and beautiful mountains. However, driving in Austria in winter can be dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. Here are some essential things to know before planning a trip to Austria in winter.

Winter tyres or snow chains are mandatory from 1 November to 15 April

Driving in Austria in winter can be challenging due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. To stay safe on the roads, there are some important things to keep in mind regarding winter tyres and snow chains.

From 1 November to 15 April, it is mandatory to have winter equipment in your vehicle when driving in Austria. This means that your vehicle 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 4 mm. This also applies to all-season tyres and studded tyres.

Snow chains are only permitted when the road is completely or almost completely covered with snow or ice. While carrying snow chains is not mandatory, it is highly recommended for trips into high-alpine regions. If you encounter the traffic sign "snow chains required", you must fit snow chains to the driving wheels of your vehicle. Therefore, it is crucial to check the weather conditions and current traffic service reports before embarking on your journey.

It is important to note that non-compliance with these regulations can result in hefty fines and even suspension of your vehicle. Additionally, your insurance may be considered null and void if your vehicle is involved in an accident during this period without the required winter equipment.

To summarise, here are some key points to remember regarding winter tyres and snow chains in Austria from 1 November to 15 April:

• Winter tyres are mandatory and must have the "M+S" marking and a tread depth of more than 4 mm.
• Snow chains are not always required but are highly recommended for high-alpine regions.
• Carrying snow chains is not mandatory but is advised, and they must be used when the "snow chains required" sign is displayed.
• Non-compliance can result in fines and suspension of your vehicle, and your insurance may not cover any accidents.

Snow chains are only permitted when the road is covered in snow or ice

From 1 November to 15 April, it is mandatory to have winter equipment in your vehicle in Austria. This can be in the form of 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 4mm.

Snow chains are not always mandatory, but they are highly recommended for trips into high-alpine regions. If you are driving in mountainous areas and there has been heavy snowfall, you may only be permitted to continue your journey with snow chains attached. Local police can make snow chains compulsory during or after heavy snowfall.

If you are renting a car, you can ask the rental company for snow chains, which may be available for an additional cost. You can also buy snow chains at specialised car equipment shops or DIY markets.

It is important to know how to put snow chains on your tyres. It is recommended that you practice putting them on and taking them off in a nice, paved spot, so you are prepared if you need to attach them in more challenging conditions.

Vignette is a toll sticker or digital pass that is mandatory for driving on Austrian motorways

Driving in Austria in winter can be dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods, and winter tires are mandatory between November 1 and April 15. Snow chains may also be required by local police during or after heavy snowfall.

If you plan to drive on Austrian motorways, you will need to purchase a vignette, which is a toll sticker or digital pass that is mandatory for driving on Austrian motorways. Vignettes can be purchased online or at common points of sale such as border crossings, petrol stations, car clubs, some car repair shops, and newsagents. The vignette must be displayed clearly on the windscreen of your vehicle, and the fine for not having one is 120 euros.

Vignettes are valid for different periods, including 1 day, 10 days, 2 months, and 1 year. The price for a vignette ranges from 9.40 euros for a 10-day sticker to 89.20 euros for a full year. One vignette can be used on up to three cars, and there is an option to sign up for an annual subscription.

It is important to purchase a vignette before entering Austria, as there are traps set up where you will be fined if you do not have one. These fines can be as high as 450 euros.

In addition to the vignette, there are other roads and passes in Austria that require the payment of a toll at a toll booth, especially when driving through tunnels.

The speed limit on Austrian motorways is 130 km/h

Driving in Austria in winter can be dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods, and winter equipment is mandatory from 1 November to 15 April. During this time, vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels.

Now, onto the speed limits. The speed limit on Austrian motorways is 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph). This is the highest speed limit in the country and applies to motorways and expressways.

In built-up areas, the speed limit is much lower and ranges from 30 km/h to 50 km/h. This includes towns and cities, where the speed limit is typically set at 50 km/h.

On open roads and outside built-up areas, the speed limit is typically 100 km/h. This includes roads that are not motorways or expressways.

It is important to note that speed limits in Austria are indicated using the metric system, with signs displaying distances in kilometres and speeds in kilometres per hour.

There may also be special speed restrictions for certain classes of vehicles, such as mopeds, motorhomes, and vehicles with trailers. It is essential to check for any restrictions that may apply to your vehicle before driving in Austria.

In addition to speed limits, there are other important driving regulations in Austria that you should be aware of. For example, it is compulsory to wear a seat belt in both the front and rear seats of cars equipped with them. The fine for failing to wear a seat belt is €35.

Drink-driving laws are also strictly enforced, with a general blood-alcohol limit of 0.049% for drivers of private vehicles and 0.01% for professional drivers and newly qualified drivers. The punishment for drink-driving includes a minimum fine of €360 and the loss of your driver's licence.

When driving in Austria, it is also important to carry certain items in your vehicle. These include reflective jackets, a warning triangle, a first aid box, and headlamp beam deflectors. Crash helmets are compulsory when riding mopeds and motorcycles.

Lastly, be aware of any road closures or construction work that may impact your journey. For example, the Tauern Route between Böckstein and Mallnitz-Obervellach will be closed from 18 November 2024 to 4 July 2025 due to construction work.

Driving licences issued outside the EEA are valid for 12 months from arrival

Driving in Austria can be challenging in winter, especially in alpine areas, where roads can become dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. From November 1 to April 15, winter tires are mandatory, and all-season tires are only compliant if they carry the M S mark and have a minimum of 4mm of tread. Local police may also make snow chains compulsory after heavy snowfall.

Now, regarding driving licenses, if you are visiting Austria as a tourist, your non-EEA driving license is valid for 12 months from your arrival, but you will also need an International Driving Permit (IDP). This can be purchased through clubs like AAA and must be carried with your driving license at all times. If you are planning to stay in Austria for more than six months, you will need to exchange your non-EEA driving license for an Austrian one. This process involves submitting an application for a license exchange, and you will need to provide certain documents, including your passport, driving license, and a medical certificate. The cost of this conversion is 60.50 Euros.

Frequently asked questions