Driving In Vienna: Rules And Conditions Explained

Driving in Vienna, Austria, is made simple by clear traffic rules, respectful drivers, and good road conditions. However, there are some local rules and driving culture differences to be aware of. Driving is on the right, and there is a compulsory speed limit of 50 km/h in built-up areas. Most roads within Vienna have either a 30 km/h or 50 km/h limit. Austria has a nationwide toll system for its motorways, so it is necessary to obtain a vignette, or toll sticker, for your vehicle. Parking in Vienna can be difficult, with limited on-street parking in the city centre and a paid parking zone covering most of the city.

Speed limits and road signs

Speed limits in Austria are based on the type of road and vehicle. The speed limits for passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes are as follows:

• Roads in populated areas: 30 km/h to 50 km/h (according to local signs).
• Roads outside populated areas: 100 km/h (according to local signs).
• Motorways: 130 km/h (on some motorways, this drops to 110 km/h from 10 pm to 5 am).

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 example, with snow chains, the maximum speed allowed is 50 km/h; the limit for cars with snow tyres is 100 km/h on motorways and 80 km/h on other roads.

Speed limits in Vienna specifically are mostly either 30 km/h or 50 km/h, and they are not always displayed on signs.

Road signs in Austria are typically placed on the right-hand side of the road, overhead, or on both sides of the road. The system of road signs is similar to most other countries, but there are a few signs that are unique to Austria. These include:

• A white, inverted letter 'T' in a blue square, which means 'dead end'.
• 'EINBAHN', written in a white arrow on a blue rectangle, indicates one-way traffic, with the arrow showing the direction of traffic.
• The Rettungsgasse sign, which means that a corridor has been created between lanes of a two-way road to allow emergency vehicles through and should not be driven on.

Parking

• Almost everywhere in Vienna is covered by a single-street "paid parking" zone. This has freed up spaces previously occupied by commuters, making it easier to find a spot. However, you will almost certainly have to pay for it, depending on when and for how long you park.
• There are public car parks available, as well as parking spaces on the street.
• Hotels often have their own parking solutions, but tourist attractions typically do not have attached carparks. However, there may be commercial parking options nearby.
• Parking charges apply in most major Austrian towns and cities, and many have "m-parking" capabilities, allowing visitors to pay using their mobile phones.
• Blue strip parking zones are chargeable and allowed for durations ranging from 30 minutes to 3 hours. The maximum time is indicated near the stripes, and charging periods are usually Monday to Friday, from 08:00/09:00 to 19:00/22:00. In some cities, you may also have to pay on Saturdays, but Sundays are usually free unless otherwise indicated.
• Parking tickets can be purchased at gas stations, post offices, tobacco shops, ticket offices, and Wiener Linien machines. The cost depends on the length of time needed. For example, 30 minutes might cost EUR 1.25, while 1.5 hours could be EUR 3.75.
• You must write the date and time you parked your car on the ticket and put it in a visible place, such as behind the windshield.
• Illegally parked vehicles will likely be clamped or towed away, and a fine must be paid to cover the offence and any towing/impounding costs.
• EU-issued disabled parking permits are recognised across Austria and must be displayed on the windscreen.
• Side lights should be switched on when a vehicle is parked if visibility is poor.

Trams and public transport

Trams are the Gods of the road in Vienna. If a tram is approaching a stop on your side, or is already parked there, you must slow down and stop to allow passengers to board or alight. You can only drive off again when the tram moves off or when the coast is clear. It is also a legal requirement to get out of the way of a tram as quickly and safely as possible if you are blocking its path. Trams are subject to different road rules – for example, they don't have to stop at zebra crossings if someone is waiting to cross.

Be careful at tram (and bus) stops. People leaving or boarding a tram will need to cross your lane to do so.

Public transport in Vienna is cheap, fast, efficient, reliable, and regular. It often makes sense to switch to trams, buses, and subways once you're in the city.

Roundabouts and road junctions

• Roundabouts: Roundabouts are not common in Vienna, and locals are still getting used to them. Indicator usage can be poor, so be cautious and pay attention to the indicators of other drivers.
• Road Junctions: In Vienna, vehicles coming from the right typically have priority, similar to many other European countries. This rule applies when you're driving along a road and passing a turn-off to the right. You must wait for cars coming onto your road from that turn-off, unless they have a "give way" or "stop" sign, or you're on a clearly marked priority road ("Vorrangstraße"). Most junctions in Vienna are regulated by traffic lights and signs, but be extra cautious when using residential or side roads, as this rule comes into play more frequently on these types of roads.

In addition to the above points, here are some general tips for driving in Vienna:

• Trams: Trams are considered the "Gods of the road" in Vienna. They have priority and often do not need to follow the same rules as other vehicles. If you're blocking a tram, get out of the way as quickly and safely as possible. It's also important to be cautious at tram (and bus) stops, as people may be crossing your lane to board or leave the tram.
• Cyclists: Keep an eye out for cyclists, especially on one-way streets. Some one-way streets have cycle lanes that go against the flow of traffic. Warning signs are usually posted, but it's important to be vigilant when turning onto these streets.
• Traffic Lights: When turning at traffic lights, watch for pedestrians who may have the right of way, even if your light is green.
• Bus Lanes: Do not use dedicated bus lanes during their hours of operation, as this is illegal. However, taxis are allowed to use these lanes, so you may see them doing so.
• Speed Limits: Speed limits in Vienna vary depending on the area. Most roads within the city have either a 30 km/h or 50 km/h limit. Remember that speed limits may be lower in the case of snow or other inclement weather conditions.

Drinking and driving

It is also worth noting that driving conditions in Vienna are quite easy, with simple traffic rules, respectful drivers, and generally good road conditions. However, it is recommended that you familiarise yourself with local safety regulations and driving rules, as well as the parking situation, before getting behind the wheel. Vienna has a cheap, fast, efficient, and reliable public transport system, so it is often more convenient to use trams, buses, and subways to get around the city.

In terms of other driving regulations in Austria, vehicles drive on the right, and there are compulsory requirements for the wearing of seatbelts and helmets, lighting, safety equipment, tyre tread depths, and the removal of ice and snow from vehicles. There are also strict standards for the use of mobile phones while driving, and a smoking ban in private vehicles. Additionally, Austria has a nationwide toll system for its motorways/freeways, requiring a prepaid toll sticker (or digital equivalent) for cars.

Frequently asked questions