Driving In Austria: Documents, Equipment, And Rules You Need To Know

Driving in Austria as a tourist or resident requires some preparation. Here is a quick overview of what you need to drive in Austria.

What do I need to drive in Austria?

Driving licences and permits

If you're planning to drive in Austria, there are a few things you need to keep in mind regarding driving licences and permits. Here's a detailed overview:

• Age Requirement: To drive in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old. This is the minimum age to legally drive in the country.
• Driving Licence: If you have a driving licence from an EU or EEA country, you can use it to drive in Austria indefinitely. Driving licences issued outside the European Economic Area are valid for 12 months from the date of arrival in Austria, provided the driver is at least 18 years old.
• International Driving Permit (IDP): If your driving licence is not from an EU or EEA country, you will need to obtain an International Driving Permit. The IDP allows you to drive in Austria as a tourist for a short period, usually up to six months. You can obtain the IDP from organisations like AAA before your trip.
• Official Translation: If your driving licence is not in German, you will need to have it translated into German by an official translation service. This can be done at Austrian automobile clubs, such as ÖAMTC or ARBÖ, for a fee.
• Austrian Driving Licence: If you are residing in Austria or planning to stay for an extended period (more than six months), you will need to exchange your foreign driving licence for an Austrian driving licence. This process is mandatory and must be done within six months of taking up residence in the country. You can apply for the exchange through the State Police Department (Landespolizeidirektion) or the District Authority (Bezirkshauptmannschaft or Magistrat).
• Additional Documents: When exchanging your foreign driving licence for an Austrian one, you will need to provide additional documents, including an application form, passport, foreign driving licence, international driving permit or translation, photos, and a medical certificate. There may also be specific requirements for non-EU/EEA driving licences.
• Costs and Processing Time: Exchanging your foreign driving licence for an Austrian one incurs a fee of 60.50 Euros. The processing time may vary, so it is recommended to check with the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information.
• Vehicle Registration: If you are bringing your own vehicle into Austria, ensure that you have the necessary registration documents. For UK vehicles, you will need the V5 registration document.
• Insurance: Make sure your vehicle is properly insured for driving in Austria. Check with your insurance provider to ensure your policy covers driving in Austria, and consider purchasing additional insurance if needed.
• Other Requirements: In addition to the driving licence and insurance, always carry your passport or proof of ID, especially when driving. This will help identify you in case of any emergencies or roadside checks.

By following these guidelines and ensuring you have the correct driving licence and permits, you can confidently navigate Austria's roads and enjoy your trip. Remember always to stay informed about the latest driving regulations and requirements before your journey.

Road rules

Austria's road rules are similar to those in other European countries. Here are some essential things to know:

• Speed Limits: The speed limit on Austrian motorways is 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph) unless indicated otherwise. In residential and urban areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h (approximately 31 mph) unless posted otherwise. On open roads outside built-up areas, the speed limit is usually 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph).
• Overtaking and Passing: In Austria, motorists drive on the right side of the road and overtake on the left. Overtaking is prohibited on or near pedestrian crossings and when it involves crossing a continuous white line. Trams can be overtaken as long as passengers are not hindered, there is a distance of at least 1.5 meters, and the overtaking vehicle is moving at walking speed.
• Priority: As a general rule, priority must be given to vehicles coming from the right unless otherwise indicated. Emergency vehicles and vehicles on rails always have priority.
• Pedestrian Crossings: Drivers must stop at zebra crossings when a pedestrian is crossing or showing the intention to cross.
• Mountain Roads: On narrow mountain roads where two vehicles cannot pass each other, both drivers should stop, and one should reverse to a passing place. There is no priority rule in this situation.
• Use of Horns: Horns should only be used in cases of danger and are mostly prohibited in Vienna and around hospitals.
• Seat Belts: It is compulsory to wear seat belts in the front and rear seats of cars equipped with them. The fine for not wearing a seat belt is €35.
• Traffic Lights: Austria uses the international three-colour traffic light system. A flashing green light indicates that the green phase is ending, and drivers should prepare to stop.
• Drink-Driving: The blood alcohol content limit for drivers of private vehicles is 0.049%, which is lower than in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. For professional drivers and newly qualified drivers, the limit is lower at 0.01%. Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs can result in heavy fines, licence revocation, and a possible driving ban in Austria.
• Mobile Phones: Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited, even when stuck in traffic. It is only permitted with a hands-free device that can be operated with one hand and does not interfere with driving.
• Safety Equipment: By law, motorists must carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest. These items may need to be presented during a traffic check.
• Winter Equipment: From November 1 to April 15, winter equipment is mandatory. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels. Snow chains are required when road signs indicate their use, and they are recommended for trips to high-alpine regions.
• Emergency Lanes: On motorways and dual carriageways, it is compulsory to form emergency lanes ("Rettungsgasse") during traffic congestion. Motorists must move as far left or right in their lanes as possible to create a clear path down the middle for emergency vehicles.

Safety equipment

Safety is a key consideration when driving in Austria. Here is a list of mandatory safety equipment you should carry in your car:

First Aid Kit

A first aid kit is extremely important in the event of an accident or illness during your trip. Ensure your kit contains all the necessary items and check it before starting your journey.

Warning Triangle

In case of a breakdown, a warning triangle must be placed approximately 50 meters away from the car to warn other drivers of an obstacle and prevent further accidents.

Safety Vests

All occupants of the car must have a safety vest that meets the EN471 standard requirements. The vest must fit over your clothing and must be worn when you leave the car in an emergency or breakdown situation. It is recommended to carry a safety vest for every traveller.

Reflective Jackets

Reflective jackets should be worn in case of a breakdown outside built-up areas and on all major routes.

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

Crash helmets are compulsory for riders of mopeds and motorcycles.

In addition to the above, it is strongly recommended that you carry snow chains in your car when travelling through Austria during the winter months. They can be hired at all major border crossings and are mandatory if indicated by signs along the road.

Tolls and vignettes

• Vignettes are mandatory for most motorways in Austria and can be purchased online or at certain locations.
• The vignette is a toll sticker that must be displayed on your vehicle's windscreen.
• The cost of the vignette depends on the duration of your stay, with options for 10 days, two months, or one year.
• In addition to the standard vignette, there are separate toll roads, mainly tunnels, that require a special toll vignette.
• Failure to display a valid vignette can result in high fines.
• Motorcycles are also required to have a vignette and are subject to the same toll requirements as other vehicles.
• When driving on toll roads, ensure you have the correct change or a payment method accepted by the toll booths.
• Some rental car companies may include vignettes with their vehicles, so it's worth checking with them before purchasing your own.
• Keep in mind that there are also toll-free roads in Austria that you can use if you prefer to avoid tolls altogether.

Parking

• On-street parking in central Vienna is severely limited, but there are plenty of underground car parks in Vienna District 1.
• Parking charges apply in most major Austrian towns and cities, and many have "m-parking" capabilities, which allow visitors to pay using their mobile phones.
• Illegally parked vehicles will likely be clamped unless they are causing an obstruction to moving traffic, in which case they will be towed away. In both cases, a fine must be paid to cover the offence, as well as any towing and impounding costs.
• EU-issued disabled parking permits are recognised across Austria and must be displayed on the windscreen of the vehicle.
• Vehicles should not be parked in a place where they could cause an obstruction, and if visibility is poor, side lights should be switched on.
• Radar detectors that interfere with police equipment are prohibited in Austria.
• Dashboard cameras are also prohibited in Austria.

Frequently asked questions