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Austria's road network is characterised by its excellent condition and steady growth. The country has a total of 17 expressways, some of which are still under construction or in the planning phase. Expressways in Austria are referred to as federal roads S and are marked by traffic signs with an S. The speed limit on these roads is typically 100 km/h, although it can go up to 130 km/h on certain stretches. The use of expressways in Austria requires the purchase of a vignette (toll sticker) for passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes, or a GO-Box for trucks and buses.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Expressway classification | Two ways: based on road traffic regulations or based on the road owner |
| Expressway length | About 500 km, with 700 km planned in total |
| Expressway speed limit | 100 km/h, with some at 130 km/h |
| Motorway speed limit | 130 km/h, with a possible increase to 140 km/h |
| Motorway length | 1,720 km |
| Motorway toll | Vignette (sticker) or digital vignette |
| Motorway vehicle requirements | Must be designed to achieve at least 60 km/h |
| Motorway actions prohibited | Voluntary stops, U-turns, and backward driving |
| Motorway signs | Marked with an «A» or an «S» |
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Road classification
The Austrian road system can be classified in two ways: by road traffic regulations or by road owner. The first method is more familiar to most drivers.
Classification by road traffic regulations
If classified by road traffic regulations, there are four categories of roads in Austria:
- Locality: This category separates roads within a town or city from roads outside of them. Roads outside of towns and cities are called "open country roads".
- Motor vehicles: This category considers the relevance of roads for motor vehicles in more detail.
- Speed limits: Roads in Austria have various speed limits depending on their type and location. Within the defined perimeter of a settlement, the default speed limit is 50 km/h (31 mph) for cars, unless otherwise indicated. This perimeter is always marked by a "Ortstafel" city sign. The default speed limit for cars on roads outside settlements is 100 km/h, rising to 130 km/h on motorways. However, roads passing near or through cities often have speed restrictions, and temporary speed limits may be imposed in areas prone to traffic jams.
- Road type: The main types of roads in Austria are motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen). Motorways are also referred to as federal roads A, and expressways are federal roads S. Both types of roads are marked by traffic signs with an "A" or an "S", followed by the name of the respective road. For example, the West Autobahn is marked as "A1". The current Austrian Autobahn network has a total length of 1,720 km (1,070 mi), while the Schnellstraßen system has a length of 466 km (290 mi).
Classification by road owner
If classified by road owner, the Austrian road system can be divided into the following categories:
- Federal roads: These roads are administered by the Austrian infrastructure company ASFINAG and include motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen).
- State roads: Formerly known as federal roads B, these roads are now administered by individual states and their road maintenance departments.
- Municipal roads: These roads are administered by municipalities.
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Speed limits
Austria has a range of speed limits for different types of roads. The speed limit on expressways, or Schnellstraßen, is typically 100 km/h, but on some stretches, it can be up to 130 km/h, indicated by a sign. These roads often serve as an autobahn substitute due to their better fit with Austria's mountainous topography. The use of Schnellstraßen requires the purchase of a vignette (toll sticker) for passenger cars or a GO-Box (electronic toll system) for heavier vehicles.
Within the defined perimeter of a settlement, the default speed limit is 50 km/h for cars, unless otherwise indicated by the "Ortstafel" city sign. This limit is rarely explicitly stated on road signs, and drivers are expected to be aware of it. Some roads within settlements may have lower limits of 30 km/h.
On roads outside settlements, the default speed limit is 100 km/h, and this rises to 130 km/h on motorways or autobahns. However, it's important to note that autobahns passing near or through cities often have speed restrictions, and Alpine tunnels may also have lower speed limits. Temporary speed limits may be implemented to manage traffic flow in areas prone to congestion. Weather-dependent speed limits are also common in rural and Alpine areas during the winter season.
It's worth noting that speed limits in Austria are strictly enforced, and while law enforcement may not be visibly monitoring speeds, there are cameras in place, and speeding tickets will be issued. If you're driving in Austria, it's important to be aware of the speed limits and any exemptions that may apply, such as the exemption for vehicles with green registration plates from certain IG-L speed limits.
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Toll requirements
In Austria, the federal government is no longer responsible for the country's motorways and expressways. The duty was transferred to the Austrian infrastructure company ASFINAG in 1982. Motorways are referred to as federal roads A and expressways as federal roads S. The roads are marked by traffic signs with an "A" or an "S", with the letters preceded by the name of the respective road.
Since 1997, the use of all Autobahnen and Schnellstraßen requires the purchase of a vignette (toll sticker) for passenger cars up to 3.5 tonnes or a GO-Box (electronic toll system) for trucks and buses. The toll fee (Maut) has to be paid to legally access the Austrian Autobahns at any time. Vignettes are available in varying lengths of validity (10 days, two months, or a year). As of 2016, a vignette valid for a year costs €85.70 for cars and €34.10 for motorcycles. From 2018, digital vignettes have been an alternative to toll stickers.
Vignettes (or toll stickers) must be placed on the inside of the front windscreen. Once removed, they are no longer valid, so each car on Austrian Autobahns needs its own toll sticker. Vehicles over 3.5 tons are equipped with a Go Box, which is used to calculate the toll on the motorways.
In addition to the toll requirements, there are several other important driving regulations in Austria. For example, using a phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device, and motorcyclists are required to wear helmets and keep their dipped headlights on during the day. Every driver must carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and be able to present them during a traffic check.
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Road signage
The road system in Austria is characterised by its excellent condition and steady growth. The country's motorways and expressways are well-connected, with a dense network of roads around cities like Vienna, Linz, Graz, and Innsbruck. The road system is divided into four categories: the first is locality, which separates towns and cities from open roads; the second considers the relevance for motor vehicles in more detail; the third is federal roads, which include motorways (marked with an "A") and expressways (marked with an "S"); and the fourth is state or municipal roads.
Expressways in Austria have a speed limit of 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph) or 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph), depending on the section. It is important to observe the respective speed limit and be aware of toll roads. Additionally, drivers in Austria are required to carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, which must be presented during a traffic check. When outside built-up areas, wearing a safety vest is mandatory when stepping out of the vehicle in the event of a breakdown or accident.
Other important road signage and regulations in Austria include the "Rettungsgasse" (emergency corridor), which must be formed immediately in case of traffic jams to allow emergency vehicles to pass. On two-lane carriageways, a lane must be cleared between the two existing lanes, while on carriageways with more than two lanes, it must be between the far-left lane and the lane next to it. During winter, from 1 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory, with vehicles required to have winter tyres on all four wheels or snow chains on at least two drive wheels.
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Environmental impact
Austria's motorway and expressway network is extensive, with excellent connections across the country. The network is constantly growing, with new roads being built and existing roads being widened. The roads are well-maintained, with a good surface quality. The country's expressways, or 'S' roads, are an important part of the road system, with a current total length of about 500 kilometres and 700 kilometres planned.
Austria's motorway and expressway network has a significant environmental impact. The transit traffic across the Alps has led to a heavy burden on the delicate Alpine ecosystem. The issue is particularly notable with freight transport, which has seen the formation of several action groups urging the transfer of such transport from road to rail. In 1991, Austria signed the Alpine Convention, an agreement to protect the natural environment of the Alps.
To help reduce the environmental impact of road transport, Austria has introduced environmental zones in some areas, such as Upper Austria, where certain sections of motorway have restricted access based on emissions. Vehicles entering these zones must display an environmental badge, with different colours indicating the emissions class. Fines of up to €2,180 can be imposed for non-compliance. These low-emissions zones aim to improve air quality and reduce pollution in populated areas.
The country has also implemented a toll system for its motorways and expressways, with drivers required to purchase a vignette (toll sticker) or use an electronic toll system. This toll system is designed to help fund the maintenance and expansion of the road network, with revenue collected by the ASFINAG, the Austrian infrastructure company responsible for the roads. The tolls also act as a way to manage traffic flow and reduce congestion, particularly on popular routes.
In addition to the environmental impact of road traffic, the construction of the motorways and expressways themselves has had an impact on the natural environment. The building of roads through mountainous regions, such as the Alps, has altered the landscape and may have disrupted local ecosystems. The construction of tunnels, in particular, would have required significant excavation and potentially impacted local wildlife and water sources.
To mitigate the environmental impact of road construction, Austria has implemented various measures. These include the use of grade-separated interchanges and Knoten (nodes) to navigate the challenging topography, as well as the construction of bridges and tunnels to minimise the disruption to the surrounding environment.
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Frequently asked questions
In Austria, expressways are referred to as 'Schnellstraßen' or 'Bundesstraßen S', and are federal limited-access roads. They are similar to autobahns but are more cheaply built with fewer tunnels.
Expressways are marked by traffic signs with an "S". The letters are preceded by the name of the respective road and are usually based on the regions in which the sections are located. For example, the "S16 Arlberg Schnellstraße".
Yes, the use of all Autobahnen and Schnellstraßen requires the purchase of a vignette (toll sticker) or a GO-Box (electronic toll system).
As of 2016, a vignette valid for a year costs €85.70 for cars and €34.10 for motorcycles. Digital vignettes, which are purchased online and linked to the vehicle's registration plate, are also available as an alternative.
