Lyla Lindsey
Driving in Austria is a great way to explore the country's charming villages, lakes, and alpine views. The roads are smooth, the sights are amazing, and the local drivers are disciplined and closely adhere to traffic rules. However, there are some important things to know before getting behind the wheel in Austria. This includes understanding the driving laws, insurance requirements, road signage, and more. In this article, we will provide an overview of everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable driving experience in Austria.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving side | Right |
| Speed limits | 30-50km/h in built-up areas, 100km/h outside built-up areas, 130km/h on motorways |
| Age requirements | 18 years old to rent a car, drivers under 25 may have to pay a "young driver" surcharge |
| Licence requirements | International Driving Permit (IDP) and local driver's license |
| Documents | Passport or national identification card (if EU citizen) and a credit card |
| Roads | Generally uncongested outside of Vienna |
| Signage | Can be confusing for visitors |
| Tolls | Pre-paid sticker or digital equivalent required for motorways/freeways |
| Fuel | Unleaded regular petrol (91 or 95 octane), Super Plus (98 octane), diesel |
| Winter equipment | Mandatory from 1 November to 15 April |
| Drinking and driving | Maximum permitted level of alcohol in the bloodstream is 0.049% |
| Mobile phones | Use prohibited while driving, permitted with a hands-free device |
| Safety equipment | Reflective jackets, warning triangle, first aid kit, snow chains (recommended) |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Driving licences, insurance and rental requirements
To drive in Austria, it is recommended that you obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP). This must be used in conjunction with your local driving licence, so be sure to carry both. Driving licences issued within the European Union are valid in Austria. If your driving licence is not written in German, you will need either an International Driving Permit or a translation.
Most rental car companies in Austria require you to be 21 years or older and to have a minimum of two years of driving experience. Some companies will rent to drivers under 25, but they may have to pay a "young driver" surcharge and may not be able to rent certain car models. You will also need to present your passport (or your national identification card if you’re an EU citizen) and a credit card under your name when picking up the rental car.
Third-party insurance is compulsory in Austria. Collision damage waiver and theft protection are usually included in car rentals in Austria, but it is recommended that you purchase additional personal car hire insurance to cover any excess. This means you will get reimbursed for any excess fees the rental company may charge for damages.
In addition to insurance, you should also budget for car fuel, parking fees and tolls. All freeways (autobahn), federal highways (Bundesstraße) and expressways (Schnellstraßen) in Austria are cashless and require a Vignette to use the motorways. This costs 10 Euros for 10 days and can be purchased at any petrol station, tobacconist (Tabak), automobile association, post office and border crossing. If you do not have a Vignette or fail to display it clearly, you will be fined 120 Euros. If your vehicle is bigger than 3.5 tonnes, you will need another toll device called a GO-Box, which must also be attached to the windscreen of your vehicle.
McDonald's Halal Options in Austria: What's Available?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Rules of the road
Driving in Austria is a great way to explore the country, taking in the majestic cities, natural parks, and villages. Here are some rules of the road to keep in mind:
Age and Licence Requirements:
To rent a car in Austria, you must be at least 18 years old, and drivers under 25 may have to pay a "young driver" surcharge. Most rental car companies require a valid driver's license, passport or national ID (for EU citizens), and a credit card in the driver's name. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended, especially if your local license is not issued in the EU or written in German.
Insurance:
Third-party insurance is compulsory in Austria. Collision Damage Waiver and Theft Protection Insurance are usually included in car rentals, but it is recommended to purchase additional personal car hire insurance to cover any excess fees in case of an accident.
Road Rules:
Austria has strict traffic rules that are closely followed by local drivers. Driving on the right side of the road, adhering to speed limits, and giving way to priority roads and emergency vehicles are essential. Vienna's urban motorways can be busy, so be prepared for potential traffic. Outside of built-up areas, wearing a reflective safety vest when exiting your vehicle is mandatory.
Equipment:
It is compulsory to carry certain equipment in your vehicle, including a warning triangle, a reflective jacket or waistcoat, and a first aid kit. From November 1 to April 15, winter equipment is mandatory, with vehicles requiring winter tyres or snow chains. Headlamp beam deflectors and a vignette (toll sticker) are also necessary for driving on Austrian roads.
Alcohol and Mobile Phone Restrictions:
Austria has strict laws regarding drink driving, with heavy fines and license confiscation for those caught driving under the influence. The use of mobile phones is prohibited unless a hands-free device is used, which must be operable with one hand and must not interfere with driving.
Austrian Air's Nice Flights: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Safety equipment
Austria has strict rules regarding safety equipment in cars. Here is a list of the mandatory safety equipment you must have when driving in Austria:
- Warning Triangle: You must carry a warning triangle in your vehicle at all times. In the event of a breakdown or accident, you are required to place this triangle at a safe distance behind your car to warn oncoming traffic.
- First Aid Kit: A well-equipped first aid kit is mandatory in Austria. Ensure that it is easily accessible in your car, as you may need it in case of emergencies.
- High-Visibility Vest: Drivers must carry a high-visibility vest, or reflective jacket, in their vehicle. If you need to exit your car on a busy road or highway, especially after dark, you must wear this vest for your safety and to ensure other drivers see you.
- Spare Light Bulbs: It is mandatory to carry spare bulbs for your car's external lights. This includes headlights, taillights, and indicator bulbs. This ensures that you can quickly replace any bulbs that blow out and maintain the required external lighting for your vehicle.
- Fire Extinguisher: Carrying a fire extinguisher in your vehicle is mandatory. This is an important safety measure to help prevent small fires from becoming major emergencies.
- Winter Tyres or Snow Chains: During winter, it is mandatory to fit your car with winter tyres or carry snow chains. This rule applies to all vehicles, including rental cars. These tyres or chains are crucial for navigating snowy and icy roads safely.
It is important to note that these are the minimum requirements, and you may also want to consider carrying additional safety equipment, such as a flashlight, jumper cables, and a basic tool kit, to ensure you are well-prepared for any roadside emergencies.
Apricot Brandy: The Austrian Way to Make It
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Tolls and fines
Tolls are compulsory on all motorways and expressways in Austria. These can be paid in the form of a vignette, lorry toll (GO-Box), or route toll. Vignettes are toll stickers or digital permits that allow drivers to use the toll roads. They can be purchased at most gas stations, post offices, tobacco and newspaper stands, and auto shops. The vignette sticker must be placed on the windshield, while the digital version should be attached to the licence plate. The digital vignette is only valid 18 days after purchase, so it is important to plan ahead.
Vignette prices vary depending on the duration of their validity, which can range from 10 days to 1 year. For example, an annual vignette costs €103.80 and is valid for 14 months, from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year. For tourists, shorter-term options are available, including 10-day, 2-month, or one-day vignettes.
Failure to purchase a vignette can result in a spot fine of at least €120. If there is evidence of tampering with the vignette, the fine will be €240. If the fine is not paid on the spot, court proceedings may be initiated, and the fine can reach up to €3,000.
In addition to tolls, there are other fines that drivers should be aware of when driving in Austria. For example, it is mandatory to have winter tires on your vehicle from November 1 to April 15. Failure to do so can result in a fine of €60. It is also important to always carry the necessary documents, such as your licence and vehicle registration, as well as a first aid kit and a reflective vest. Speeding fines vary depending on how the violation was recorded and the speed limit of the area.
Austria-Hungary: Women's Role in World War I
You may want to see also
Explore related products
![Autobahn (50th Anniversary Edition) [Blu-ray]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/61tat044MqL._AC_UY218_.jpg)
Driving in Vienna
If you do choose to drive in Vienna, there are several things you should keep in mind. Firstly, familiarize yourself with local safety regulations, driving rules, and international traffic signs. Driving is done on the right side of the road in Austria, and speed limits are typically 30 km/h or 50 km/h within the city, with lower limits on motorways and outside built-up areas. It is important to be aware of speed limit signs and cameras, especially when on motorways or in villages.
Parking in Vienna can be difficult and expensive. The city is covered by a single-street "paid parking" zone, and parking restrictions can be unclear, with the potential for fines if you park in a restricted area. It is recommended to consider using public transportation, such as trams, buses, or subways, once you are in the city, as navigating between tourist attractions by car can be cumbersome.
When driving in Vienna, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings. A small minority of drivers may exhibit a lax attitude towards speed limits and pedestrian rights, and driver discipline at zebra crossings may be looser than in countries like the UK. Additionally, taxis are allowed to use bus lanes, so be mindful of this to avoid confusion.
If you are planning to rent a car in Vienna, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most rental car companies require you to be at least 18 years old, and drivers under 25 may have to pay a "young driver" surcharge. It is recommended to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) and have both your local license and passport or national identification card with you. Rental cars in Austria typically come with compulsory third-party insurance, but you may want to consider additional personal car hire insurance for extra coverage.
Austria's Valentin: A Name with a Story
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
You need to be at least 18 years old to rent a car in Austria, and some companies require you to be 21. You will also need a valid driver's license, and it is recommended to get an International Driving Permit (IDP). If your license is not written in German, it is only valid if you have an IDP or a translation. You will also need insurance, and it is recommended to get comprehensive car hire insurance.
The roads in Austria are generally uncongested outside of cities, and Austrian drivers are known for adhering closely to road restrictions. However, local drivers may not appreciate slow driving. The signage can be confusing, so it is recommended to get a map or follow a local. All freeways, federal highways, and expressways are cashless and require a vignette, which can be purchased at a petrol station, tobacconist, automobile association, post office, or border crossing.
The speed limits in Austria are 30 to 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h outside built-up areas, and 130 km/h on motorways. It is important to watch out for speed limit signs and cameras, especially in villages. Drivers must wear seatbelts, and children under 14 who are shorter than 150 cm must be in appropriate child seats. Using a mobile phone while driving is prohibited unless it is a hands-free device that can be operated with one hand. Drivers must carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective vest, and it is recommended to carry a safety vest for every traveller. From November 1 to April 15, winter equipment is mandatory, and vehicles must be fitted with winter tires or snow chains.
