Leslie Massey
Austria has a rich history of car manufacturing, with companies like Laurin and Klement, Graf and Stift, and Tushek and Spigel producing a range of vehicles from motorcycles to supercars. The country has standardized vehicle registration plates to verify street legality and insurance, with a unique alphanumeric code indicating the district of registration. Personalized plates are also available for a fee. With a focus on both functionality and aesthetics, Austrian cars offer a diverse range of models, contributing to the country's motor vehicle landscape.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Driving side | Austrians drive on the right side of the road |
| Speed limits | Within built-up areas: 30-50 km/h. Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h. On motorways: 130 km/h |
| Speed cameras | Yes |
| Speed limits enforcement | On-the-spot fines, driving license suspension |
| Toll charges | Yes |
| Vignette | Mandatory for most motorways |
| IDP | Not required for UK drivers with a photocard driving license |
| Car insurance | Required |
| Car documents | Required |
| Personal ID/Passport | Required |
| Vehicle's home country | Must be shown on the ID/Passport or number plates |
| Safety vest | EN471 standard, required for all passengers |
| Reflective jacket/waistcoat | Must be worn if you break down on a major route outside of urban areas |
| Warning triangle | Must be placed approximately 50 meters away from the car in the event of a breakdown |
| First aid kit | Basic medical supplies, required |
| Snow chains | Mandatory if indicated by signs along the road |
| Winter tires | Mandatory between 1 November and 15 April |
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What You'll Learn
Speed limits and speeding fines
Austria's well-maintained motorway network makes driving the simplest way to get around the country. However, there are strict rules in place for drivers, and penalties for speeding have increased in recent years.
Speed limits
The speed limit varies depending on the type of road and the weather conditions. On motorways, the speed limit is usually 130 km/h, but this may be reduced to 100 km/h in certain conditions, for example, during bad weather or when roadworks are taking place. In built-up areas, the speed limit is typically 50 km/h, while on country roads, it is 100 km/h. However, it's worth noting that speed limits can change depending on the specific circumstances of the traffic situation. For example, in school zones, even minimal speeding may result in a fine.
Drivers are also required to adjust their speed to suit the winter weather conditions and use appropriate tyres. From 1 November to 15 April, vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons should be equipped with winter tyres if there is snow or ice on the road. For heavier vehicles, winter tyres are always obligatory during this period, regardless of the road conditions.
Speeding fines
The fines for speeding vary depending on how the violation was recorded—either by a police officer or an automatic device like a radar speed trap. Fines are typically higher when caught by the police, as they have more discretion over the punishment.
Since 1 March 2024, the penalties for speeding have increased significantly. Fines of up to €7,500 are possible, and drivers may also have their vehicles confiscated or even auctioned off if they exceed the speed limit by more than 80 km/h in urban areas or 90 km/h outside urban areas. These stricter measures apply to all drivers, including foreign motorists.
In addition to fines, speeding offences can also result in driving licence suspensions. Since 2021, licences can be retained for a minimum of four weeks for speeding violations of more than 40 km/h within towns and 50 km/h outside towns. Repeat offences will result in longer suspension periods.
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Driving licences and insurance
In Austria, you must be over 18 to obtain a driver's licence. If you are an EU citizen, you can use your domestic driver's licence to drive in Austria, but if you are a resident, you must convert it to an Austrian licence within six months. For non-EU and non-EEA-issued licences, you have six months to convert your licence before it loses its validity in Austria. You can do this through the State Police Department or the District Authority, depending on where you live. You will need to provide a passport photo, a medical certificate, and confirmation of registration in the civil registry, among other documents.
If you have a non-EU/EEA driving licence, you will need to get an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Austria. This can be purchased through the AAA club and is valid for one year. You must carry both your IDP and your driver's licence with you at all times. Alternatively, you can obtain a German translation of your driver's licence. If you are a resident of Austria, you can use your non-EU/EEA licence in connection with an IDP for only six months before exchanging it for an Austrian driver's licence.
In Austria, car insurance is regulated by the Insurance Association Austria. If you own a car in the country, you are required to purchase third-party liability insurance (Haftpflichtversicherung or KFZ Haftpflichtversicherung) before driving. This type of insurance covers damage caused to others in an accident. However, many companies that provide car financing in Austria will require more comprehensive insurance.
Austrian insurance companies use the Bonus-Malus system, where claim-free years reduce the charged premium (no-claims bonus), while reported claims result in higher premiums. The Green Insurance Card (Green Card) is another option, which proves that you have the minimum compulsory insurance coverage to drive in Austria and 46 other countries, mostly in Europe.
There are several factors that will determine your insurance price in Austria. Inexperienced drivers and those with powerful engines will pay more. Living in a rural area rather than an urban centre will result in lower insurance costs. You can expect to pay between €60 and €150 per month for car insurance in Austria.
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Winter driving equipment
Driving in Austria in the winter can be challenging due to the country's mountainous terrain and variable weather conditions. To ensure a safe journey, it is essential to have the right winter driving equipment. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you prepare for driving in Austria during the winter months:
Winter Tyres
One of the most important considerations for winter driving in Austria is having the correct tyres. Winter tyres are a legal requirement in Austria between November 1 and April 15. Look for tyres with the "Matsch und Schnee" (M+S, M.S. or M&S) symbol, which indicates they are approved for winter use. Radial tyres should have a tread depth of at least 4 millimetres, while cross-ply tyres need a minimum of 5 millimetres.
Snow Chains
Snow chains are another essential item for driving in Austria during the winter. They may be required on certain roads, especially in mountainous areas, when there is significant snowfall. Snow chains can be rented separately if your rental car does not include them. Remember to check local road signs indicating where snow chains are mandatory.
Ice Scrapers and De-Icers
Before setting off on your journey, ensure you have thoroughly cleared ice and snow from your vehicle, including the roof, windows, and lights. An ice scraper and de-icer are essential tools to help you remove ice and frost from your windscreen and windows.
Reflective Vest, First Aid Kit, and Warning Triangle
In addition to winter tyres and snow chains, Austrian law requires drivers to carry several other items in their vehicles. These include a reflective vest, a first aid kit, and a warning triangle. The reflective vest must be worn if you need to exit your vehicle in an emergency situation.
Vignette
When driving on Austrian motorways, you will need to purchase a vignette, which is a toll sticker or digital pass. Vignettes can be bought at state borders, petrol stations, and in neighbouring countries, although prices may be higher outside of Austria.
Other Winter Driving Tips
- Slow down and maintain a safe, controlled pace, especially on snowy or icy roads.
- Keep yourself informed about the weather forecast and road conditions before embarking on your journey.
- Be aware of speed limits and traffic regulations, as penalties for speeding and other offences can be costly.
- Consider renting a 4x4 vehicle for improved traction and safer handling in snowy and mountainous areas.
- Download the "On the way" traffic app by ASFINAG for real-time traffic information and updates.
By following these guidelines and equipping your vehicle with the necessary winter driving equipment, you can confidently navigate Austria's roads during the winter season and focus on enjoying your journey and the beautiful scenery.
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Tolls and vignettes
Vignettes can be purchased either as a classic sticker or as a digital vignette. The digital vignette is a more convenient option, as it can be purchased online, and you will receive an order confirmation via email within a few minutes. This confirmation includes a control section known as the "Voucher," which is essential for the toll system. The paper vignette, on the other hand, will be sent to you by post after your order has been processed.
It is important to note that driving on Austrian roads without a valid vignette can result in fines. If you fail to comply with the toll regulations, you may be guilty of "toll evasion" under the Federal Road Toll Act. The replacement toll, or "Ersatzmaut", amounts to €120, including VAT for cars, and it must be paid within four weeks of receiving the notification. If the replacement toll is not paid, the case may be forwarded to the authorities, who can initiate administrative proceedings, and the fines can increase significantly.
There are a few exceptions to the vignette requirement. For example, the A1 West Motorway from the Walserberg border crossing to Salzburg-Nord, the A12 Inntal Motorway from the Kiefersfelden border crossing to Kufstein-Süd, the A14 from the Hörbranz border crossing to Hohenems, and the A26 Linz Motorway Westring in Upper Austria can be accessed without a vignette and are free of charge. Additionally, when towing a trailer or caravan, you should consider the total weight of your vehicle and trailer combined to determine the right vignette. If your vehicle exceeds 3.5 tons, you must have a toll box to access toll roads in Austria.
To make your driving experience in Austria more convenient, you can download the "`On the way`" traffic app developed by ASFINAG. This app provides free traffic information in a simple and intuitive format, ensuring that you have all the necessary details for your journey at your fingertips.
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Driving on the right
Driving in Austria is done on the right-hand side of the road. This is the most common practice globally, with 141 out of 195 countries driving on the right, and it is known as Right-Hand Traffic (RHT). The United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan are among the countries that drive on the left, or Left-Hand Traffic (LHT).
History of RHT
The practice of driving on the right or the left is an old one, with some countries changing from one to the other over time. For example, the Netherlands has been RHT for a long time, but Rotterdam did not have fixed rules until 1917, when police enforced RHT to end traffic chaos. In Russia, an envoy to the Tsar in 1709 noted that traffic tended to pass on the right, but it was not until 1752 that an official edict was issued by Empress Elizabeth. In France, it is rumoured that Napoleon changed the custom from LHT to RHT after the French Revolution, but scholars have found no evidence to support this.
Rules of the Road
In Austria, as in most RHT countries, the vehicle that arrives at an intersection first has the right of way. However, if two vehicles arrive at the same time, the vehicle on the right has the right of way. In roundabouts, the traffic already in the roundabout has the right of way, and drivers should use their turn signals when entering or exiting.
Other Driving Tips for Austria
- Speed limits are not always followed by Austrians, except when on a motorway or driving through roadworks.
- Motorists must ensure they have the correct tyres for winter weather conditions, and vehicles with summer tyres are not allowed on roads covered in snow and ice.
- Instant speed limit reductions can be advertised on gantries on motorways.
- Tougher penalties for dangerous speeding have been introduced in Austria.
- Austrian motorway officials are experimenting with painting warning signs on the road that are only visible when the temperature falls below freezing.
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Frequently asked questions
Austrian license plates are made of metal and feature black letters and digits on a white background. The common design includes a blue section on the left with the EU circle of stars and the country code ('A'). On the top and bottom, there are red, white, and red tribands, the national colours of Austria.
Some Austrian car manufacturers include Laurin and Klement, Graf and Stift, and Tushek and Spigel Supercars GmbH.
There are several types of license plates in Austria, including standard plates, personalized plates, dealer plates, temporary plates, and foreign trailer plates. Electric plates were introduced in 2017 and are given only to electric vehicles, with parking exemptions in certain cities.
The alphanumeric format for Austrian license plates is typically "XX ∇=provincial emblem number+letter(s)" or "XX ∇=provincial emblem personalised letters+number", where XX represents one or two letters indicating the local registration office or district. The letter/number sequence must contain at least three characters, including at least one digit and one letter.
