Toll roads in Austria? How to buy a vignette in Austria? Fines in Austria? Parking in Austria? Motorways in in Austria? We have collected answers to all these questions for you in this article.
Roads in Austria
Excellent motorways, highways and federal roads connect Austria with all its neighboring states. All major border checkpoints (both on highways and federal roads) are open 24 hours a day.
The length of the highway network in Austria is 200,000 km, of which 2,249 km are toll roads.
Toll roads in Austria
The use of motorways, highways and special road sections in Austria is only allowed after paying the toll. All vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3.5 tons – cars, motorcycles and camper vans – must have a vignette .
An additional vignette is not required for trailers, residential vans (motorhomes), strollers for motorcycles .
Depending on the type of vignette, drivers can use the toll road network for a certain period of time.
When crossing the border, boards are installed, informing drivers about the need to purchase a vignette. Inside the country, there are signs when approaching toll highways.
Map of toll Motorways in in Austria
On freeways and expressways marked in orange on the map, all vehicles with a maximum permissible weight of up to 3.5 tons must have a vignette.
The cost of the vignette in Austria is 2024
The value of the vignette (EUR) for different categories of vehicles for 2024 is:
| Vehicle | 1 day vignette | 10 days | 2 months | 1 year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles (A) | €3.40 | €4.60 | € 11.50 | €38.50 | |
| Cars up to 3.5 tons (B) | €8.60 | € 11.50 | € 28.90 | € 96.40 |
Cars with a permissible weight of more than 3.5 tons pay toll roads electronically.
For cars with a permissible mass of no more than 3.5 tons, an additional vignette for a trailer or trailer is not required.
The vignette can be purchased at some gas stations located close to the border, both in Austria itself and in neighboring countries.
If you are caught without a vignette on the motorways in Austria, the fine will be 120 euros paid on the spot (65 euros for motorcycles). In case of detection of any manipulations with the vignette (damage to the vignette, traces of pasting of the vignette, etc.), the fine will be €240 (€130 for motorcycles). If you refuse to pay on the spot, the fine can reach from € 300 to € 3,000 in court proceedings.
Validity of the vignette in Austria
An electronic vignette has been introduced in Austria!
Since 2018, an alternative to the traditional vignette has appeared. The electronic vignette is attached to the license plate. Those who wish may continue to use the traditional vignette affixed to the windshield.
In the video below, you can see how to buy a vignette in Austria online (you can watch other videos on our YouTube channel ).
1-day vignette – entitles vehicles to use Austrian toll roads until the end of the day.
Example:
If you purchase a digital one-day vignette on July 23 at 3:07 PM for immediate use, it is valid from 3:07 PM to 11:59 PM.
If you purchase a 4th of July digital day vignette for the 6th of July, it will be valid from 00:00 to 23:59 on the 6th of July.
10-day vignette – entitles vehicles to use Austrian toll roads for ten consecutive calendar days starting from the date specified by the buyer.
Example:
Mark date: January 10. Accordingly, the vignette is valid from January 10 at 00:00. and until January 19 at midnight.
2-month vignette – entitles vehicles to use Austrian toll roads for 2 months. The validity period of the vignette starts from the date indicated by the buyer and expires two months later at the end of the day.
Example:
Mark date: January 10. Accordingly, the vignette is valid from January 10 at 00:00. and until March 10 at midnight.
1-year vignette – entitles vehicles to use Austrian toll roads for 1 calendar year. The validity of the vignette begins on December 1 of the previous year and ends on January 31 of the following year.
Example:
Vignette for 2023. Accordingly, the vignette is valid from December 1, 2022 until January 31, 2024.
A valid vignette must be properly attached to the vehicle before using toll roads. Driving on toll roads without a valid vignette is prohibited .
In the video below, you can see how to properly stick a vignette in Austria (you can watch other videos on our YouTube channel ).
Plots with special payment in Austria
In Austria, there are road sections with a special toll (passing through tunnels). Tariffs for 2024. Autobahn A9 Pyhrn:
| Gleinalm tunnel | Bosruck tunnel | Both tunnels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| One trip | € 10.50 | € 6.50 | |
| One year | €114.00 |
Autobahn A10 Tauern:
| Tauern tunnel | Katschberg tunnel | Both tunnels | |
|---|---|---|---|
| One trip | €7.00 | €7.00 | € 13.50 |
| One year | € 120.00 |
Autobahn A11 Karawanken:
| Karawanken tunnel | |
|---|---|
| One trip | €7.80 |
Autobahn A13 Brenner:
| Plot 1 | Plot 2 | Plot 3 | All the way | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| One trip | €3.00 | €3.50 | €5.50 | € 11.00 |
| One year | €114.00 | |||
| One month | €45.00 |
Section 1 : Innsbruck – Patsch/Europabrücke – Nösslach
Section 2 : Innsbruck – Stubaital
Section 3 : Matrei – Brennerpaß Autobahn S16 Arlberg:
| Autobahn Arlberg | |
|---|---|
| One trip | € 11.50 |
| One year | €114.00 |
Road 108 Felbertauerntunnel:
| Vehicle | 1 trip | Bonus card | 1 year [ 1] | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles with sidecar or without sidecar | €10.00 | € 16.50 | € 120.00 | |
| Passenger cars up to 9 seats, including motorhomes | € 11.00 | € 16.50 | € 120.00 | |
| Trucks up to 3.5 tons | € 19.50 | € 140.00 |
[1] The excursion ticket (Bonuskarte) gives unlimited use of Felbertauernstraße on the day of issue, as well as special conditions for visiting the Hohe Tauern National Park. The ticket is available 24 hours a day at the ticket office on the south side of the Felbertauern.
Grossglockner High Alpine Road
This is a high mountain road in Austria. Passes through the Hohe Tauern National Park. The road is named after the highest mountain in Austria, Großglockner (3798 m). The length of the road is 47.8 km. The highest point is 2,504 m. It is a serpentine with many turns (36) and wonderful surrounding views.
The road is open for travel from May to October (depending on weather conditions) during the day. Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Ticket for 1 day [ 1] | Ticket for 3 weeks | Excursion [ 2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | €30.00 | €60.00 | €38.50 |
| Passenger cars (including motorhomes and cars with a trailer with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons) | €40.00 | €73.00 | €48.00 |
| Motorhomes and passenger cars with a trailer with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | € 49.00 [ 3] | – | – |
[1] in case of entry after 18:00, the ticket price is reduced to €30.00 for cars and €23.50 for motorcycles.
[2] Excursion tickets are valid for one month for the Großglockner High Alpine Road and Felbertauern Road.
[3] return travel by road on the same day is free.
A repeat visit in the same calendar year on the same car or motorcycle (with the same number plates) will cost € 14.50 (the old ticket must be presented).
Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road
This is a high mountain road from Austria to Italy. It connects the Ötztal valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol with the Passeier valley in the Italian province of Bolzano.
The road is open for travel from June to October (depending on weather conditions) during the day. Detailed information can be found on the page – Panoramic road Timmelsjoch High Alpine Road. Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | One-way ticket | Round-trip ticket | Season ticket |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | €16.00 | € 21.00 | €80.00 |
| Passenger cars up to 9 seats, including motorhomes with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons | €18.00 | € 24.00 | €80.00 |
| Motorhomes with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | € 28.00 | € 28.00 | – |
The return ticket is valid throughout the season, but it must not be used on the same day.
Villach Alpine Road
Villach Alpine Road is located in Austria and has a length of 16.5 km. It runs between Villach-Möltschach (550 m) and Dobratsch (1,732 m). The road is exclusively touristic.
As you drive along the road, you will enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the town of Villach, Karawanken and the largest landslide in the Eastern Alps on the southern slope of the Dobratsch. The road is open to traffic all year round. Motorcycles are prohibited from 20:00 to 07:00. Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Ticket for 1 day | Season ticket [ 1] |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | €14.00 | €70.00 |
| Passenger cars | € 20.50 | €70.00 |
The season ticket is valid from mid-April to the end of October.
Gerlos Alpine Road
The Gerlos Alpine Road is 12 km long and rises to a height of 1,630 meters. It connects Gerlos and Krimml. On the way to the top, there are 8 turns with a maximum gradient of 9%.
The Gerlos Alpine Road is open to traffic all year round and offers optimal access to the world-famous Krimml Falls. Tariffs for 2023:
| Vehicle | Ticket for 1 day | Ticket for 8 days | Ticket for 3 weeks | Ticket for 1 year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | € 8.00 | € 18.50 | € 27.50 | €57.00 |
| Passenger cars (including motorhomes and cars with a trailer with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons) | € 11.00 | € 24.00 | €41.00 | €57.00 |
| Motorhomes and passenger cars with a trailer with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | €18.00 | – | – | € 131.00 |
Nockalm Road
Nockalm Road is 34 km long and rises to a height of 2,042 meters. It connects Innerkrems (1,500 m) and Reichenau (1,095 m). Thanks to the gradient of 10%, the road brings unique pleasure to car drivers and motorcyclists.
Nockalm Road is open to traffic from May to October. Motorcycles are prohibited from 18:00 to 08:00. Tariffs for 2023:
| Vehicle | Ticket for 1 day | Season ticket |
|---|---|---|
| Motorcycles | €16.00 | €75.00 |
| Passenger cars | € 21.50 | €75.00 |
| Cars with or without a trailer with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons | €37.00 | – |
Image from the web camera:
Silvretta High Alpine Road
The Silvretta High Alpine Road is 22.3 km long and reaches a height of 2,032 meters. It is part of regional road 188 and connects Partenen (1,051 m) and Galtür (1,725 m). The number of turns on the road is 34, the maximum gradient is 12%.
This road is often called the “Alpine dream road for connoisseurs”. This is one of the most popular and most beautiful mountain roads in the Alps. The magnificent mountain scenery of Silvretta, lakes Vermunt and Silvretta are in the immediate vicinity of the road and simply enchant visitors.
Depending on weather and snow conditions, the Silvretta High Alpine Road is open from approximately June to October. Restaurants along the route are also open at this time. Tariffs for 2024:
| Vehicle | Price |
|---|---|
| Moped (up to 50 cc) | €7.00 |
| Motorcycles | € 14.50 |
| ATVs | € 14.50 |
| Passenger cars | €18.00 |
| Motorhomes | € 25.50 |
It is forbidden to drive cars with trailers.
Parking in Austria
In most Austrian cities, on-street parking is paid and time-limited.
So, for example, in Vienna, the following rates apply for temporary parking on city streets:
- 15 minutes – free of charge
- 30 minutes – € 1.10
- 1 year – € 2.20
- 1.5 years – € 3.30
- 2 years – € 4.40
If you need to leave your car for a longer period, it is better to use underground garages (€ 25 per day on average) or P+R parking (€ 3.60 per day).
The fine for parking in an unauthorized place or exceeding the parking time in paid short-term parking is €36.
Road map of Austria
Basic traffic rules of Austria
Austrian road rules and signs are similar to those in other European countries.
Speed limits in Austria
Standard speed limits in Austria (unless otherwise indicated on signs). Cars (up to 3.5 tons) and motorcycles:
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 100 km/h
- on the highway – 130 km/h
Cars (up to 3.5 t) with trailers (up to 750 kg):
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 100 km/h
- on the highway – 100 km/h
Cars (up to 3.5 t) with trailers (from 750 kg to 3.5 t):
- in the settlement – 50 km/h
- outside the settlement – 80 km/h
- on the highway – 100 km/h
The minimum permitted speed on autobahns is 60 km/h.
Cars with studded tires can travel on the autobahn at a speed of no more than 100 km/h, and on other roads – no more than 80 km/h.
Current maximum speed limits on the roads of European countries for passenger cars.
The maximum permissible level of alcohol in Austria
The maximum permissible level of alcohol in the blood is 0.49 ‰ .
If the level of alcohol in the blood is between 0.5 ‰ and 0.79 ‰, then a fine in the amount of € 300 to 3,700 will be imposed. A repeated violation causes a referral to a psychologist (approximately €200). In the case of a third violation (within 2 years), the driver’s license may be revoked.
If the blood alcohol level is between 0.8 ‰ and 1.19 ‰, a fine of €800 to €3,700 will be imposed and the driver’s license will be suspended for 1 month, and in the case of repeated violations for 3 months.
If the blood alcohol level is between 1.2‰ and 1.59‰, a fine of €1,200 to €4,400 will be imposed and the driver’s license will be suspended for 4 months.
If the alcohol level exceeds 1.6‰, a fine of between €1,600 and €5,900 will be imposed and the driver’s license will be suspended for 6 months. The same punishment is provided for refusal to pass an alcohol test.
For drivers with less than 2 years of experience, the permitted blood alcohol level is 0.1 ‰.
Permissible blood alcohol content while driving a car in European countries.
The use of dipped beam headlights in Austria
Low beam is optional when driving during the day and mandatory when driving at night. Also, the dipped beam should be switched on in conditions of poor visibility caused by bad weather. In this case, it is forbidden to move only with the dimensions turned on.
The fine for non-compliance is €30.
In which European countries is it mandatory to use dipped headlights during the day?
Rules for transporting children in Austria
Children under 14 years of age and less than 150 cm tall must be transported only in special seats. Children under 14 years of age and taller than 150 cm must use adult seat belts.
The fine for violating the rules of transporting children is €35.
Requirements for the transportation of children in light vehicles on the roads of European countries.
The use of seat belts in Austria
The use of seat belts is mandatory for both front and rear passengers.
Fine for unfastened belts – €35.
The fine for riding a motorcycle without a helmet is €35.
Talking on the phone while driving in Austria
You can talk on the phone while driving only if the car is equipped with a hands-free system. The system should be operated with one hand.
In case of violation, the fine is €50.
Fines for talking on the phone while driving in European countries.
Fines in Austria
In Austria, there is no general catalog of fines for traffic violations. Different fines may be imposed for the same violation in different federal states.
Police officers in Austria have the right to collect fines on the spot. The police officer collecting the fine must issue an official receipt. In the case of a large fine, the driver will be asked to give a deposit, and the rest of the fine must be paid within two weeks.
Parked vehicles that make traffic difficult can be towed to the parking lot. Table of fines for traffic violations in Austria (EUR):
| Violation | Fines (on the spot) | Fines (through court) |
|---|---|---|
| Movement on the side of the road | €10 | € 10 – 40 |
| Failure to comply with the requirement of traffic rules to stop before the stop line | €30 | € 30 – 60 |
| Failure to comply with the requirement of the traffic rules to give a signal before starting movement, rearranging, turning, U-turning or stopping | €35 | € 36 – 42 |
| Creating obstacles for overtaking other vehicles | €40 | € 36 – 80 |
| Violation of the rules of passage through a railway crossing | €60 | €50-70 |
| Overtaking vehicles where it is prohibited by road signs | €50 | € 58 – 100 |
| Failure to comply with the requirement of traffic rules to give way to a vehicle that has the right-of-way in traffic | €30 | €70 |
| Driving through a yellow traffic light | €30 | € 36 – 42 |
| Driving through a red traffic light | €70 | €58-70 |
| Pollution of the road surface | €40 | €40 |
| Use of rear fog lights despite good visibility | €30 | € 36 – 60 |
| Failure to maintain the distance to TM, which is ahead | 50 | €36 – 2,180 |
The amount of fines for speeding depends on how the violation was recorded – by a police officer (payment on the spot) or by an automatic device (radar). Fines for speeding in a locality (EUR):
| Speeding | Police | Radar |
|---|---|---|
| up to 20 km/h | €30 | € 29 – 60 |
| from 21 to 30 km/h | €50 | € 56 – 72 |
| from 31 to 40 km/h | €70 | €70 – 160 |
| from 40 km/h and above | – | € 150 – 2,180 deprivation of VU from 6 weeks |
Fines for speeding outside the settlement (EUR):
| Speeding | Police | Radar |
|---|---|---|
| up to 20 km/h | €30 | € 29 – 50 |
| from 21 to 30 km/h | €50 | € 56 – 90 |
| from 31 to 40 km/h | €70 | € 140 – 160 |
| from 41 to 50 km/h | – | € 150 – 300 |
| from 50 km/h and above | – | € 150 – 2,180 deprivation of VU from 6 weeks |
Fines for speeding on the motorway (EUR):
| Speeding | Police | Radar |
|---|---|---|
| up to 20 km/h | €30 | €45 |
| from 21 to 30 km/h | €50 | €60 |
| from 31 to 40 km/h | €70 | €70 – 160 |
| from 40 km/h and above | – | € 150 – 2,180 deprivation of VU from 6 weeks |
When measuring speed, the measurement error of the device, the type of device and the speed at which it is measured are taken into account (subtracted from the measured value):
- up to 100 km/h:
- 3 km/h – stationary laser radar
- 5 km/h – stationary radar
- 7 km/h – mobile radar
- over 100 km/h :
- 3% – stationary laser radar
- 5% – stationary radar
- 7% – mobile radar
This means that in a section with a speed limit of 50 km/h, the penalty can theoretically come from a measured speed of 54 km/h.
In fact, the amount of punishment is at the discretion of the police patrol and the specific circumstances of the road situation. So, for example, in the zone of influence of the “school” sign, the penalty will be imposed even for minimal speeding.
Useful Information
Gasoline prices in Austria
1.561.771.661.35 on 24.11.2023
Unleaded gasoline (92, 95 and 98) and diesel are available in Austria. The sale of leaded gasoline is prohibited.
Gasoline-92 (Normal) and propane-butane (Autogaz) are found at a limited number of gas stations.
Average prices for all types of fuel according to the data of the Ministry of Development and Tourism as of 11/24/2023 :
- Normal (92) – € 1.562
- Super (95) – € 1.556
- Super Plus (98) – €1,769
- Diesel – € 1.663
- Autogas (LPG) – €1,350
On the territory of the country, it is allowed to carry a little more than 10 liters of fuel in canisters in a car.
Changes compared to the previous period are shown. Update once every two weeks.
Emergency numbers in Austria
- The European emergency number is 112
- Fire service – 122
- Police – 133
- Ambulance – 144
- Rescue service – 140
- ÖAMTC technical assistance on the road and tow truck services – 120
- ARBÖ emergency service – 123
Mandatory equipment that must be in a car in Austria
Equipment that must be in the car:
- The emergency stop sign must comply with EC 27 (for vehicles with more than two wheels).
- The car first aid kit should be in a strong box protected from dirt.
- Reflective vest – you must have a reflective vest (compliant with European standards EN471), which must be used in the event of an emergency stop and when installing an emergency stop sign on the road. This rule does not apply to mopeds/motorcycles. Fine from €14 to €36 on the spot.
- Winter equipment – all drivers have a legal obligation to prepare their vehicle for winter weather conditions.
Requirements for the equipment that must be in the car in different European countries.
Winter equipment
Winter tires
Between November 1 and April 15, under appropriate weather conditions (snow, ice on the road), vehicles with a total weight of up to 3.5 tons must be equipped with winter tires.
For vehicles with a total weight of more than 3.5 tons, winter tires are always mandatory during this period of time, regardless of the presence of snow or ice on the roads.
If the vehicle is not equipped with winter tires during this period, the violator will be fined €60. If other road users are endangered, the fine may increase to €5,000.
Studded tires
Studded tires are allowed to be used only for vehicles, the weight of which does not exceed 3.5 tons, from October 1 to May 31. Local authorities may extend this period.
Studded tires must be installed on all wheels. The speed of vehicles equipped with studded tires should not exceed 100 km/h on highways and 80 km/h on other roads.
Anti-slip chains
Anti-skid chains are allowed to be used with summer tires. They must be fitted on at least 2 leading wheels. Anti-skid chains are allowed only if the road is completely covered with snow or ice.
Requirements for the use of winter and studded tires in different European countries.
Additional equipment and other regulations in Austria
When a school bus stops to pick up/drop off children, with its turn signal flashing, cars traveling in the same direction are not allowed to overtake it.
The use of navigation software indicating the location of fixed speed cameras is permitted.
The use of radar detectors is prohibited. When detected, it is confiscated by the police. A fine of up to €4,000.
The use of video recorders in Austria for purposes other than personal use is prohibited. Violation is punishable by a fine of €10,000.