In Austria, highways and expressways are subject to vignette obligation. Anyone driving to or through Austria, for instance, from Germany to Italy, typically requires a vignette for quick travel on highways. Additionally, some road sections may require a distance-based toll.
It is noteworthy that at the time of its construction, the Arlberg Tunnel was considered the longest tunnel in the world.
In Austria, vignettes for cars and motorcycles can be purchased with the following validities:
1 day
10 days
20 days
2 months
4 months
1 year
The annual vignette is generally valid from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year. Consequently, the annual vignette for the year 2023 is valid from December 1, 2022, to January 31, 2024. The 10-day vignette and the 2-month vignette are valid for the selected period, usually starting from the date of purchase. However, with the Digital Vignette, a desired start date can be chosen, and the vignette will be valid from that day for the selected duration. For the adhesive vignette, the start of validity is indicated by perforations on its edges.
It is important to note that if a Digital Vignette is purchased from ASFINAG by a private individual, there is an 18-day waiting period before it becomes valid. This waiting period does not apply to companies. Vignettes registered via Digitale- Vignette-Online.at are immediately valid for both private individuals and companies, without any waiting period.
In addition to the vignette, Austria also has a distance-based toll system. This was introduced to address the higher costs of particularly expensive and heavily utilized highway sections. On toll road segments, a vignette is not required. However, in most cases, the access and exit routes to a toll road require a vignette, making it necessary to obtain both.
The vignette for Austria can be purchased as a Digital Vignette online, or as an adhesive vignette at sales outlets. With the Digital Vignette, the license plate is registered online, and its validity can be automatically checked through a license plate query. The adhesive vignette must be visibly affixed to the front window of the vehicle. The Digital Vignette offers more convenience, is immediately valid at Digitale-Vignette-Online.at, and eliminates concerns about sticker residues, special vignette scrapers, or correct placement. Adhesive vignettes can be purchased at ASFINAG distribution points, primarily at petrol stations. In Germany, adhesive vignettes are generally available at petrol stations on highways and near the border, as well as at ADAC offices. During peak times, longer waiting times should be expected. An overview of all ASFINAG distribution points selling vignettes can be found here.
The Digital Vignettes from ASFINAG and the adhesive vignettes share the same prices. For 2023, the prices are as follows:
Vehicle Type | 10-Day Vignette | 2-Month Vignette | Annual Vignette |
Car | €9.90 | €29.00 | €96.40 |
Motorcycle | €5.80 | €14.50 | €38.20 |
Please be aware that there is an 18-day waiting period for vignettes purchased from ASFINAG by private individuals. Private providers such as Digitale-Vignette-Online.at impose an additional processing fee, but the Digital Vignette is valid immediately, with no waiting period. The prices at Digitale-Vignette-Online.at for 2023 are:
Vehicle Type | 10-Day Vignette | 2-Month Vignette | Annual Vignette |
Car | |||
Motorcycle |
Driving without a vignette can be quite costly. If you utilize a toll road without a valid vignette, you may receive a payment request for an alternative toll fee of €120. Failure to pay may lead to an administrative penalty procedure, with potential fines ranging from €300 to €3000.
Incorrect application of an adhesive vignette can result in its invalidation. Therefore, please adhere to the following conditions and consider registering for a Digital Vignette, which eliminates concerns about application:
The vignette must be valid and undamaged.
The vignette must be clearly visible and controllable (e.g., it should not be placed behind tinted strips).
The vignette must be completely removed from the carrier foil.
The vignette must be affixed to the inside of the windshield (never on side windows or rear windows!).