Penalties & Consequences
Driving without a valid vignette
Since Austria has a mandatory vignette requirement and checks are generally automated, driving without a valid vignette constitutes a legal violation on most Austrian roads. However, there are a few roads and stretches without a corresponding vignette or toll requirement.
1. Request for substitute toll, even though there is no violation of the vignette or toll obligation
Due to automatic monitoring, it can happen that the official letter from ASFINAG (plain stationery) is only delivered several months later.
Important: This letter should neither be ignored nor discarded.
Have you received a letter from ASFINAG requesting payment of the substitute toll amounting to EUR 200, yet you are certain that you have not violated either the vignette or the toll obligation?
In this case, you can contact the European Consumer Centre Italy. In direct cooperation with the European Consumer Centre Austria, they can have the payment request reviewed for cancellation. In addition, evidence photos can be requested from ASFINAG.
2. Received an "anonymous penalty notice" (administrative fine at a reduced amount) of EUR 300
If you have not received a request to pay the substitute toll of EUR 200, you can apply to pay the substitute toll.
If you are certain that you have complied with all regulations and have not violated any provisions, you can submit an application to the local authority for the fine to be archived (proof of toll payment required).
Note: Since this is a penalty against which no legal remedy can be filed under Austrian law, the issuing authority is not obliged to respond to such applications.
3. Received a request for "disclosure of driver data"
If the "anonymous penalty notice" is not paid within four weeks, it automatically becomes void and is replaced by a new, higher penalty.
The responsible district administrative authority then initiates administrative penalty proceedings and identifies the driver by means of a driver inquiry.
In this case, the registered vehicle owner has two weeks to name the driver of the vehicle.
At the latest by this point, the driver should definitely be disclosed, as otherwise an additional traffic offence and a further, substantial fine may be imposed.
4. Penalty notice (between EUR 300 and EUR 3,000)
After the anonymous penalty notice has not been settled, the administrative fine (so-called penalty notice) is issued. If appropriate grounds exist, an appeal can be lodged against this penalty.
The appeal must be filed within two weeks of receiving the penalty notice (free of charge, no legal representation required).
Submission by email is also possible (in German).
The appeal should contain the following information:
Clear indication that it is an appeal
Designation of the contested penalty notice (date and case number)
Designation of the responsible authority (e.g. district administrative authority)
Example: "I hereby lodge an appeal against the penalty notice of the BH Bregenz dated 01.08.2023, BHBR/X/042020020607"
Tip
As part of your appeal, request, if possible, a warning and, if applicable, an extraordinary mitigation of the penalty. In the case of minor oversights (e.g. a typing error when purchasing the digital vignette or incorrect application of the sticker vignette), the responsible district administrative authority sometimes decides in practice in favour of a warning and waives the fine.
If you cannot present solid grounds for an appeal, it is generally advisable to pay the fine.
Fine despite having purchased a vignette on Austria's motorways
With increasing mobility, the digital vignette is becoming ever more important. Especially in Austria, where a vignette is required to use the motorways, the digital solution can be an efficient and user-friendly alternative. However, an incident that became known illustrates how important it is to pay attention to the correct selection and actual validity when purchasing – and at the same time shows the advantages of our digital vignette.
Earlier this year, a case attracted attention: a resident of Lower Austria who routinely purchased an annual vignette received a fine, even though he had taken the necessary steps to register it.
The driver had purchased the vignette online via an official platform but did not notice that the validity of the annual vignette did not start immediately. Only much later – specifically after 18 days – would the use of the motorway with this vignette have been permitted. Such a delay can be an unexpected and, under certain circumstances, costly trap for many people who rely on immediate use. Spontaneous trips are thus made just as difficult as a short-notice extension shortly before departure.
Immediate validity of the digital vignette with us
Our digital vignette is valid immediately. For travellers and commuters who need flexible and uncomplicated use of the motorways, this reduces the risk of misunderstandings and makes the solution particularly attractive – especially for anyone who values convenience and efficiency.
This means that with us, you don't have to worry about accidentally being on the road without a valid vignette – as in the example mentioned above. During checks, the digital vignette can be quickly verified, as it is directly linked to the vehicle's licence plate.
To take full advantage of the benefits of the digital vignette, we invite you to choose this modern option for yourself. By registering your digital vignette on our website, you not only secure immediate validity, but also benefit from an overall more relaxed journey on Austria's motorways.
How many sticker vignettes are allowed?
In Austria, it is generally not looked upon favourably in practice if more than two sticker vignettes are found on the windscreen. However, this is not prohibited; corresponding fines are not to be expected based on the number of vignettes alone. It is important that the vignette is affixed in a clearly visible place, for example in the upper left corner or near the rear-view mirror. It must not be placed within a tinted strip or directly in the driver's field of vision.
Anyone wishing to avoid discussions and travel delays due to having more than two sticker vignettes should ideally remove an expired sticker vignette before departure using dish soap and warm water. Apply the mixture generously to the vignette. After a few minutes of exposure, the old vignette can be carefully peeled off and the new vignette then applied.
If you would like to spare yourself stress and effort, you can alternatively purchase a digital vignette from us. It is linked to your licence plate, is automatically recognised on-site, and does not need to be removed from the windscreen. This means that having multiple vignettes over the course of your travels is also unproblematic, and you don't need to worry about whether an older vignette was removed beforehand. You can order the digital vignette directly from us.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey
Take the opportunity to say goodbye to classic sticker vignettes and make use of the digital future of road usage. Register your digital vignette today and benefit from convenience and added security. Avoid unnecessary fines and enjoy your drive on Austria's roads. Your journey begins with a click.
