Traffic rules in Austria
Austria is one of the most popular travel destinations for drivers from Germany – whether for a short trip to the mountains, a summer holiday by a lake, or as a transit country on the way south. To make your journey as relaxed as possible, it's worth taking a quick look at the most important regulations: from choosing the right toll or vignette, to speed limits, to special features such as IG-L sections or winter equipment. In this overview, you'll find the key traffic rules in Austria that you should know in order to travel safely and avoid unnecessary fines.
What you need to remember
For driving in Austria, a German driving licence is sufficient. Please always carry it with you, along with the vehicle registration certificate Part I (Fahrzeugschein). The German test certificate (driving licence substitute) for accompanied driving from age 17 is also recognised. As proof of valid motor liability insurance, the German number plate is generally sufficient, but we still recommend carrying the IVK (International Insurance Card). This confirms your liability insurance cover and can usually be requested free of charge from your car insurer. It is also advisable to check with your insurer before starting your trip that you have sufficient insurance coverage.
The nationality identifier must either be included in the Euro number plate or attached to the vehicle.
A high-visibility vest (at least for the driver, recommended for all occupants), a warning triangle, and a first-aid kit (complete and not expired) must be carried.
A fire extinguisher is often recommended, but is not generally mandatory for cars.
Vignette and toll
On almost all motorways and expressways in Austria, a vignette requirement applies to motorcycles, cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t technically permissible total mass (including load). For all vehicles (including motorhomes) over 3.5 t technically permissible total mass, the distance-based toll applies. In this case, the vignette requirement does not apply, and the toll is collected electronically using the GO-Box. The GO-Box is a transmitter device that records the kilometres driven and enables toll billing. On some tunnels and mountain pass roads, an additional route toll (also known as a special toll or video toll) is charged due to high construction and maintenance costs, and must be paid separately. Our route planner can help you choose the right product. You can also find more information on the toll in our guide.
Traffic rules
Blood alcohol limit
The blood alcohol limit in Austria is 0.5 per mille. For novice drivers with less than two years of driving experience (probationary licence), a stricter limit of 0.1 per mille applies.
Overtaking
In Austria, there is an overtaking ban within 80 metres before and after level crossings.
School buses and buses
Buses must not be overtaken when they have stopped to let passengers on or off and have their hazard warning lights and yellow-red warning lights switched on – not even at walking speed.
Lights requirement
For motorised two-wheelers (motorcycles and mopeds), there is a general requirement to drive with lights on on all roads. For cars, driving with lights on during the day in good visibility is not required. However, in darkness, fog, rain or snow, lights must be switched on – as well as in tunnels and when towing.
Special traffic signs
If the speed limit (e.g. 100 km/h) has an "IG-L" addition, an exception applies on certain sections for vehicles with an E number plate: purely electric vehicles may drive at 130 km/h instead of 100 km/h there. Hybrid vehicles are excluded from this exception. This also applies to purely electric vehicles registered in Germany.
Tyres
In snow or ice as well as wintry road conditions, winter tyres (M+S marking) must be used between 1 November and 15 April. The minimum tread depth is 4 mm.
If you see a "no entry" sign with the addition "except vehicles with winter equipment", you may only continue if you are using winter tyres or snow chains.
Snow chains may be mandatory on certain roads as indicated by signage, and may also be used when there is a closed snow cover even without mandatory signage.
For heavy motorhomes, different regulations regarding winter tyres and snow chains may apply depending on the vehicle class.
Speed limits
The following details serve as a general guide. The signage and any additional requirements (e.g. weather- or traffic-related restrictions) are always decisive.
Car / motorcycle / motorhome (light):
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h
Expressways: 100 km/h
Motorways: 130 km/h
Combination (e.g. car with trailer up to 3.5 t GVW):
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Urban motorways: 100 km/h
Motorways: 100 km/h
Motorhome (heavy):
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 70 km/h
Urban motorways: 80 km/h
Motorways: 80 km/h
Fines and consequences
In the event of traffic rule violations, Austria distinguishes – depending on the situation and severity – between different forms of penalty:
Organ penalty notice (Organmandat): An immediate on-the-spot fine issued by the police, often for minor offences.
Anonymous notice (Anonymverfügung): Delivered by post if the driver is not stopped directly.
Penalty notice / administrative penalty proceedings: For more serious or disputed cases; higher penalty ranges and driving licence measures may be imposed.
The following amounts should be understood as a general guide. Depending on the offence, fines can be considerably higher.
Parking violation: from €20
Not wearing a seatbelt: from €50
20 km/h over the limit: from €60
Running a red light: from €70
Using a mobile phone while driving: from €100
Drink-driving: from €300
Over 50 km/h over the limit: up to €7,500
Good to know: Points in Flensburg are not issued for traffic violations in Austria.
Road conditions
Austria has an overall very well-developed and well-maintained road network. Motorways and expressways are regularly modernised and are mostly in good condition, although – as in any travel destination – roadworks and repairs can occur.
Away from the main routes, country roads are usually also easy to drive on and clearly signposted. In alpine regions, however, you should expect narrower carriageways, steep climbs, hairpin bends and sometimes narrow mountain pass roads – especially if you are travelling with a trailer or motorhome. Some high alpine roads and passes may be temporarily closed in winter or during severe weather.
In the mountains especially, the weather can change quickly: fog, heavy rain or snowfall can impair visibility and road conditions, and at higher altitudes, icy conditions are common in winter. It is therefore advisable to check the current traffic situation and possible pass or road closures before longer legs of your journey.
If you would like to explore the mountain regions in more detail, we recommend our guide on hiking areas for orientation.
Refuelling and charging
Refuelling and charging an electric car: Besides its impressive natural scenery, Austria also boasts a well-developed infrastructure. Nevertheless, a bit of preparation is helpful to ensure a smooth trip. In our article, you'll find all the important information on charging and refuelling in Austria.
Refuelling in Austria is well organised: a dense network of petrol stations ensures reliable supply for travellers. Charging electric cars is also becoming increasingly easy: numerous charging stations are available, especially in cities and along major routes, and the infrastructure is continuously being expanded.
The combination of traditional petrol stations and modern EV charging stations in Austria ensures that both combustion and electric vehicles are well catered for. With a bit of planning, you can therefore travel relaxed, without worrying about running low on fuel or electricity. You can find more information in our article on charging and refuelling.
Rental cars
If you want to use a rental car in Austria, you generally only need your German driving licence and an ID card. Rental companies often also require a credit card for the deposit. When booking, pay particular attention to the insurance cover, especially the amount of the excess, and avoid unnecessary add-on packages on-site. Also check whether a vignette is already included or whether you need to purchase one yourself, as a vignette is required on motorways and expressways. In winter, winter tyres should be fitted and, depending on the route, snow chains should be available. When picking up the vehicle, a quick vehicle check is recommended: document any existing damage, clarify the fuel policy, and have everything recorded in the protocol. This way, you avoid additional costs later and can stay relaxed on the road.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant trip!
We wish you a pleasant trip to Austria. Please inform yourself in good time about the country's toll regulations. You can find more information on the toll in our guide. If you would also like to find out about the vehicle classes in Austria, you will find helpful information on this in our guide as well. You can also use our route planner to better plan your trip and see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via our email.
FAQ on traffic rules in Austria
Do I need an international driving licence in Austria?
No. A German driving licence is recognised in Austria. It's important to carry it together with the vehicle registration document (registration certificate Part I).
Where does the vignette requirement apply in Austria, and which one do I need?
For cars, motorcycles and motorhomes up to 3.5 t technically permissible total mass, a vignette is required on almost all motorways and expressways. Vehicles over 3.5 t instead pay a distance-based toll via GO-Box. On certain tunnels and mountain pass roads, an additional special toll applies.
What blood alcohol limit applies when driving in Austria?
The general limit is 0.5 per mille. For novice drivers with a probationary licence (under two years of driving experience), a stricter limit of 0.1 per mille applies.
What is the maximum speed on Austria's motorways?
For cars, motorcycles and light motorhomes, the speed limit on motorways is generally 130 km/h. For combinations (e.g. cars with trailers), it is 100 km/h, and heavy motorhomes may drive at 80 km/h – unless signs indicate otherwise.
What happens if I am caught speeding or get a fine in Austria?
Austria penalises violations depending on their severity via an organ penalty notice (directly on the spot), an anonymous notice (by post), or administrative penalty proceedings. Fines can vary considerably depending on the offence. There are no points in Flensburg for this, but driving bans or driving licence measures may still be imposed in Austria.
Am I allowed to drive electric cars faster in IG-L sections?
Yes. If the additional sign "IG-L" is displayed below the speed limit, an exception applies to vehicles with an E number plate: purely electric vehicles may drive at 130 km/h instead of, for example, 100 km/h in certain areas. This also applies to purely electric cars registered in Germany, but not to hybrid vehicles.
