Penalties & Consequences

Driving without a valid vignette

Since a vignette requirement applies in Austria and controls are usually carried out automatically, driving without a valid vignette constitutes a violation of the law on most Austrian roads. However, there are a few roads and sections without a corresponding vignette or toll requirement.

1. Request for a replacement toll, even though there is no violation of the vignette or toll requirement

Due to automatic monitoring, it can happen that the official letter from ASFINAG (plain letterhead) 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 a replacement toll amounting to EUR 200, but you are certain that you have not violated either the vignette or the toll requirement?

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 checked for cancellation. In addition, you can request evidence photos from ASFINAG.

2. Received an “anonymous penalty notice” (administrative fine in reduced amount) of EUR 300

If you have not received a request to pay the replacement toll of EUR 200, you can apply to pay the replacement toll.

If you are certain that you have complied with all regulations and have not violated any provisions, you can apply to the local authority to have the fine archived (proof of toll payment required).

Note: Since this is a penalty against which no legal remedy can be lodged under Austrian law, the issuing authority is not obliged to respond to such applications.

3. Received a “disclosure of driver data” request

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 survey.

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)

If the anonymous penalty notice has not been settled, the administrative fine (so-called penalty notice) is issued. If appropriate grounds exist, an objection can be raised against this penalty.

The objection 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 objection should contain the following information:

• Clear indication that it is an objection

• Designation of the contested penalty notice (date and reference number)

• Designation of the responsible authority (e.g. district administrative authority)

Example: “I hereby lodge an objection against the penalty notice issued by the BH Bregenz dated 01.08.2023, BHBR/X/042020020607”

Tip

As part of your objection, if possible, request a warning and, if applicable, an extraordinary mitigation of penalty. In cases of minor oversights (e.g. a typo when purchasing the digital vignette or incorrect placement of the sticker vignette), the responsible district administrative authority sometimes decides in practice in favour of a warning and waives the fine.

If you are unable to provide solid grounds for an objection, 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, a widely reported incident illustrates how important it is to pay attention to the correct selection and actual validity when purchasing – and at the same time highlights 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.

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 use of the motorway with this vignette have been permitted. Such a delay can be an unexpected and potentially costly trap for many people who rely on immediate use. This makes spontaneous trips 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 you don't need 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 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 frowned upon in practice to have more than two sticker vignettes on the windscreen. However, this is not prohibited; corresponding penalties are not to be expected solely on the basis of the number of vignettes. It is important that the vignette is affixed in a clearly visible position, for example in the top left or in the area of the rear-view mirror. It must not be placed in the area of a tinted strip or directly in the driver's field of vision.

Anyone who wants to avoid discussions and travel delays due to having more than two sticker vignettes should ideally remove an expired sticker vignette before starting their journey using dish soap and warm water. Apply the mixture generously to the vignette. After a few minutes of soaking, the old vignette can be carefully peeled off and the new vignette can then be applied.

If you would like to save yourself stress and effort, you can alternatively purchase a digital vignette from us. This 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 journey is also not a problem, and you don't need to worry about whether an older vignette has been 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 additional security. Avoid unnecessary fines and enjoy your journey on Austria's roads. Your journey begins with a click.