The Special Toll in Austria
The special toll (Sondermaut), which is common in the European region, is referred to in Austria as a section toll (formerly: video toll) (Note: not to be confused with the distance-based toll). The section toll (special toll) is levied for clearly defined sections that are subject neither to the vignette obligation nor to the distance-based toll.
This means: Even if you have purchased a vignette for the use of the motorways or pay the distance-based toll via a GO‑Box, there are sub-sections for which an additional fee (special toll) applies. The special toll must therefore be paid by everyone who uses the relevant section.
Who has to pay the section toll/special toll?
All vehicle owners who wish to use a special toll route must pay the section toll. Vehicles with a (digital) vignette, i.e. vehicles weighing less than 3.5 t gross vehicle weight, pay an additional amount on top of the vignette.
For vehicles subject to a distance-based toll (over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight), billing is carried out automatically when driving on the route via the GO‑Box. Payment is made in advance (Pre‑Pay) or afterwards (Post‑Pay). The rate is based on the distance travelled, the number of axles, air pollutant and noise emissions, as well as the vehicle's emission output, and can therefore be calculated and settled before the journey even begins.
In summary: Although the section toll must generally be paid by all vehicle owners, for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight the billing is automated, which can give the impression that no additional payments are due.
What section tolls (special toll routes) are there?
Special toll routes in Austria are often tunnels or mountain pass roads, as their maintenance involves increased effort. When passing through such a route, an additional flat fee must be paid, the amount of which – similar to the vignette – varies depending on the vehicle class (below or above 3.5 t gross vehicle weight).
It should also be noted that most special toll routes can be reached via access roads subject to the vignette obligation or distance-based access roads. Regardless of the special toll route, it is therefore advisable to carry a vignette or a GO‑Box.
Tunnels
The following tunnels are special toll routes; an additional fee must be paid to use them:
Mountain pass roads
The following mountain pass roads are special toll routes; an additional fee must be paid to use them:
Silvretta High Alpine Road (closed until 2030)
Tunnels exempt from the section toll/special toll
The following tunnels are not special toll routes; apart from the already purchased vignette or payment of the distance-based toll, no additional fees apply. The Landeck Tunnel and the Pfänder Tunnel are therefore exceptions, as most tunnels and mountain pass roads in Austria are classified as special toll routes.
The Landeck Tunnel is subject to the vignette obligation, while the vignette obligation does not apply to motorcycles and cars at the Pfänder Tunnel.
The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey!
We wish you a good trip to Austria and are happy to help with any questions about the toll regulations. You can find detailed information on the toll in Austria in our guide. If you have any further questions about your trip or our digital vignette, please feel free to contact us via our email.
