The special toll, common throughout Europe, is referred to in Austria as the route toll (formerly: video toll) (Note: not to be confused with the distance-based toll). The route toll (special toll) is levied on clearly defined sections that are subject neither to the vignette requirement nor to the distance-based toll.
This means: even if you have purchased a vignette for using the motorways or pay the distance-based toll via GO‑Box, there are certain sections for which an additional fee (special toll) applies. The special toll must therefore be paid by everyone who uses the respective section.
All vehicle owners who wish to use a special toll route must pay the route 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 either in advance (Pre‑Pay) or afterwards (Post‑Pay). The rate depends 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 begins.
In summary: although the route toll must in principle be paid by all vehicle owners, for vehicles over 3.5 t gross vehicle weight the billing is automated, which may give the impression that no additional payments are due.
In Austria, special toll routes are often tunnels or mountain pass roads, since 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 (under or over 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 requirement or distance-based access roads. Regardless of the special toll route, it is therefore advisable to carry a vignette or a GO‑Box.