Penalties, Consequences and Questions About Validity

Penalties and Consequences Without a Valid Vignette

As Austria has a vignette requirement and checks are generally automated, driving without a valid vignette on most Austrian roads constitutes a legal offence. However, there are a few road and route sections that are not subject to a vignette or toll requirement.

1. Request to Pay a Substitute Toll Despite No Violation of the Vignette or Toll Requirement

Due to automated enforcement, it can happen that the official letter from ASFINAG (standard letterhead) arrives only several months later.

Important: This letter should neither be ignored nor disposed of.

Have you received a letter from ASFINAG requesting payment of the substitute toll in the amount of EUR 200, but you are certain that you have not violated the vignette or toll requirement?

In this case, you can contact the European Consumer Centre Italy. Working directly with the European Consumer Centre Austria, it can review whether the payment request can be cancelled. In addition, you can request evidence photos from ASFINAG.

2. Received an “Anonymverfügung” (Administrative Fine at a Reduced Amount) of EUR 300

If you did not receive a request to pay the substitute toll of EUR 200, you can apply to pay the substitute toll.

If you are sure that you complied with all regulations and did not violate any provisions, you can submit an application to the local authority to have the fine archived (proof of toll payment required).

Warning: As this is a fine for 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 to “Provide Driver Details”

If the “Anonymverfügung” is not paid within four weeks, it automatically becomes void and is replaced by a new, higher fine.

The competent district administrative authority then initiates administrative offence proceedings and identifies the driver by means of a driver enquiry.

In this case, the registered keeper has two weeks to name the driver of the vehicle.

At the latest at this point, the driver should definitely be named; otherwise, you may face an additional traffic offence as well as another substantial fine.

4. Penalty Notice (Between EUR 300 and EUR 3,000)

If the Anonymverfügung is not paid, an administrative penalty (so-called penalty notice) is issued. If there are valid grounds, an objection can be filed against this penalty.

The objection must be filed within two weeks of receiving the penalty notice (free of charge; there is no requirement to hire a lawyer).

Submission by email is also possible (in German).

The objection should include the following details:

• Clear indication that it is an objection
• Identification of the contested penalty notice (date and reference number)
• Identification of the competent authority (e.g. district administrative authority)

Example: “I hereby file an objection against the penalty notice issued by the BH Bregenz dated 01/08/2023, BHBR/X/042020020607”

Tip

When filing your objection, request a warning and, if applicable, an extraordinary reduction of the penalty. In cases of minor mistakes (e.g. a typo when purchasing the digital vignette or incorrect placement of the sticker vignette), the competent district administrative authority may, in practice, opt for a warning and waive the monetary fine.

If you cannot 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 continues to grow in importance. Especially in Austria, where a vignette is required to use the motorways, the digital option can be an efficient and user-friendly alternative. However, a case that became known highlights how important it is to pay attention to the correct selection and the actual start of validity when purchasing—and at the same time shows the advantages of our digital vignette.

At the beginning of the year, one case drew attention: A driver from Lower Austria, who routinely purchased an annual vignette, received a fine even though he had completed the necessary registration steps.

The driver bought the vignette online via an official platform, but did not realise that the annual vignette did not become valid immediately. Only much later—specifically after 18 days—would using 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. Spontaneous trips become more difficult, as does renewing your vignette at short notice 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 straightforward motorway use, this reduces the risk of misunderstandings and makes the option particularly attractive—especially for anyone who values convenience and efficiency.

This means you do not have to worry about accidentally travelling without a valid vignette with us—as in the example above. During checks, the digital vignette can be verified quickly because it is directly linked to the vehicle’s licence plate number.

To make full use of the benefits of the digital vignette, we invite you to choose this modern option. 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 practice, it is not looked upon favourably in Austria if more than two sticker vignettes are attached to the windscreen. However, this is not prohibited; fines are not expected solely because of the number of vignettes. What matters is that the vignette is clearly visible—for example, in the upper left or in the area around the rear-view mirror. It must not be placed in the tinted strip area or within the driver’s direct field of vision.

If you want to avoid discussions and travel delays caused by having more than two sticker vignettes, you should ideally remove an expired sticker vignette before you travel using washing-up liquid and warm water. Apply the mixture generously to the vignette. After a few minutes of soaking time, the old vignette can be carefully peeled off and the new one attached.

If you want to save yourself stress and effort, you can alternatively purchase a digital vignette from us. It is linked to your licence plate number, is recognised automatically on site, and does not need to be removed from the windscreen. This also makes multiple vignettes over the course of a trip unproblematic, and you do not have to worry about whether an older vignette was removed beforehand. You can order the digital vignette directly from us.

Take Action Now

Take the opportunity to say goodbye to traditional sticker vignettes and embrace the digital future of road use. Register your digital vignette today and benefit from convenience and added security. Avoid unnecessary fines and enjoy your journey on Austria’s roads. Your trip starts with a click. Register your digital vignette now and choose modern mobility.