Penalties & Consequences

Driving without a valid vignette

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

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

Due to the automatic checks, it can happen that the official letter from ASFINAG (plain stationery) is only delivered a few months later.

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

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

In this case, you can contact the European Consumer Centre in your country of residence (in Germany: ECC Germany). This centre can work directly with the European Consumer Centre Austria to have the payment request reviewed for cancellation. In addition, evidence photos can be requested from ASFINAG.

2. Received a "penal order" (administrative penalty at a reduced level) in the amount of EUR 300

If you have not received a request to pay the replacement toll in the amount 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 submit an application to the local authority to have the penalty archived (proof of toll payment required).

Please 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 request for "disclosure of driver data"

If the "penal order" is not paid within four weeks, it automatically becomes invalid and is replaced by a new, higher penalty.

The responsible district administrative authority then initiates administrative penalty proceedings and determines the driver by means of a driver survey.

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

The driver should definitely be disclosed by this point at the latest, as otherwise an additional traffic offence and a further, substantial fine may be imposed.

4. Penalty notice (between EUR 300 and EUR 3,000)

After the penal order has not been settled, the administrative penalty (so-called penalty notice) is issued. If appropriate grounds exist, an objection can be lodged against this penalty.

The objection must be submitted 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 penalty notice being contested (date and case number)

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

Example: "I hereby lodge an objection against the penalty notice issued by the Bregenz district authority (BH Bregenz) dated 01.08.2023, BHBR/X/042020020607"

Tip

As part of your objection, apply for a warning if possible, and, where applicable, an extraordinary mitigation of the penalty. In the case of minor oversights (e.g. typing errors when purchasing the digital vignette or incorrect application of the sticker vignette), the responsible district administrative authority in practice sometimes decides in favour of a warning and waives the fine.

If you cannot put forward solid grounds for an objection, it is generally advisable to pay the penalty.

Penalty despite having purchased a vignette on Austria's motorways

With increasing mobility, the digital vignette continues to grow in importance. Particularly in Austria, where a vignette is required to use the motorways, the digital solution can represent an efficient and user-friendly alternative. However, a case that has become known 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.

For detailed information, see our guide Penalty despite having purchased a vignette in Austria.

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 it.

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. The motorway could only have been used legally with this vignette considerably later – specifically after 18 days. Such a delay can be an unexpected and potentially costly trap for many people who rely on being able to use it immediately. 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 straightforward 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 travelling without a valid vignette with us – as in the example mentioned above. During checks, the digital vignette can be verified quickly, as it is directly linked to the vehicle's number plate.

To make full use of the benefits 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 not generally looked upon favourably in practice if more than two sticker vignettes are displayed on the windscreen. However, this is not prohibited; corresponding penalties are not to be expected based solely on the number of vignettes. It is important that the vignette is affixed in a clearly visible position, for example at the top left or near the rear-view mirror. It must not be placed in the area of a tinted strip or directly within 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 setting off, using washing-up liquid and warm water. Apply the mixture generously to the vignette. After a few minutes of letting it take effect, the old vignette can be carefully peeled off and the new vignette then applied.

If you would like to spare yourself stress and effort, you can alternatively purchase a digital vignette from us. This is linked to your number plate, is automatically recognised on-site, and does not need to be removed from the windscreen. This also means that having several vignettes over the course of your travels is not a problem, and you don't need to worry about whether an older vignette was 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 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 journey begins with a click.