Penalties & Consequences

Driving without a valid vignette

Since Austria has a vignette requirement and controls are generally automated, 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 substitute toll, even though there is no violation of the vignette or toll requirement

Due to automated controls, 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 the substitute 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 Italy. In direct cooperation with the European Consumer Centre Austria, this centre can have the payment request checked for cancellation. In addition, evidence photos can be requested from ASFINAG.

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

If you have not received a request to pay the substitute toll of EUR 200, you can apply for payment of the substitute 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 for the fine to be 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 request for "disclosure of driver data"

If the "anonymous penalty notice" is not paid within four weeks, it automatically becomes void and is replaced by a new, higher penalty.

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

In this case, the 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)

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

The appeal must be made within two weeks of receiving the penalty notice (free of charge, no legal representation is required).

Submission by e-mail is also possible (in German).

The appeal should contain the following information:

• Clear indication that it is an appeal

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

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

Example: "I am lodging an appeal against the penalty notice issued by the BH Bregenz dated 01.08.2023, BHBR/X/042020020607"

Tip

If possible, request a warning as part of your appeal and, where applicable, an extraordinary mitigation of the penalty. In the case of minor oversights (e.g. a typo when purchasing the digital vignette or incorrect application of the sticker vignette), the competent 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 appeal, 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 solution can be an efficient and user-friendly alternative. However, a case that recently came to light 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 begin immediately. Only significantly 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. 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 have to worry about accidentally being on the road without a valid vignette when using our service – 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 not generally viewed favourably in practice if more than two sticker vignettes are 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 location, for example in the top left corner or near 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 wishing to avoid discussions and travel delays due to 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 exposure, 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 multiple vignettes during the course of your travels are not a problem, and you don't need to worry about whether an older vignette has previously been removed. You can order the digital vignette directly from us.

The Europamaut team wishes you a pleasant journey

Take the opportunity to say goodbye to traditional sticker vignettes and embrace the digital future of road usage. 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 starts with a click.