Penalties & Consequences

Driving without a valid vignette

Since Austria has a vignette requirement 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 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 automatic checks, it can happen that the official letter from ASFINAG (plain letterhead) is delivered only a few months later.

Important: This letter should neither be ignored nor discarded.

Have you received a letter from ASFINAG requesting payment of a substitute toll 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). 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" (reduced administrative fine) of EUR 300

If you have not received a request to pay the substitute toll of EUR 200, you can apply to pay 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 to have the fine 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 "anonymous penalty notice" is not paid within four weeks, it automatically becomes void 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's registered 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)

If the anonymous penalty notice has not been settled, the administrative penalty (so-called penalty notice) is issued. If appropriate grounds exist, an objection can be raised 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 e-mail is also possible (in German).

The objection should contain the following information:

• Clear indication that it is an objection

• Reference to the contested penalty notice (date and case number)

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

Example: "I hereby object to the penalty notice issued by the Bregenz district authority dated 01.08.2023, BHBR/X/042020020607"

Tip

As part of your objection, request, if possible, a warning and, where applicable, an exceptional reduction 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 sometimes decides in practice in favour of a warning and waives the fine.

If you are unable to provide valid grounds for an objection, it is generally advisable to pay the fine.

Fine despite having purchased a vignette on Austria's motorways

In the course of increasing mobility, the digital vignette continues to gain in importance. Especially in Austria, where a vignette is required to use the motorways, the digital solution can represent an efficient and user-friendly alternative. However, an incident that became known illustrates how important it is to pay attention to the correct selection and actual validity when purchasing – and at the same time shows 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 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. Only much later – specifically after 18 days – would the use of 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 are just as complicated as a short-term 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 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 quickly verified, as it is directly linked to the vehicle's registration number.

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 well regarded in practice to have more than two sticker vignettes on the windscreen. However, this is not prohibited; corresponding fines are not to be expected solely due to 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 within 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 departure using dish soap and warm water. Apply the mixture generously to the vignette. After a few minutes of soaking, the old vignette can be carefully peeled off and the new vignette 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 registration number, is automatically recognised on site, and does not need to be removed from the windscreen. This means that multiple vignettes during the course of a trip are also unproblematic, and you don't need to worry about whether an older vignette has been 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 usage. Register your digital vignette today and benefit from convenience and added security. Avoid unnecessary fines and enjoy your drive on Austria's roads. Your journey begins with a click.