What is a route toll/special toll/video toll?
The special toll common in Europe is referred to in Austria as a route toll (formerly: video toll) (Note: not to be confused with the distance-based toll). The route toll (special toll) is charged for clearly defined sections that are subject neither to the vignette requirement nor to the distance-based toll.
This means that even if you have purchased a vignette for using motorways or pay the distance-based toll via the GO-Box, there are sections for which an additional fee (special toll) applies. The special toll must therefore be paid by anyone wishing to use the respective section.
Who has to pay the route/special toll?
All vehicle owners who wish to use a special toll section must pay the route toll. Vehicles with a (digital) vignette, i.e. vehicles with a weight of under 3.5 t tzGm, pay a supplement in addition to the vignette.
For vehicles subject to a distance-based toll (over 3.5 t tzGm), settlement is handled automatically when entering the section via the GO-Box. Payment is made in advance (Pre-Pay) or afterwards (Post-Pay). The tariff is based on the distance travelled, the number of axles, air pollutant and noise emissions, as well as the vehicle’s emission class, and can therefore be calculated and paid before departure.
In summary: although the route toll must in principle be paid by all vehicle owners, for vehicles over 3.5 t tzGm the charge is processed automatically, which may give the impression that no additional payment is due.
Which route tolls (special toll sections) exist?
In Austria, special toll sections are often tunnels or mountain passes, as their maintenance entails higher costs. When passing such a section, an additional flat fee is payable, the amount of which—similar to the vignette—varies by vehicle class (below or above 3.5 t tzGm).
It should also be noted that most special toll sections are accessed via vignette-obligatory access roads or distance-based access roads. Regardless of the special toll section, it is therefore advisable to have a vignette or a GO-Box.
The following tunnels and mountain roads are special toll sections; an additional fee is required to use them:
- Brenner Tunnel (A13)
- Timmelsjoch Tunnel
- Tauern Tunnel
- Karawanken Tunnel
- Arlberg Tunnel
- Felbertauern Tunnel
- Katschberg Tunnel
- Gerlos Alpine Road
- Gleinalm Tunnel
- Bosruck Tunnel
- Zillertal High Road
- Dachstein Road
Tunnels exempt from the route/special toll
The following tunnels are not special toll sections; no additional fees apply beyond an already purchased vignette or the distance-based toll. The Landecker Tunnel and the Pfändertunnel are therefore exceptions, as most tunnels and mountain roads in Austria are classified as special toll sections.
The Landecker Tunnel is subject to the vignette requirement, while the vignette obligation at the Pfändertunnel does not apply to motorcycles and passenger cars.
The DMC team wishes you a pleasant and safe journey!
