Why do you have to pay tolls?

Most countries in Europe charge toll fees, as there is a general obligation to pay tolls. Charges are levied for the use of certain roads, tunnels, and bridges. The revenue collected from tolls is invested in the expansion and maintenance of the road network, ensuring you a smooth journey on your vacation. The main areas of investment include infrastructure, traffic management, road safety, and environmental protection measures.

• Infrastructure: Construction and maintenance of roads and highways
• Traffic safety and traffic management: Use of new technologies such as intelligent traffic systems or toll bridges
• Environmental protection: Expansion of noise barriers or measures to reduce emissions

How are tolls collected?

Tolls can be collected in different ways. These include the vignette obligation, the distance-based toll, and special toll routes.

Vignette obligation: Cars and motorhomes up to 3.5 t GVW

With the vignette obligation, tolls are not based on kilometers driven but on a flat fee that varies depending on the travel period. Depending on the vehicle class, the price of a vignette may differ.

By purchasing a vignette, you make a one-time payment that allows you to use all toll roads (excluding special toll routes). The vignette obligation in Austria applies to vehicles up to 3.5 t GVW (gross vehicle weight without passengers). Motorcycles are also subject to the vignette obligation in Austria. More detailed information about the various vehicle classes and the relevant regulations can be found in our guide.

Distance-based toll: Trucks, buses, and motorhomes over 3.5 t GVW

The distance-based toll applies in most countries to vehicles over 3.5 t GVW (trucks, buses, larger motorhomes). Unlike the vignette obligation, this is not a flat fee. Instead, the toll is calculated based on the distance traveled, the vehicle class (number of axles), and the emission class. Accordingly, the toll fee can vary considerably. Distance-based tolls are collected using a transponder (on-board unit), which must be purchased online or at sales points depending on the country and installed in the vehicle. Payment is then processed automatically via the registered payment method.

In Austria, this requires the so-called GO-Box. Vehicles subject to distance-based tolls (over 3.5 t GVW) are exempt from the vignette obligation.

Special toll / route toll / video toll: Applies to all vehicles

Special toll routes are often tunnels or mountain passes. In Austria, the special toll is also referred to as a route toll (note: not to be confused with the distance-based toll). When using a special toll route, an additional fee must be paid. This fee, similar to the vignette, is a flat amount that varies by vehicle class.

The special toll is charged for specific routes that are not covered by either the vignette obligation or the distance-based toll. This means that even if you already have a vignette or a transponder (GO-Box), additional charges apply on certain stretches.

Drivers who use a special toll route must purchase a route toll ticket. For vehicles subject to the distance-based toll, the fee is automatically processed through the GO-Box.

Since many special toll routes are accessed via roads subject to vignette or distance-based tolls, it is always advisable to purchase a vignette or a transponder as well. Further details about the individual special toll routes in Austria can be found in our guide.

Digital vignette: Easy, convenient, and from home

Order your digital vignette now conveniently from home. Benefit from the immediate validity of your vignette for Austria and start your trip stress-free.

Free route planner

With our free route planner, you can quickly and reliably find out which toll products you need for your journey through Austria.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant journey

We wish you a safe trip to Austria and are happy to assist you with any questions regarding toll regulations. Feel free to contact us via e-mail.