Traffic rules in Austria

Austria is one of the most popular travel destinations for drivers from Germany—whether for a short trip to the mountains, a summer holiday by a lake, or as a transit country on the way further south. To keep your journey as relaxed as possible, it’s worth taking a quick look at the key regulations: from choosing the right toll or vignette, to speed limits, and special rules such as IG-L sections or winter equipment requirements. This overview summarizes the main traffic rules in Austria you should know to stay safe and avoid unnecessary fines.

What you need to keep in mind

For driving in Austria, a German driving licence is sufficient. Please always carry it with you, along with the vehicle registration certificate Part I. The German driving permit certificate (a driving licence substitute) for accompanied driving from age 17 is also recognized. As proof of valid motor third-party liability insurance, the German licence plate is generally sufficient; however, we recommend carrying the International Motor Insurance Card (Green Card). This confirms your liability insurance cover and can usually be requested free of charge from your motor insurer. In addition, it is advisable to check with your insurer before travelling to ensure you have adequate insurance coverage.

The nationality sign must either be included in the EU licence plate or affixed to the vehicle.

You must carry a high-visibility vest (at least for the driver, recommended for all occupants), a warning triangle, and a first-aid kit (complete and not expired).

A fire extinguisher is often recommended, but it is not generally mandatory for passenger cars.

Vignette and tolls

On almost all Austrian motorways and expressways, a vignette requirement applies to motorcycles, passenger cars, and motorhomes up to 3.5 t tzGm (technically permissible maximum mass including load). For all vehicles (including motorhomes) over 3.5 t tzGm, a distance-based toll applies. In that case, the vignette requirement does not apply and the toll is collected electronically using the GO-Box. The GO-Box is a transponder that records the kilometres travelled and enables toll billing. On some tunnels and mountain roads, an additional route toll (also known as special toll or video toll) is charged due to high construction and maintenance costs and must be paid separately. Our route planner helps you choose the right product. You can also find more information about tolls in our guide.

Traffic rules

Blood alcohol limit

The blood alcohol limit in Austria is 0.5‰. For novice drivers with less than two years of driving experience (probationary licence), a stricter limit of 0.1‰ applies.

Overtaking

In Austria, overtaking is prohibited within 80 metres before and after railway crossings.

School buses and buses

Buses must not be overtaken when they have stopped for passengers to get on or off and have their hazard lights and yellow-red warning lights switched on—this applies even at walking speed.

Headlight use

For motorcycles (motorbikes and mopeds), headlights are mandatory on all roads at all times. For cars, daytime headlight use is not required in good visibility. However, lights must be switched on in darkness, fog, rain, or snow—also in tunnels and when towing.

Special road signs

If an additional sign “IG-L” is displayed with a speed limit (e.g., 100 km/h), an exception applies on certain sections for vehicles with an e-plate: pure electric vehicles may drive at 130 km/h instead of 100 km/h. Hybrid vehicles are excluded from this exception. This also applies to pure electric vehicles registered in Germany.

Tyres

In snow or ice and under winter road conditions, winter tyres (M+S marking) must be used between 01/11 and 15/04. The minimum tread depth is 4 mm.

If you see a “No through traffic” sign with the additional note “Except vehicles with winter equipment,” you may only continue if you are using winter tyres or snow chains.

Snow chains may be mandatory on certain roads when indicated by signs and may also be used without mandatory signage when there is continuous snow cover.

For heavy motorhomes, different rules for winter tyres and snow chains may apply depending on the vehicle class.

Speed limits

The following information is intended as guidance. Road signs and any additional requirements (e.g., weather- or traffic-related restrictions) are always decisive.

Car / motorcycle / motorhome (light):

• Built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Outside built-up areas: 100 km/h
• Expressways: 100 km/h
• Motorways: 130 km/h

Combination (e.g., car with trailer up to 3.5 t zGG):

• Built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
• Urban motorways: 100 km/h
• Motorways: 100 km/h

Motorhome (heavy):

• Built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Outside built-up areas: 70 km/h
• Urban motorways: 80 km/h
• Motorways: 80 km/h

Fines and consequences

In the event of traffic violations, Austria distinguishes, depending on the situation and severity, between different forms of enforcement:

• On-the-spot fine (Organmandat): An immediate ticket issued by the police, often for minor offences.
• Anonymous penalty notice (Anonymverfügung): Sent by post if the driver is not stopped immediately.
• Penalty notice / administrative proceedings: For more serious or disputed cases; higher penalty ranges and driving licence measures may be imposed.

The amounts below are intended as general guidance. Depending on the offence, fines can be significantly higher.

• Parking offence: from €20
• Not wearing a seat belt: from €50
• 20 km/h over the limit: from €60
• Running a red light: from €70
• Using a mobile phone while driving: from €100
• Driving under the influence of alcohol: from €300
• More than 50 km/h over the limit: up to €7,500

Good to know: Traffic violations in Austria do not result in points in Flensburg.

Road conditions

Austria has a very well-developed and well-maintained road network overall. Motorways and expressways are regularly modernized and are generally in good condition, although—like in any country—roadworks and repairs may occur.

Away from the main routes, rural roads are usually also easy to drive on and clearly signposted. In alpine regions, however, you should expect narrower roads, steep climbs, hairpin bends, and sometimes narrow mountain passes—especially if you are traveling with a trailer or motorhome. Some high alpine roads and passes may be temporarily closed in winter or during severe weather.

Weather conditions can change quickly in the mountains: fog, heavy rain, or snowfall can reduce visibility and affect road surfaces, and higher routes often become icy in winter. It is therefore advisable to check the current traffic situation and any pass or road closures before longer stages.

If you would like to explore the mountain regions more closely, we recommend our guide to hiking areas for orientation.

Refuelling and charging

Refuelling and charging an electric car: In addition to its impressive nature, Austria offers a well-developed infrastructure. Nevertheless, a bit of preparation is helpful to ensure a smooth trip. In our article, you will find all key information about charging and refuelling in Austria.

Refuelling in Austria is well organized: a dense network of petrol stations provides reliable fuel supply. Charging electric vehicles is also becoming easier: especially in cities and along main routes, many charging stations are available and the infrastructure continues to expand.

The mix of traditional petrol stations and modern EV charging stations in Austria ensures that both combustion and electric vehicles are well supported. With a bit of planning, you can therefore travel relaxed without worrying about running out of fuel or battery charge. For more information, see our article on charging and refuelling.

Rental car

If you want to use a rental car in Austria, you generally only need your German driving licence and an ID document. Rental companies often also require a credit card for the deposit. When booking, pay close attention to insurance coverage, especially the excess, and avoid unnecessary add-on packages at the counter. Also check whether a vignette is already included or whether you need to purchase one yourself, as motorways and expressways require a vignette. In winter, make sure winter tyres are fitted and, depending on your route, that snow chains are available. When collecting the vehicle, a quick vehicle check is worthwhile: document any existing damage, clarify the fuel policy, and have everything recorded in the handover report. This helps you avoid additional costs later and stay relaxed while traveling.

The DMC team wishes you a pleasant trip!

We wish you a pleasant trip to Austria. Please make sure to inform yourself in good time about the country’s toll regulations. You can find more information about tolls in our guide. If you would also like to learn more about vehicle classes in Austria, you will find helpful information in our guide as well. You can also use our route planner to plan your trip more effectively and see suitable toll products. If you have any questions, we are happy to help. Contact us via email.

FAQ about traffic rules in Austria