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Austria vignette: Everything you need to know to drive legally
In Austria, the vignette is mandatory for all vehicles under 3.5 tons traveling on highways (Autobahnen) and certain expressways (Schnellstraßen). Without this vignette, you risk a hefty fine during the numerous automated or roadside checks.
Whether you are in transit to another country or staying in Austria, it is essential to obtain a valid vignette before using the toll network. Since 2018, Austria also offers a digital vignette, linked to your license plate, which saves you from having to affix a sticker to your windshield.
Highways and roads concerned in Austria
The Austrian highway network includes approximately 2,200 kilometers of highways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen), all subject to the vignette requirement for light vehicles (up to 3.5 tons). These routes are recognizable by their blue signage, typical of the Austrian highway network.
The main corridors include:
- A1 – West Autobahn: connects Vienna to Salzburg, up to the German border.
- A2 – Süd Autobahn: from Vienna to Graz and Slovenia.
- A10 – Tauern Autobahn: crosses the Central Alps, heavily frequented by holidaymakers.
- S6 – Semmering Schnellstraße: an important expressway between the east and the center of the country.
Certain specific sections, notably the alpine tunnels or high mountain highways, are not covered by the standard vignette. They are subject to an additional toll (e.g.: Arlberg tunnels, Gleinalm, Bosruck…).
These sections are signposted in advance, with a fee to be paid on-site or via an electronic system:
- The Tauern tunnel and the Katschberg tunnel on the A10 require a toll of about €14.50 per passage.
- The Karawanken tunnel (A11) at the Slovenian border is subject to a fee in addition to the vignette, with a rate of about €8.80.
- The Brenner Autobahn (A13) towards Italy is subject to a specific toll of €12.00.
- The Arlberg tunnel (S16) in the Alps involves an additional toll of about €11.50.
- On the A9, the Bosruck and Gleinalm tunnels are not covered by the vignette: expect about €7.00 and €11.50 respectively.
Driving without a vignette: zones and exceptions
In Austria, the vignette is mandatory on almost all highways and expressways for vehicles under 3.5 tons. It is therefore extremely difficult to avoid this purchase if you plan to cross or visit the country. However, there are a few well-defined exceptions.
Certain sections of highways near the borders have been temporarily exempted from the vignette requirement, particularly to facilitate access to certain cities or heavily frequented regions. This is the case for example for:
- the A1 between the German border (Walserberg) and the Salzburg Nord exit
- the A12 between the German border (Kiefersfelden) and Kufstein-Süd
- and the A14 between the German border (Hörbranz) and the Hohenems exit
These exemptions mainly concern very short trips or cross-border areas, and can be modified at any time by the Austrian authorities. It is therefore strongly recommended to check the official maps before your departure. For any other trip, even just a few kilometers, the vignette remains essential, under penalty of immediate fine.
Map of highways in Austria: view the routes subject to the vignette
Before hitting the road, it is essential to know the routes subject to the vignette in Austria. The highway network (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen) are almost entirely covered by the vignette requirement. This map helps you plan your route calmly, avoid unpleasant surprises, identify the affected sections, the temporarily exempted areas, and the sections with specific tolls (such as alpine tunnels).
In case of doubt, it is always better to opt for purchasing a vignette, even for a short trip.
What types of vehicles must have a vignette in Austria?
In Austria, the vignette is mandatory for all motorized vehicles up to 3.5 tons, as long as they are traveling on a highway or expressway. This includes passenger cars, light motorhomes (under 3.5 t), motorcycles, tricycles, and registered quads.
Trailers do not require a separate vignette, as only the towing vehicle is concerned. However, if you are driving a vehicle over 3.5 tons (truck, bus, heavy motorhome), you are subject to a toll system based on a kilometer charge using an electronic device called GO-Box, and not the classic vignette.
Mandatory vignette
Vehicles with a maximum authorized total weight of 3.5 tons
Vignette not required
Motorcycles, trikes and trailers
Validity periods of vignettes in Austria
You can choose between the following durations:
Austria offers several types of vignettes to suit the duration of your stay or the frequency of your travels. Whether you are in transit for a few days or traveling regularly, you will find a suitable option:
- 1-day vignette : Ideal for a one-way trip or a quick passage, this vignette is valid for the selected day only, from 00:00 to 23:59. It is available only in digital format and its validity is immediate upon purchase.
- 10-day vignette : Perfect for a short stay or vacation in Austria, it is valid for 10 consecutive days from the chosen start date. It is available in sticker or electronic version and comes into effect immediately.
- 2-month vignette : Designed for extended stays, this vignette covers a period of two months from the activation date, until the same day two months later. It is available in paper or digital version, with immediate validity.
- Annual vignette : The most comprehensive: it is valid for 14 months, from December 1 of the previous year until January 31 of the following year. Note: if you choose the digital version, the annual vignette (like the 2-month one) becomes valid after a legal delay of 18 days, except in cases of purchase by companies or waiver of the right of withdrawal.
It should be noted that all vignettes offered by EuroVignette are electronic vignettes and not physical ones.
Where to buy your vignette for Austria?
The simplest and fastest way to buy your vignette is to purchase it online at EuroVignette, with secure payment and immediate activation.
You can also obtain the vignette at gas stations located near the borders, at customs posts, in certain Austrian post offices, or via the automatic kiosks installed in border areas.
However, buying online remains the most convenient method to anticipate your departure, avoid queues, and receive instant confirmation.
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Penalties for not having a vignette in Austria
Driving without a valid vignette on a highway or expressway in Austria is a severely punished offense. In case of a check or detection by automatic cameras, drivers without a vignette face an immediate flat fine of €120, to be paid on the spot.
If the fine is not paid immediately, the amount can rise to €300 or more in case of administrative proceedings. This rule also applies to expired, absent, or improperly affixed vignettes, and to unregistered plates for digital versions.
Austrian authorities show no tolerance on the matter: a simple oversight can therefore be costly. It is strongly advised to always check the validity of your vignette before your trip, especially in the case of cross-border travel.
Highways in Austria: a developing network subject to vignette
The highway network in Autriche
1720 km
Le réseau autoroutier autrichien est l'un des plus performants d'Europe centrale, avec un développement constant pour améliorer lasécurité et la fluidité du trafic.
Managed by the public company ASFINAG, this network is constantly being modernized: widening, new alpine tunnels, improvements for traffic flow and safety. The main arteries connect major cities such as Vienna, Salzburg, Graz, or Innsbruck, while ensuring continuity to neighboring countries like Germany, Switzerland, Hungary, or Italy. Due to the mountainous topography, numerous impressive tunnels and viaducts punctuate the route, which justifies the presence of specific tolls on certain sections.
The features of the highway network in Austria
Managed by the public body ASFINAG, the Austrian highway network is subject to regular inspections and constant investments, aimed at keeping the roads in excellent condition year-round, even in mountainous areas subjected to difficult weather conditions.
In winter, the highways are quickly cleared in case of snow, with a systematic deployment of snowplows, salt spreaders, and security patrols.
In addition to the physical maintenance of the network, Austria has implemented an extremely effective monitoring system, based on fixed cameras installed at highway entrances and exits, as well as on certain strategic sections. These cameras are capable of automatically scanning license plates to verify the validity of the vignette, whether physical or electronic.
Traffic sensors and dynamic electronic signs also help regulate traffic, announce weather conditions, slowdowns, or construction zones in real-time. Control centers distributed throughout the country ensure smooth traffic management, with 24/7 monitoring.
Can you transfer an electronic vignette in Austria?
No, the electronic vignette is neither transferable nor modifiable once purchased! It is automatically linked to the license plate entered at the time of the order and remains valid only for that specific vehicle for its entire validity period.
This means that you cannot:
- Transfer a vignette to another vehicle (even in case of sale, exchange, or temporary replacement)
- Correct an entry error on the license plate after payment validation
- Modify the validity period after purchase
What to do in case of an error?
If you entered the wrong license plate or selected the wrong type of vignette, the vignette becomes invalid and you risk a fine in case of a check, even if payment has been made.
No modification or refund procedure is provided by the authorities, which is why it is essential to check all information before validating your order.
By placing your order on EuroVignette, you can quickly contact our customer service in case of an error at the following address: support@euro-vignette.com
Before any purchase, take the time to verify the accuracy of your plate (spelling, format, any spaces), confirm the type of vehicle, the desired duration, and the start date of validity. Keep your proof of purchase by email in case of inspection or dispute.
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The motorway network in :name
Driving in Austria: driving rules and local specifics to know
Before hitting the road in Austria, here are the main rules to follow to avoid unpleasant surprises and drive legally.
Main rules to follow
- Seatbelt use is mandatory for all passengers, both front and back.
- Dipped headlights are mandatory at all times for all vehicles, even during the day.
- Using a phone while driving is prohibited, except in hands-free mode.
- Snow tires are mandatory between November 1 and April 15 in case of winter conditions.
- Maximum allowed blood alcohol level: 0.5 g/l (0.1 g/l for young drivers).
- Sticker required upon entering a motorway or expressway.
- Safety kit on board is mandatory: reflective vest, triangle, and first aid kit.
The signage is clear and well visible, but some mountain areas may have temporary restrictions (chains required, road closures). Check traffic information before your departure.
Speed limits (unless otherwise indicated)
- 130 km/h on motorways (Autobahnen)
- 100 km/h on national roads (Landstraßen)
- 50 km/h in urban areas (Ortsgebiet)
Some sections of the highway, particularly near urban centers or in areas sensitive to pollution, may be temporarily limited to 100 km/h or even less. In case of rain, fog, or snow, it is also recommended to adjust your speed, even if no reduction is explicitly indicated.
Speed cameras are common and speeding results in immediate fines or cross-border prosecutions. It is therefore better to adhere to the speed limits strictly.
Prepare your trips to neighboring countries
Are you continuing your journey beyond Austria? Remember to equip yourself with the necessary vignettes to travel legally in neighboring countries. Each country has its own toll rules and sometimes its own electronic vignette systems. Save time, avoid fines, and prepare your entire European route now with EuroVignette.
Why buy your vignette on EuroVignette?
At EuroVignette, our mission is simple: to allow you to hit the road in Europe with peace of mind, without wasting time, without administrative stress, and without the risk of fines. Buying your vignette from us is choosing simplicity, safety, and reliability.
We issue you an official sticker recognized by local authorities. Your license plate is registered in the national system, so you are compliant in case of automatic or manual checks.
Manage all your European trips on a single platform. Whether you are driving in Bulgaria, Austria, Slovenia, or elsewhere, you can order your stickers in the same place, in just a few clicks.
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