Austria

Fines for speeding in Austria

  • Up to 10 km/h over the limit: Warning.
  • 11–20 km/h over the limit: €20–40 fine.
  • 21–30 km/h over the limit: €40–60 fine.
  • 31–40 km/h over the limit: €60–100 fine.
  • 41–50 km/h over the limit: €100–150 fine.
  • More than 50 km/h over the limit: €150–500 fine.

Note: Since March 2024, fines for exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h in urban areas or more than 70 km/h outside urban areas can be up to €7,500, especially in severe cases like illegal car racing or repeat offenses.

Additional Measures:

  • Vehicle Confiscation: For extreme speeding (over 80 km/h in urban areas or over 90 km/h outside urban areas), authorities may confiscate the vehicle on the spot.
  • Driving License Suspension: Exceeding speed limits by more than 40 km/h in urban areas or more than 50 km/h outside urban areas can lead to a minimum four-week driving license suspension.

Do I need to purchase Vignette?

In Austria, a vignette is mandatory for driving on most motorways and expressways. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Who Needs a Vignette?

  • Required for: All motor vehicles weighing up to 3.5 tons, including motorcycles, cars, and vehicles with trailers.
  • Not Required for: Bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles only using non-toll roads.

For vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons, such as trucks and buses, the GO-Box system applies instead of vignettes.

2. Where Are Vignettes Needed?

  • Vignettes are mandatory on motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen).
  • Toll-free roads are available, but they are slower and may not connect to key destinations.

3. Types and Prices of Vignettes

Vignettes are available in three durations:

  • 10-Day Vignette: Ideal for short visits or transit.
  • 2-Month Vignette: Suitable for longer trips.
  • Annual Vignette: Valid from December of the previous year until January of the next year.

2025 Prices for Passenger Cars:

  • 10-Day Vignette: €9.90
  • 2-Month Vignette: €29.00
  • Annual Vignette: €96.40

For Motorcycles:

  • 10-Day Vignette: €5.80
  • 2-Month Vignette: €14.50
  • Annual Vignette: €38.20

4. Where to Buy a Vignette

  • Online: Digital vignettes can be purchased via the ASFINAG website or their app. Note: Digital vignettes purchased online are valid 18 days after purchase due to the EU consumer protection law.
  • At Fuel Stations and Shops: Available at gas stations, border crossings, and kiosks in Austria and neighboring countries.
  • Toll Booths: At motorway entrances near borders.

5. How to Use It

  • Sticker Vignettes: Place on the inside of the windshield, either in the upper left corner or behind the rearview mirror. For motorcycles, stick it on a visible, non-removable part.
  • Digital Vignettes: Linked to your vehicle’s license plate, so no physical sticker is needed.

6. Additional Tolls

  • Some routes, like the Brenner Pass, Tauern Tunnel, and others, require additional toll payments even with a vignette. These are payable at toll booths or online.

7. Penalties for Non-Compliance

  • Driving without a valid vignette can result in on-the-spot fines of €120 or more.
  • If unpaid, penalties can rise significantly.

8. Tips for Travelers

  • Buy a digital vignette in advance if you prefer not to use a sticker.
  • For immediate use, purchase a vignette at a physical location, such as a fuel station.
  • Keep proof of purchase or registration for digital vignettes.