Driving in Austria

Driving in Austria is uncomplicated and offers the greatest flexibility: you explore at your own pace. Roads are well maintained, whether you choose a motorway or a small country road. In winter, however, from December to March, drivers must reckon with snow on all Austrian roads, especially on roads at higher altitudes. Thus, when driving in winter, winter tires are absolutely essential. When driving in precipitous terrain, snow chains must be used.

Australians require an International Driving Licence together with their Australian licence. When driving in Austria, carry both your International Driving Licence and your Australian driver's license with you at all times. An International Driving Licence serves as an official, internationally recognized translation of your license.

They are similar to those of other European countries. The speed limits are 100 km/h on freeways (Bundesstraße) and 130 km/h on highways (Autobahn). In residential and urban areas, the speed limit is usually set at 50 km/h, unless posted otherwise.

Important: If you are using the motorways, toll stickers are required on the windscreen of your vehicle. They need to be purchased before using the motorways.

These window stickers called ‘Vignette’ are available at petrol stations, tobacconists, automobile assocations, post offices and border crossings.

Please note that whilst cars hired in Austria usually have the ‘Vignette’ attached to the windscreen, drivers of cars hired outside Austria need to purchase the toll sticker before using the motorways. A ‘Vignette’ is required when entering Austria at motorway borders.

On-the-spot fines apply for using the motorways without a valid toll sticker!

You can find further information, including toll rates, at Vignette.

Driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs is severely punished. The minimum fine is approx. € 360, and loss of driver's license. The maximum limit of blood-alcohol level is 0.05.

All traffic accidents involving personal injury must be reported immediately to police. Accidents involving property damage must be reported only when the identity of the other party cannot be established.