Motoring
- St. Wolfgang/SalzkammergutPhoto: Austrian Views/Weinhaeupl
While driving in Austria you must be able to produce your vehicle registration certificate and driving licence at all time.
It is compulsory to use seat belts on front and rear seats and to have a first aid kit and warning triangle. The highest allowed blood alcohol level is 0.5 promille. While driving you may only telephone using a hands-free speaking system. If your vehicle has a right-hand drive, be sure to adjust your headlights. The daytime use of dipped headlights is compulsory. A GB-sticker must be affixed to the rear of the vehicle (exception: UK registered vehicles displaying Euro-plates). Austrian motorways, expressways and "A" roads are subject to toll (please see link "Toll System").
All motorists have a duty to carry high visibility waistcoats with them when travelling within Austria. The waistcoats must comply with the European standard EN471, visible on a sewn-in label. All motorists must wear the waistcoat in case of vehicle break down, when stopping in the middle of country lanes, whenever a warning triangle is used and in case of poor visibility. On motorways and dual carriageways it must be worn whenever leaving the car, however not when stopping on allocated parking places.
Information on road conditions and the traffic situation is available in English 7 days a week from 6am to 8pm on the Telephone: 0043-1-711 997.
The following links will take you to detailed information provided by the AA:
Driving Licence
EU/EEA countries:
A full driving licence issued in an EU/EEA country does not have to be exchanged for an Austrian licence. It may be converted at any time on a voluntary basis.
Non-EU/EEA countries:
The local automobile club in your country or the Federal Police Headquarters in Austria (Bundespolizeidirektion) will inform you if your licence is recognized in Austria.
Detailed information is available on the following website:
Licence Plates
As a tourist you may drive your car with EU/EEA registration plates in Austria for an unlimited period. (It is recommended to obtain a Green Insurance Card to injury whilst travelling by car, otherwise valid motor insurance has to be declared in a different form. For advice please contact your insurance company.)
If this does not apply please log on to the following website:
HELP-Service: Motor Vehicles / Driving with Foreign Licence Plates
Road Toll System
In Austria, the use of motorways and expressways is subject to payment of a toll. All motor vehicles with a maximum permissible gross weight of up to 3.5t – cars, motor bikes and campervans – are obliged to display the mandatory toll sticker. Depending on the type of toll sticker they have purchased drivers may use the toll road network for a specific period of time.
Roads subject to tolling and exceptions
All trucks, busses and large motorhomes with a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of over 3.5 tons are subject to tolling on Austria’s motorways and expressways. Tolls are collected fully electronically without impacting the flow of traffic and using microwave technology.
Tolling of vehicles with a maximum permissible gross weight in excess of 3.5 tons
Emergency numbers
Euro-emergency number: 112
Fire: 122
Police: 133
Ambulance: 144
ÖAMTC emergency breakdown service: 120
ARBÖ emergency breakdown service: 123
