Austria operates a vignette-based motorway toll system. Unlike many neighbouring countries, there are no toll booths on the general motorway network — instead, all vehicles must carry a valid vignette. This guide covers every aspect of the system, from purchase to compliance.
Vignette Types and Validity Periods
Austria offers three standard vignette validity periods. The digital vignette is valid from the day before purchase; the sticker vignette must be affixed to the windscreen before entering the motorway.
| Type | Validity | Price 2025 | Format | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Day Vignette | 10 consecutive days | €9.90 | Digital only | Short holidays, transit |
| 2-Month Vignette | 61 consecutive days | €29.00 | Digital only | Extended stays |
| Annual Vignette | 1 Dec – 31 Jan (14 months) | €96.40 | Digital or sticker | Regular travellers |
Austrian Motorway Rules for Foreign Drivers
Austrian motorway regulations are broadly similar to those in Germany and other European countries, but there are important differences that all foreign drivers must be aware of.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Cars / Motorcycles | Campervans (3.5–7.5t) | With Trailer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorway (Autobahn) | 130 km/h | 100 km/h | 100 km/h |
| Expressway (Schnellstrasse) | 100 km/h | 100 km/h | 80 km/h |
| Rural road | 100 km/h | 80 km/h | 70 km/h |
| Urban area | 50 km/h | 50 km/h | 50 km/h |
- Right-hand lane rule: Keep right except when overtaking. Undertaking (passing on the right) is strictly prohibited.
- Emergency corridor (Rettungsgasse): When traffic slows, vehicles in the left lane move left, all others move right, creating a clear central lane for emergency services.
- Mobile phone use: Handheld mobile phones are prohibited while driving. Hands-free use is permitted.
- Alcohol limit: 0.5‰ BAC for most drivers; 0.1‰ for drivers under 21 and professional drivers.
- Headlights: Dipped headlights are required at all times on motorways.
- Stopping on hard shoulder: Only permitted in genuine emergencies. Hazard lights must be activated immediately.
- Winter tyres: Required between 1 November and 15 April when roads are icy or snow-covered.
- Required equipment: Warning triangle and high-visibility vest are legally mandatory.
Key Terms Explained
- Vignette
- A toll sticker or digital registration that grants access to the Austrian motorway and expressway network for a defined period. Mandatory for all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes.
- ASFINAG
- Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft — the Austrian state-owned motorway operator responsible for building, operating, and maintaining the motorway network.
- Rettungsgasse
- Emergency corridor. When motorway traffic comes to a standstill, drivers must immediately form a clear central lane to allow emergency vehicles to pass. Failure to comply results in a fine of up to €2,180.
- GO-Box
- Electronic on-board unit required for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes on Austrian motorways. The GO system uses distance-based tolling rather than a vignette.
- Autobahn
- Austrian motorway (A-road). Vignette required. Maximum speed 130 km/h.
- Schnellstrasse
- Austrian expressway (S-road). Also requires a vignette. Maximum speed 100 km/h.
Boundaries and Exceptions
- Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes gross weight are exempt from the vignette system and must use the GO-Box instead.
- Emergency vehicles (police, fire, ambulance) are exempt from vignette requirements.
- Diplomatic vehicles with appropriate plates may be exempt.
- The vignette does not cover special toll routes — separate tickets must be purchased for Brenner, Arlberg, Tauern, and other designated sections.
- A damaged or incorrectly affixed sticker vignette may be considered invalid.
- Digital vignettes cannot be transferred between vehicles or number plates.
- Refunds are not available for digital vignettes once activated.
- Foreign-registered vehicles are subject to the same rules as Austrian-registered vehicles.