AutobahnInfo AT

Yes, almost all Austrian Autobahns (motorways) and S-roads (expressways) require a valid vignette. This is a mandatory road tax for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes require a GO-Box. Driving without a valid vignette or GO-Box can result in significant fines. The vignette is available in digital form or as a sticker and can be purchased for various durations (10-day, 2-month, 1-year).

It's crucial to purchase your digital vignette online well in advance, as there's a consumer protection period of 18 days before it becomes valid if you buy it as a private individual. However, if you purchase it as a business, or if you purchase a physical sticker vignette from a petrol station or border crossing, it's valid immediately. Always ensure the vignette is correctly affixed (for physical stickers) or registered to the correct licence plate number (for digital vignettes) to avoid penalties.

Yes, in addition to the vignette, there are special toll sections (Sondermautstrecken) that require separate payment. These are typically tunnels or mountain passes where the construction and maintenance costs are exceptionally high. Common examples include the Brenner Autobahn (A13), the Tauern Autobahn (A10) through the Tauern and Katschberg Tunnels, the Arlberg S-Road (S16), and the Karawanken Autobahn (A11). Payment can usually be made directly at the toll plazas, or in some cases, digitally in advance.

These special tolls are separate from the general vignette requirement. Therefore, even if you have a valid vignette, you will still need to pay for passage through these specific sections. It's advisable to check your planned route beforehand to identify any special toll sections and budget accordingly. Some toll booths accept credit cards, while others might be cash-only, so it's always good to have some Euros on hand.

The general speed limit for passenger cars and motorcycles on Austrian Autobahns is 130 km/h (approximately 80 mph). On S-roads (expressways), it's typically 100 km/h (approximately 62 mph). However, these limits can be reduced by signage, especially in urban areas, construction zones, or during adverse weather conditions. Always pay close attention to road signs, as speed limits can change frequently and without much warning.

For vehicles with trailers or heavier vehicles (e.g., trucks), different speed limits apply. For instance, cars with trailers generally have a limit of 100 km/h on Autobahns, provided the trailer meets certain technical requirements. Exceeding speed limits in Austria is taken very seriously, with fines issued based on how much the limit is exceeded. Speed cameras are common, and enforcement is strict.

The "IG-L Hunderter" (or IG-L 100) refers to speed limits of 100 km/h enforced for environmental reasons, primarily to reduce air pollution. "IG-L" stands for "Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft," which is the Austrian Air Pollution Control Act. These limits are typically introduced in specific regions, especially around urban areas or sensitive environmental zones, when air quality thresholds are exceeded. When active, these limits are usually indicated by digital signs above the Autobahn.

It's important to note that when the IG-L 100 is active, exceeding the 100 km/h limit not only results in a standard speeding fine but also carries significantly higher penalties due to the environmental infringement. These fines can be considerably more severe than regular speeding tickets. Drivers of electric vehicles (EVs) are typically exempt from the IG-L 100 limits, provided they display a special "E-Kennzeichen" (E-plate) on their vehicle, which identifies them as an EV.

Several reliable sources provide real-time traffic updates for Austrian Autobahns. The official road operator, ASFINAG, offers comprehensive information through their website (www.asfinag.at) and a dedicated app called "Unterwegs". These platforms provide details on current traffic jams, construction sites, road closures, and weather-related disruptions. Additionally, Austrian radio stations, particularly Ö3, provide regular traffic reports throughout the day, often every half hour or more frequently during peak times.

Many modern navigation systems and smartphone map applications (e.g., Google Maps, Waze) also integrate real-time traffic data, which can be invaluable for planning routes and avoiding delays. Before embarking on a long journey or when encountering unexpected conditions, it's highly recommended to check these sources. Awareness of potential delays allows for alternative route planning or simply prepares you for a longer travel time.

Austrian Autobahn rest areas vary in size and amenities. Smaller rest stops (Rastplätze) typically offer basic facilities such as parking, public toilets, and sometimes picnic tables. Larger service areas (Raststationen) are more comprehensive, featuring petrol stations, restaurants (often with traditional Austrian cuisine), shops, hotel accommodation, and more extensive toilet facilities. Many also provide dedicated parking for lorries and caravans.

It's important to note that while many toilets at larger rest stops are free, some may require a small fee (typically around €0.50 - €1.00), which often comes with a voucher redeemable at the associated shop or restaurant. These facilities are generally well-maintained and provide essential services for travellers. You can find detailed information on specific rest areas, including available amenities, on the ASFINAG website or through their "Unterwegs" app.

Yes, winter tyres are mandatory in Austria during the winter period, generally from 1st November to 15th April, in winter driving conditions (i.e., snow, slush, or ice on the road). During this period, passenger cars and lorries up to 3.5 tonnes must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels. The tyres must have a minimum tread depth of 4 mm (5 mm for radial tyres on lorries). Alternatively, snow chains can be used on at least two driving wheels, but only when the road is largely covered with snow or ice.

Failure to comply with these regulations can result in substantial fines and, in the event of an accident, may lead to issues with your insurance coverage. It's not just about avoiding fines; winter tyres provide significantly better grip and braking performance in cold and slippery conditions, vastly improving safety for all road users. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before travelling during winter months.

Snow chains are not generally mandatory for all vehicles but become compulsory when indicated by specific road signs (a blue circular sign with a white tyre chain symbol). This usually occurs on particularly steep or challenging mountain passes during heavy snowfall or icy conditions. When snow chains are required, they must be fitted to at least two driving wheels. The maximum speed when using snow chains is typically 50 km/h (approximately 30 mph).

Even if not explicitly required by signage, it is highly advisable to carry snow chains in your vehicle during the winter months, especially if you plan to travel in mountainous regions. They can be a lifesaver in unexpected heavy snow. Practise fitting them before you need them, ideally in dry conditions, as trying to do so for the first time in a blizzard on the side of a road can be a challenging experience.

In case of a breakdown or accident on the Austrian Autobahn, your first priority is safety. If possible, move your vehicle to the hard shoulder. Turn on your hazard warning lights immediately. Put on your reflective safety vest before leaving the vehicle. Place the warning triangle about 50-100 metres behind your vehicle to alert oncoming traffic.

Then, call for assistance. The emergency number for police is 133, and for an ambulance, it's 144. For general roadside assistance (e.g., breakdown service), you can call ÖAMTC (120) or ARBÖ (123), Austria's two major automobile clubs. There are also emergency telephones (SOS phones) located every 1-2 kilometres along the Autobahn; using these automatically connects you to the nearest emergency control centre and provides them with your exact location.

No, overtaking on the right (on the inside lane) on Austrian Autobahns is strictly forbidden and can lead to significant fines. Overtaking must always occur on the left-hand side. The only exception is in heavy, slow-moving traffic or a traffic jam, where drivers in the left lane are moving substantially slower than those in the right lane, but even then, it must be done with extreme caution and not at high speed. Generally, stick to the rule: "keep right, pass left".

This regulation is in place to maintain traffic flow and prevent dangerous situations. Drivers are expected to keep to the rightmost available lane unless actively overtaking. Constantly driving in the middle or left lane when the right lane is clear, known as "lane hogging," is also an offence and can be penalised, as it impedes the flow of traffic and forces other drivers to unnecessarily switch lanes or overtake on the right, which is prohibited.

A 'Rettungsgasse' (emergency corridor or emergency lane) is a mandatory clear lane that drivers must form between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately to its right on multi-lane motorways and expressways whenever traffic slows to a standstill or moves very slowly. This corridor allows emergency vehicles (police, ambulance, fire brigade, breakdown services) to reach the scene of an accident or incident quickly and safely.

Forming a Rettungsgasse is legally required in Austria (and several other European countries like Germany) and applies to all lanes. On a two-lane road, vehicles in the left lane move as far left as possible, and vehicles in the right lane move as far right as possible. On a three-lane road, vehicles in the leftmost lane move left, and vehicles in the middle and right lanes move right. Failure to form a Rettungsgasse can result in heavy fines, and obstructing emergency vehicles can lead to even more severe penalties and even imprisonment. It is a critical safety measure that saves lives and significantly reduces response times for emergency services.