Driving in Austria (Österreich)

Basic equipment: warning triangle, high-visibility vest and first-aid kit. The vest must be worn when leaving the vehicle after a breakdown or accident outside built-up areas and on motorways. Winter tyres (or chains) are required for cars up to 3.5 t from 1 November to 15 April when roads are wintry (snow, slush, ice). Tyre must carry M+S, M&S or snowflake marking. Minimum tread in winter: 4 mm radial, 5 mm diagonal. A spare bulb set is recommended (not for xenon/LED).

Vignette required for cars up to 3.5 t on motorways and expressways. Digital vignette tied to the licence plate, sold by ASFINAG (online shop, app, over 6000 sales points). Options: 1 day (online/app only), 10 days, 2 months, 1 year. Online 2-month and annual vignettes start no earlier than the 18th day after purchase. Some sections (parts of A9, A10, A11, A13, S16) use a separate Streckenmaut. Prices for 2026 (from 1 Dec 2025, incl. VAT): 1 day 9.60 EUR, 10 days 12.80 EUR, 2 months 32.00 EUR, 1 year 106.80 EUR. Sticker vignette only for 2026; from the 2027 vignette year digital only.

Cars up to 3.5 t: built-up areas 50 km/h, rural roads 100 km/h, motorways 130 km/h. Car with light trailer up to 3.5 t: 100 km/h on rural roads and motorways. On A10, A12, A13 and A14 the limit is 110 km/h from 22:00 to 05:00. Some motorway sections have lower IG-L (air quality) limits. Probationary licence holders: blood alcohol limit 0.1 per mille (others 0.5).

112 European emergency number, 133 police, 144 ambulance, 122 fire, 140 mountain rescue, 141 emergency doctor, 128 gas emergency, 142 crisis hotline. Breakdown: 120 (OAMTC), 123 (ARBO). All emergency numbers are free from any phone in Austria. Deaf or hard of hearing: SMS 0800 133 133 for police.

Not required in the EU/EEA for a car with a valid plate: the licence plate should generally be enough as proof of insurance. OAMTC still recommends carrying a valid international insurance card (green card), because checks abroad often ask for it. It is obtained from your own insurer.

Before a long trip: check tyre pressure (adjust for load), tread and damage; carry a spare wheel or repair kit with unexpired sealant. Check engine oil. Check coolant only with a cold engine (system is pressurised). Replace the key battery if needed. Test all lights. Remove marten traces from the engine bay. Carry one warning vest per passenger, spare bulbs, fire extinguisher, first-aid kit (check expiry), rescue card and international insurance card. Do the checks a few days before departure.