Driving in Austria – Essential Tips for Travellers

Tips for driving in Austria

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3. Motorbike Regulations

Helmets and daytime headlights mandatory. Toll stickers required on highways.

4. Speed Limits

If not otherwise indicated, the following maximum speed limits apply in Austria for cars and motorbikes:

• Residential areas: 30 km/h (approx. 18 mph)
• Within town limits: 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph)
• On the open road: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
• On expressways: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
• On motorways: 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)

TIP: There may not be a sign indicating the speed limit when you enter a town or village. BUT the speed limit is 50 km/hr as soon as you pass the town/village sign!

5. Vignette- The Toll Pass

All Austrian Highways (Autobahn) and expressways (“S” roads) require a toll pass, called a Vignette. You can buy a Vignette from petrol stations, post offices and newsagents (Tabak). If you’re driving into Austria from another country, the vignette is sold at petrol stations close to the border.

The sticker must be displayed inside your vehicle’s windshield as you enter Austria.

Failure to buy a vignette can result in an instant fine of €120- 240€. The police and toll officials regularly do spot checks at motorway exits and the toll roads have cameras.

6. What type of fuel is available?

All types of fuel are available in Austria and, although they may have different names. In Austria, unleaded regular-grade 91 octane petrol (gasoline) as well as Euro-Super (unleaded 95-octane) petrol are available at all petrol stations. The sale of leaded petrol is forbidden in Austria; for cars without a catalytic converter an additive is available at gas stations.

Diesel and LPG are also available.

7. E-Charging stations

Austria over 5,500 publicly accessible charging points in Austria and over 13,000 in total. 

Many hotels, sightseeing locations and even some B&Bs have e-charging stations. 

You can find e-charging stations on  PLACETOPLUG map and ELECTROMAPS

8. Winter Driving

During the winter, the roads in alpine areas can become dangerous due to snow, ice, and avalanches. Some mountain roads may be closed for extended periods. 

From 1 November to 15 April you may only drive in winter conditions, if you have winter tyres fitted.

Some roads may require snow chains.

If your car rental is from a country other than Austria make sure it is fitted with winter tyres.

Failure to comply results in a fine from 35€ to 5000€.

9. Driving into Cities and Villages and towns

Non-European drivers may be surprised that many of the roads in villages, towns, and cities are much narrower than they are accustomed to.

In the larger cities, you must watch out for one-way streets (EINBAHN), giving trams and buses the right of way, and pedestrian streets.

In some towns and villages (such as Hallstatt), non-locals are not allowed to drive into the village and must park at car parks outside the village. 

10. What Rettungsgasse/ Emergency Corridor

Rettungsgasse (emergency corridor). This is a clear lane for emergency vehicles that must be formed immediately in case of traffic jams, which is compulsory on motorways and dual carriageways. 

On carriageways with two lanes, a lane for emergency vehicles must be cleared between the two existing lanes

On carriageways with more than two lanes it must be cleared between the far-left lane and the lane next to it. This means that all drivers of vehicles in the far-left lane are required to steer their vehicle as far to the left as possible. All other drivers must drive as far to the right as is necessary for clearing a lane for emergency vehicles.

11. What should I do in case of a breakdown or accident?

Traffic accidents involving injuries must immediately be reported to the police; accidents involving material damage must only be reported when mutual identity has not been established.

There are two major breakdown assistance services in Austria: ÖAMTC and ARBÖ. Both operate a 24-hour emergency breakdown service, which may be utilized by anyone. Non-members must pay a fee.

12.  Renting a Car in Austria

Austria and Europe have many car rental companies, such as Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, and others. We recommend comparing offers to find the best deals.  We have found that AutoEurope has the best offers, including one-way rentals and longer-term rentals.

You can read our full guide Renting a Car in Austria – Essential Info for Travellers

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