AUSTRIAN ELECTRONIC VIGNETTE
Austrian highways and traveling on them require compliance with certain rules. Here you will find all the information you need to use the Austrian highways without any problems, as well as some tips for a more pleasant journey.
Austria took a long time to use traditional paper vignettes. But those classic physical coupons that stick to the windshield of the vehicle are still available. As of December 1, 2023, Austria, like some other European states, decided to switch to a modern electronic version of the vignette. There are 4 types of vignettes: one-day, ten-day, two-month and annual.
Austrian highways and traveling on them require compliance with certain rules. Here you will find all the information you need to use the Austrian highways without any problems, as well as some tips for a more pleasant journey.
Austria took a long time to use traditional paper vignettes. But those classic physical coupons that stick to the windshield of the vehicle are still available. As of December 1, 2023, Austria, like some other European states, decided to switch to a modern electronic version of the vignette. There are 4 types of vignettes: one-day, ten-day, two-month and annual.
You can buy a vignette here:
Electronic vignettes in Europe
One-day and Ten-day Vignette
For Austrian highways and expressways, you can buy a one-day or ten-day electronic vignette, the validity of which can be set in the e-shop. If you want, it will start to apply immediately, or from the beginning of any future day. Which is different for vignettes with a longer duration, see below.
8.60 €
11.50 €
Two-month and One-year Vignette
You can also buy a two-month or one-year vignette electronically. If you are an entrepreneur, you can again choose any start of their validity. Otherwise, your two-month or one-year vignette will only be valid on the 14th day after its purchase.
The reason is consumer rights, as the consumer is entitled to a refund within 14 days. If you are not an entrepreneur and you immediately need a two-month or one-year Austrian vignette, use the classic paper version.
28.90 €
96.40 €
Different Types of Vehicles
In Austria, the rules regarding vignette are divided into two main categories. All motor vehicles with a total weight of less than 3.5 tons must have a valid highway vignette here. ATVs are classified as multi-track vehicles and therefore also need a vignette intended for passenger vehicles. On the other hand, single-track vehicles include, for example, motorbikes, which have a lower price per vignette.
Trailers
Trailers are not required to have a vignette on Austrian motorways. Only the towing vehicle must have a vignette if its total weight does not exceed 3.5 tons.
Motorhomes
Motorhomes with a total weight not exceeding 3.5 tons are required to have a vignette. On the contrary, motorhomes with a weight exceeding 3.5 tons must pay a toll based on the distance traveled and be equipped with a so-called Go box designed for motorhomes.
Instantly Check the Validity of Your Electronic Vignette
To check and verify the validity of your electronic vignette, just enter your vehicle’s license plate number on the designated website. You will then immediately receive information about the status of your vignette.
In this way, you can not only find out whether the vignette is valid, but you can also find out whether your vehicle is exempt from the obligation to have a vignette. Thanks to this quick check, you will be sure that you are ready for a safe and trouble-free drive on Austrian highways.
The Price of an Austrian Vignette
Motorcyclists are entitled to a discount compared to drivers of cars, vans and other two-wheeled vehicles. The price of the vignette remains the same regardless of whether you choose the electronic version or the classic physical coupon.
One-track Vehicle
3.40 €
4.60 €
11.50 €
38.50 €
Two-track Vehicle
8.60 €
11.50 €
28.90 €
96.40 €
One-track Vehicle
3.40 €
4.60 €
11.50 €
38.50 €
Two-track Vehicle
8.60 €
11.50 €
28.90 €
96.40 €
Toll in Austria
For your stay in Austria, you will need a vignette, which is available online and is valid for most normal motorways. In addition, there are section tolls, mostly in tunnels. Cameras located in Austria will record and scan your license plate. The rates collected at the toll gates range from € 6.00 to € 12.50.
Sections with Section Tolls Include:
A9 Pyhrn Autobahn – Bosruck a Gleinalmtunnel
The Bosruck Tunnel is a motorway tunnel on the Austrian A9 motorway under the Bosruck massif in the Ennstal Alps. With a length of 5.5 kilometres, it is the 10th longest tunnel in Austria. The tunnel toll is 6.50 €.
A13 Brenner Autobahn – Brenner Pass
The A13 is a 35-kilometre-long Austrian motorway. It starts in Innsbruck, where it disconnects from the A12 motorway with two branches. From there, it follows the Sill River valley southwards to the Italian border, which it crosses at the Brenner Pass.
A11 Karawanken Autobahn – Karawankentunnel
A one-off fee of 7.80 € is charged for the Karavanke Tunnel, which connects Austria and Slovenia. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes can pay this fee directly at the toll gate.
S16 Arlberg Schnellstraße – Arlbergtunnel
The Arlberg motorway S16 is a motorway in Austria and is part of the European Route 60. The motorway is 62.2 km long, runs between Zams and Bludenz and connects the A12 motorway in Tyrol with the Rheintal/Walgau motorway A14 in Vorarlberg.
A10 Tauernautobahn – Tauerntunnel and Katschbergtunnel
The A10 is an important north-south axis in Austria.It runs from the Salzburg junction on the western motorway (A 1) through the Tauern mountains to the Villach junction with the southern motorway (A 2), where it connects to the Karawanken motorway (A 11).
Concessions and Discounts on Austrian Motorways
In some European countries there may be exceptions where the vignette/toll does not have to be paid. These can usually be, for example, electric cars. Unfortunately, however, we will not yet encounter such reliefs on Austrian highways.
Vignette Check and Fines
On the motorway (where the maximum speed limit is 130 km/h) it is important to follow the speed limit to avoid hefty fines and other penalties. Austrian highways are monitored by camera systems that automatically record speeding. It is strongly recommended to follow all traffic regulations, including the obligation to have a valid motorway stamp and to respect the rules for section tolls.
- Exceeding the speed by 10 km/h: fine from 20 €.
- Exceeding the speed by 11 – 20 km/h: fine from 35 €.
- Exceeding the speed by 20-25 km/h: fine from 50 €.
- Exceeding the speed by 26-30 km/h: fine from 50 €.
- Exceeding the speed by more than 30 km/h: a fine from 150 € and the possibility of revocation of the driver’s license.
- Exceeding the speed by more than 50 km/h: a fine from 300 € and the possibility of revocation of the driver’s license.
Seasonal Constipation
In the high season, it is important to be aware of areas with high traffic density on Austrian highways, where you may encounter traffic jams or slowdowns. Here is information regarding traffic, especially intersections and sections that are prone to congestion.
A10 Salzburg – Villach
Fernpassstraße B179
Border crossing with Germany/Beim (Kufstein A12)
Brennerautobahn A13 (at the Italian border)
In the high season, there is an increase in traffic jams and traffic slowdowns in Austria due to increased traffic intensity. We recommend planning your trip to avoid or prepare for these places.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Exceeding the speed by 10 km/h: fine from € 20.
- Exceeding the speed by 11 – 20 km/h: fine from € 35.
- Exceeding the speed by 20-25 km/h: fine from € 50.
- Exceeding the speed by 26-30 km/h: fine from € 50 euros
- Exceeding the speed by more than 30 km/h: a fine from € 150 and the possibility of revocation of the driver’s license.
- Exceeding the speed by more than 50 km/h: a fine from € 300 and the possibility of revocation of the driver’s license.
- Fuel prices are lowest on Sundays and Mondays.
- Prices near freeways are often better than right on the freeway itself.
- It is recommended to fill up before noon, as prices are usually lower.
- The GO toll is a toll system for vehicles with a gross weight exceeding 3.5 tonnes, which is used on Austrian motorways. This system includes motorhomes, trucks and buses. The toll is calculated on the basis of several factors: the distance traveled (measured using a GPS locator), the number of axles, the time of day and the emission class of the vehicle. To use this system, it is necessary to have a GO box installed in the vehicle, which records all the necessary data for the correct toll calculation.
- Annual vignette: 96.40 €.
- 2-month vignette: 28.90 €.
- Ten-day vignette: 11.50 €.
- One-day vignette: 8.60 €.