How Does Driving Rules Work in Austria?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe
1The Quick Answer
Drive on the right; an Autobahn vignette is required for motorways (€10.90 for 10 days); speed limits are strictly enforced.
2What You Need to Know
Austria drives on the right with international driving licenses valid for tourists. All motorways (Autobahn) require a vignette (windscreen sticker) — a 10-day vignette costs approximately €10.90 and is available at border crossings, petrol stations, and online. Speed limits are 50 km/h in towns, 100 km/h on main roads, and 130 km/h on motorways; radar enforcement is widespread. Winter tires are compulsory from November 1 to April 15 when conditions require them, and police actively enforce this.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Buy your motorway vignette before entering Austria — it can be purchased at the border or online (digital vignette available at asfinag.at) to avoid a hefty on-the-spot fine.
- 2Speed cameras are frequent and fines are significant — Austrian radar tolerance is minimal, so observe limits precisely, especially in 30 km/h zones near schools.
- 3Rental cars hired in Austria between November and April will have winter tires fitted as standard, but confirm this when collecting the vehicle.
Important Warning
Driving on the Autobahn without a valid vignette sticker results in a fine of several hundred euros — purchase before you enter any motorway.
How does this compare?
Driving Rules rules in nearby and similar countries:
Drive on the right; parts of the Autobahn have no speed limit, but strict enforcement applies everywhere else and drink-driving laws are among Europe's toughest.
Drive on the left; speed is in mph not km/h; central London has a daily congestion charge; and motorway etiquette requires keeping left except when overtaking.
Drive on the right, blood alcohol limit is 0.05%, speed cameras are extremely common, and toll roads (autoroutes) are fast but expensive.
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