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Driving Tips
Driving regulations and road signs in Austria are similar to the standards across Europe. There is a toll charge for using all motorways and dual carriage-ways in Austria. Toll Charges.
Regulations for Road Vehicles
Customs documents are not necessary for drivers crossing the border into Austria.
A foreign driving licence allows the driver to drive for up to one year in Austria.
Driving licences from all EEC and EU countries are recognised in Austria. For drivers from other countries, an international driving licence is required, although there are special exemptions for some countries. In other cases a german translation of the national driving licence is sufficient. For more information, visit Austria's leading automobile associations (German only): ÖAMTC and ARBÖ.
Foreign vehicles must display a country of origin sticker on the back of the vehicle.
In addition to the fuel in the tank, another 10 litres may be carried tax-free in a reserve canister when entering Austria . Drivers with a registered address outside the European Union may drive their car in Austria for 6 months (private use), without registering or incurring any charges. When leaving the country, the vehicle must be in its original condition with no major alterations.
Regulations for hire cars in Austria Car Rental in Austria
Speed Limits
Maximum speed limits (unless other speed signs are displayed):
Cars and motorcycles:
- on dual carriage-ways: 100 km/h
- on motorways: 130 km/h
- in built-up areas: 50 km/h
Motorhomes up to 3500kg:
- in built-up areas: 50 km/h
- on dual carriage-ways: 100 km/h
- on motorways: 130 km/h
Cars with light trailers (up to 750kg) and cars up to a maximum 3.5 tonnes total weight:
- in built-up areas: 50 km/h
- on motorways and dual carriage-ways: 100 km/h
Cars with trailers over 750 kg (Car and trailer together with up to a maximum 3.5 tonnes total weight):
- in built-up areas: 50 km/h
- on dual carriage-ways: 80 km/h
- on motorways: 100 km/h
Buses and Coaches:
- in built-up areas: 50 km/h
- on dual carriage-ways: 80 km/h
- on motorways 100 km/h (between 10pm and 5am only 90 km/h on certain motorways).
Reflective Jackets
Reflective jackets are compulsory on all roads in Austria, with the exception of built-up areas. This means that all drivers must carry a reflective vest in the car and wear it when they leave their car in the event of an accident or breakdown. Failure to comply is subject to a double fine - one for not having a vest, the second for not wearing it. You may be asked to show your reflective jacket during standard vehicle checks. For more information visit the websites of Austria's leading automobile associations: ARBÖand ÖAMTC.
Children in Cars
Children under 14 who are shorter than 150cm may only travel in an appropriate child seat. In cars and minibuses only one child may sit in each seat and must be appropriately restrained according to age and height. Information on Child Seats (German Only)
Drinking and Driving
In Austria the maximum blood alcohol level when driving is not more than 49mg/100ml. If you're caught over the limit you will receive a fine and, in some cases, the removal of your driving licence.
Seatbelts
Wearing seatbelts is compulsory in Austria.
Telephoning while Driving
Telephoning is only allowed with a hands-free set whilst driving in Austria. The hands-free set must be attached in such a way that all parts can be controlled with only one hand and that no distraction is caused to the driver.
Headlights at all times
It is mandatory for car drivers and motorcyclists to have their headlights on at all times, even during the day.
Motorcycle Regulations
Wearing a crash helmet is compulsory for both drivers and passengers on motorvehicles. Motor vehicles also need a vignette (road tax disc).
Fuel
All petrol stations in Austria offer unleaded normal petrol (91 octane), Euro-Super (unleaded petrol 95 octane) and Super Plus (unleaded petrol 98 octane). The sale of leaded petrol is forbidden in Austria, vehicles without a catalytic converter can find an additive at every petrol station.
Accidents and Breakdowns
All traffic accidents which involve a personal injury must be registered with the police, accidents involving vehicle damage need only to be registered with the police if the other driver has no proof of identity. ÖAMTC and ARBÖ are the two main automobile associations in Austria and operate a round-the-clock breakdown service for every motorist (non members will be subject to a charge). Reflective jackets have been compulsory in Austria since May 2005.
Emergency Numbers (no prefix necessary):
| Euro Emergency No. | 112 |
| Fire | 122 |
| Police | 133 |
| Ambulance | 144 |
| Emergency Doctor | 141 |
| Mountain Rescue | 140 |
| ÖAMTC breakdown service | 120 |
| ARBÖ breakdown service | 123 |
Traffic News
Traffic information from the whole of Austria, along with news on the main roads from neighbouring countries can be heard every half hour on the radio station Ö3. For emergency situations - e.g. a motorist driving against the traffic on a motorway, so called 'ghost drivers' - programmes are immediately interrupted as the news is broadcast on all ORF radio stations.
You can report any traffic incidents 24 hours a day on 0800 600 601 (freephone in Austria). On 0900 600 600 (calls charged per minute) you can access the latest traffic information by phone. It is also possible to receive information on your mobile: send an SMS (text message) with a question mark and a province or road name to 0900 600 601, for a quick update. For more information (German only), visit oe3.ORF.at.
Service Route Planner
Be sure of finding your way around: Route Planner
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