Rules, Inspections, and Fines Regarding a Vignette in Austria
Failing to comply with the required Austrian toll regulations on highways can result in fines, in addition to the mandatory toll or purchase of a vignette. This enforcement is designed to ensure that all road users contribute to the maintenance of the road network.
If you haven't paid, you risk a fine of approximately €120. To avoid extra costs during your trip to Austria, make sure you have a valid vignette.
For Which Roads in Austria Is a Vignette Required?
In Austria, a toll vignette is mandatory for all highways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen) for vehicles up to 3.5 tons.
However, there are a few exceptions where a vignette is not required:
- A1 Westautobahn: between the German border at Walserberg and the Salzburg-Nord junction.
- A12 Inntalautobahn: between the German border at Kufstein and Kufstein-Süd.
- A14 Rheintal/Walgau Autobahn: between the German border at Hörbranz and Hohenems.
- A26 Linzer Autobahn: currently still under construction.
In addition to the vignette, there are specific routes, known as "Sondermautstrecken," where separate toll payments are required. These include:
- Arlberg Road Tunnel
- Brenner Autobahn
- Tauern Autobahn
- Karawank Tunnel
- Gleinalm Tunnel
- Bosruck Tunnel
How Long Is a Vignette Valid in Austria and What Should I Consider?
When purchasing an Austrian vignette, you can choose from four different options:
- 1-day vignette
- 10-day vignette
- 2-month vignette
- Annual vignette
It's important to know that the vignette is valid from the chosen start date until the last day of the validity period. For example, if you purchase a vignette valid for 7 days and start your journey on July 1st, the vignette will be valid until July 7th.
What Are the Different Rules per Vehicle?
- Vignette for a car: If you are traveling by car, it is mandatory to purchase a vignette.
- Vignette for a motorcycle: Just like cars, it is mandatory to buy a vignette for your motorcycle in Austria. Since a motorcycle is a smaller vehicle, the price of a motorcycle vignette is lower than that for a car.
- Vignette for a caravan: No separate vignette is required for a caravan. It suffices to buy a vignette only for the towing vehicle.
- Vignette for a camper: All campers lighter than 3,500 kg must also have a valid vignette. This is the same vignette as for a car.
- GO-Box: All vehicles that weigh more than 3.5 tons do not need to buy a vignette but are required to have a GO-Box. This toll device calculates your toll costs based on the number of kilometers you drive. Vehicles that require this include trucks and heavy campers.
What Is the Advantage of a Digital Vignette on Tollvignettes.com?
- The digital vignette offers several advantages, with convenience being the foremost. Purchasing it via Tollvignettes.com is quick and easy. Unlike traditional Slovak vignettes, you don't have to stick them on your windshield or scrape them off.
- Another major advantage of buying a vignette online is flexibility. During the ordering process, you can choose from different validity periods, whether you are planning a short stay or a longer one. Once you have ordered the vignette, it is immediately valid.
- Time is precious, and at Tollvignettes.com, we know this all too well. By ordering your vignette from us, you save valuable time. You don't have to wait for the vignette to be delivered; you can hit the road right away. Additionally, purchasing the vignette online saves you time at toll booths. With the vignette, you can drive through unimpeded, as it is checked via a license plate registration system. This way, you have more time for important matters instead of dealing with side issues.
- Besides the practical benefits, there is another significant advantage of an e-vignette: it is environmentally friendly. By buying and receiving the vignette online, there is no need for a physical vignette to be produced and distributed. This results in less waste and a smaller ecological footprint.
