Austria by Car and Motorcycle
We have some tips for your good and safe journey!
The Arlberg tunnel on the S 16 Arlberg motorway between Tirol and Vorarlberg will be closed to all traffic from 15 April to 22 November 2024 in both directions.
Under optimal traffic conditions and if not otherwise indicated, the following maximum speed limits apply in Austria:
For cars, motorbikes and caravans up to 3,5t
Within town limits: 50 km/h (approx. 31 mph)
On the open road: 100 km/h (approx. 62 mph)
On expressways: 100 km/h resp. 130km/h (approx. 62 mph resp. 80 mph) - Please observe the respective speed limit.
On motorways: 130 km/h (approx. 80 mph)
For more information and other types of vehicles please check here.
Austria's traffic regulations and road signs generally correspond to those of other European countries.
Attention: In Austria, all motorways and expressways are subject to tolls!
Driving licences from all countries within the European Economic Area and EU member states are recognised in Austria indefinitely and do not need to be converted. Driving licences issued outside the European Economic Area are valid for 12 months from the date of arrival in Austria, provided the holder is at least 18 years old.
Attention: If the driving licence is not written in German, it is only valid in conjunction with an international driving permit or a translation.
Wearing seat belts is mandatory in Austria. Children under 14 years old who are shorter than 150 cm / 4.9 feet may only be transported in appropriate child seats. In cars and estates (including so-called "minivans"), only one child per seat may be transported, and they must be properly secured according to their age and size.
Using a phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free device, which must be operable with one hand and must not interfere with driving in any way.
For motorcyclists, wearing helmets is mandatory in Austria. Additionally, they require a vignette, and dipped headlights must be on during the day while driving.
Every driver must always carry a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a reflective safety vest, and be able to present them during a traffic check.
On roads in Austria outside built-up areas, wearing a safety vest is mandatory. This means that drivers must put on a safety vest when stepping onto the road in the event of a breakdown or accident. It is recommended to carry a safety vest for every traveller.
Drink-driving
In Austria, the legal limit is less than 0.5 milligrams of alcohol per millilitre of blood, and for provisional licence holders as well as lorry and bus drivers, the limit is 0.1 milligrams. Anyone caught driving under the influence of alcohol faces heavy fines and the confiscation of their driving licence.
From 1 November to 15 April, winter equipment is mandatory in Austria. Vehicles must be fitted with winter tyres on all four wheels or with snow chains on at least two drive wheels.
Winter tyres are only considered winter equipment in Austria if they have the "M+S" marking and a tread depth of more than 4 mm. This also applies to all-season tyres and studded tyres.
Snow chains are only permitted when the road is completely or almost completely covered with snow or ice. Carrying snow chains is not mandatory, but it is recommended for trips into high-alpine regions. If the traffic sign "snow chains required" is displayed, all vehicles must fit snow chains on the drive wheels. Therefore, please check the weather conditions and current traffic service reports before setting off.
At petrol stations, unleaded regular petrol with 91 octane, Euro-Super (unleaded petrol with 95 octane), and Super Plus (unleaded petrol with 98 octane), as well as diesel, are available. The sale of leaded petrol is prohibited in Austria, but an additive is available at petrol stations for vehicles without a catalytic converter. Up to 10 litres can be carried tax-free in a reserve canister. Current fuel prices, electric charging stations, and further tips can be found on the ÖAMTC website.
Always well informed
Traffic information from across Austria, as well as from the main routes in neighbouring countries, is reported every half hour by the radio station "Hitradio Ö3". In the event of acute danger – for example, wrong-way drivers – the radio programme is immediately interrupted and a broadcast is made on all other ORF radio stations. Traffic reports can be made around the clock by calling 0800 600 601 or the short dial number *300 (free for all of Austria). The radio station broadcasts mainly in German.
All information is also available online through the Ö3 traffic service or the ASFINAG traffic reports. Additionally, the automobile club ÖAMTC offers traffic forecasts, a congestion calendar, and other useful information.
Whilst driving on Austria’s roads, you might notice signs proscribing the so-called "Rettungsgasse" (emergency corridor). This is a clear lane for emergency vehicles that has to be formed right away in case of traffic jams.
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 to clear a lane for emergency vehicles.
Find more information here.
European emergency number 112
Fire brigade 122
Police 133
Ambulance 144
Breakdown Services
ÖAMTC emergency breakdown service 120
ARBÖ emergency breakdown service 123
Mountain rescue 140
Doctor-on-call 141
E-mobility in Austria
Through Austria by motorbike
The parking duration in short-term parking zones varies and is stated at the beginning of the zone. Traffic signs do not have to be repeated at every junction.
To ensure a smooth journey here is important information on customs regulations, border formalities, and bringing pets into Austria.