Your Complete Guide to Austrian Road Vignettes
Travelling to Austria from Europe or the UK? Our comprehensive guide covers everything about motorway vignettes, road rules, speed limits, and safe driving in Austria.
Explore Vignette Types View PricingKey Facts About Austrian Vignettes
Valid from December 1 of the previous year to January 31 of the following year — effectively 14 months of motorway access.
Covers exactly two calendar months. Ideal for extended stays or seasonal visits to Austria.
Perfect for short trips. Valid for 10 consecutive days from the date of purchase or activation.
The e-Vignette is linked to your licence plate and checked electronically. No sticker needed — but you must register correctly.
What Is — and Is Not — Covered by the Vignette
The Austrian motorway vignette grants access to the national motorway and expressway network. However, several routes require additional tolls. The table below clarifies the scope.
| Feature / Item | Included | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual vignette (Jahresvignette) | ✓ Yes | Valid 14 months from Dec 1 |
| 2-month vignette | ✓ Yes | Exact 2-month period |
| 10-day vignette | ✓ Yes | 10 consecutive days |
| Digital vignette (e-Vignette) | ✓ Yes | Linked to licence plate |
| Physical sticker vignette | ✓ Yes | Affixed to windscreen |
| Motorway (Autobahn) access | ✓ Yes | All A-roads covered |
| Expressway (Schnellstraße) access | ✓ Yes | All S-roads covered |
| Tunnel surcharges | ✗ Separate | Arlberg, Karawanken etc. |
| Toll roads (Sondermaut) | ✗ Separate | Brenner, Tauern, Pyhrn |
| Motorcycles | ✓ Yes | Separate motorcycle vignette |
| Vehicles over 3.5t | ✗ No | GO-Box system required |
| Electric vehicles | ✓ Yes | Same obligation applies |
| Rental cars | ✓ Yes | Verify with rental company |
| Trailers | ✗ No | No separate vignette needed |
How to Get Your Austrian Vignette — 8 Steps
- Determine your vehicle category — passenger car, motorcycle, or vehicle under 3.5 t.
- Choose the validity period — 10-day, 2-month, or annual.
- Select digital or physical — e-Vignette via the ASFINAG portal or physical sticker at petrol stations and border shops.
- Provide your licence plate (for e-Vignette) or receive the sticker.
- Pay the fee — by card online or cash/card at point of sale.
- Affix the sticker correctly (if physical) — bottom-left of the windscreen, inside the glass.
- Verify the digital activation — check your email confirmation and the ASFINAG online portal.
- Keep proof of purchase — digital receipt or sticker packaging until the vignette expires.
Pre-Trip Checklist for Driving in Austria
Before crossing the Austrian border by car, verify each of the following items:
- ✅ Valid vignette for your vehicle class
- ✅ Current vehicle registration document
- ✅ Valid driving licence (EU or international)
- ✅ Third-party liability insurance (green card)
- ✅ Warning triangle in the vehicle
- ✅ High-visibility vest (one per occupant)
- ✅ First aid kit
- ✅ Fire extinguisher (recommended)
- ✅ Winter tyres (Nov–Apr in mountain areas)
- ✅ Snow chains if forecast requires
- ✅ Cash for additional toll roads
- ✅ Emergency contact numbers saved
- ✅ Verified route for special toll sections
- ✅ Alcohol limit awareness (0.5 ‰ BAC)
What Travellers Say
"Bought the 10-day e-Vignette online before leaving the UK. Activation was instant and the whole trip through Austria was stress-free."
"The guide on this site helped me understand the difference between the vignette and the separate Brenner toll. Saved me from an unexpected fine."
"Clear, factual information about winter driving rules. I now carry the correct equipment every time I cross into Austria."