Driving Tips in Austria

Car Hire Depot information in Austria

DriveAway Holidays offers the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in Austria and throughout Europe. Our Suppliers are located throughout major cities of Austria.

Car Hire Driving Distances in Austria

• Graz to Vienna – 200 kms (2hrs)
• Innsbruck to Salzburg – 185 kms (1hr/ 50mins)
• Innsbruck to Munich, Germany – 165 kms (1hr/ 40mins)
• Salzburg to Graz – 280 kms (2 hrs/ 50 mins)
• Salzburg to Munich, Germany – 145 kms (1hr/ 30mins)
• Vienna to Salzburg – 300 kms (3hrs)

Driving Licence

A full valid driver’s license is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International licence is required for Australian drivers licence holders.

Age Restrictions

Generally the minimum age is 21 years, but can vary between the car hire company and location. Maximum age limits apply in some locations, a young/senior driver surcharge may apply. Please check Terms and Conditions when making an enquiry or booking.

Rules and Regulations

General driving rules and regulations in Austria;

• Vehicles drive on the right of the road.
• Only pass slower traffic on the left.
• Must giveway to Pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
• The use of mobiles phones is prohibited while driving.
• Radar detecting device's are banned.
• Dipped head lights are required at all times.
• Seatbelts must be worn by driver and passengers.
• Giveway to uphill traffic on mountain roads.

Equipment

The following equipment are required to be kept in your vehicle and to be used at appropriate times.

• First Aid Kit
• Warning Triangle; to be used at the event of an accident or breakdown to warn following traffic. A reasonable distance between the vehicle must be given on certain roads.
• Reflective Jacket; to be used when getting out of the car at an event of an accident or breakdown on any road. 
• Winter Tyres and Snow Chains in snow areas.

Winter Driving

All vehicles driving in snow-covered (winter season: Nov-Apr) roads are required to be fitted with winter tyres. Fines apply if caught without them. Snow chains are not required but are to be carried in certain areas.

Child Safety Seats

Children up to the age of 12 (or 1.5m tall) must be seated in a suitable restraint system.

Speed Limits

Austrian laws are quite strict on speeding motorists, if caught you may end up receiving a fine and possible imprisonment. Speed camera's and mobile police radars are used to catch motorists speeding. It is recommended that you follow the guide below, as you may notice many of the Austrian Drivers will drive at very high speeds. Many of these drivers are well experience and very skilled at high speed driving.

• Urban Areas (built up areas): 50km/h
• Rural Streets: 100km/h
• Highways (Autobahn): 130km/h

Drink Driving

The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit in Austria is 0.05 g/100ml. Fines apply and a driving ban may be imposed.

Tolls

Motorists Driving on Austria's motorway (Autobahn) are required to purchase a Vignette sticker. Stickers can be purchased at either fuel stations or at the border. otherwise if you have hired a car you can purchase it from the supplier. Vehicles not fitted with a sticker face heavy fines.

Road Signs

Road Signs in Austria are very similar to other European countries but with slight variance. Warning Signs are generally triangular in shape with a red border, white background and a symbol in the middle. Prohibitive Signs are signs which motorists must follow. These signs vary in shapes from a circle, octagon and a box. You will find these signs in either blue with a white symbol in the middle and white with a red border. Information Signs are indicated with a blue background and white text providing motorists with information.

Parking

There are plenty of parking spaces available in Austria, whether it be street or secured. During weekdays parking is generally at a charge and timed, but the costs are inexpensive. Look for parking lots around the city for extended parking over 2-3 hours, during weekdays. Weekends are usually free. Make sure that you observe the street signs and road markings around you when parking as city parking is quite strict.

Visa Information

Visa, Passport and entry requirements for Australians visiting Austria;

• Australian passport holders do not require a visa for stays up to 3 months as either a tourist or on a business trip. Stays longer than 3 months must apply for a visa at the Embassy of Austria.
• A passport is required to enter Austria with at least 3 months validity beyond the length of stay.
• Return/Onward travel ticket is required.
  

*Please note driving distances and time should only be used as a guide, and may vary according to the route taken.