Driving Tips in Austria

Click on one of the options below to view more information:

• Car Hire Depots
• Driving Distances
• Driving Licence
• Driving Age
• Rules and Regulations
• Equipment
• Child Safety Seats
• Speed Limits
• Drink Driving
• Tolls/Vignette
• Road Signs
• Parking
• Visa Information
• Winter Driving

Car Hire Depots

We search & compare the best rates and choices with reputable suppliers in Austria and throughout Europe. Our suppliers are located throughout major cities of Austria. Visit our Austria page.

Driving Distances in Austria

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

Licence Requirements

A full valid driver's licence is required for a minimum of 1 year. An International Drivers 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 & 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 areas prone to snow are required.

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 experienced 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.

Toll Stickers (Vignette)

Motorists driving on Austria's motorway (Autobahn) are required to purchase a Vignette sticker. Stickers must be purchased before crossing the border and can be done so at fuel stations, post offices, Austrian Automobile Clubs or at most border crossings. If you are collecting your car within Austria your vehicle will be equipped with the correct vignette. Vehicles which are 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.

Winter Driving

All vehicles driving in winter are required to be fitted with winter tyres. This includes snow or ice covered roads. The legislation is mandated from 1 November through to 15 April the following year. Fines apply if caught without winter tyres. Snow chains are not required but are to be carried in certain areas and are recommended if you are visiting the alps. Please contact us for more information.

More Information

For more information on driving in Austria, the Austrian tourist board is your one stop shop for planning your Austrian drive.

All information provided is to be used as a guide only. Distances and time may very according to the route taken. The information shown on this page may have changed since the date of publication. Please refer to the countries local tourist office for up-to-date advice. Last updated: February 2022.