Your Guide to Austrian Motorway Vignettes

Navigate Austrian roads with confidence. Understand, acquire, and use your motorway vignette correctly to ensure a smooth and legal journey across this beautiful Alpine country.

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Illustration representing a road sign with a vignette icon

What is a Vignette and Why Do You Need One?

In Austria, using the majority of motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen) requires a valid road usage entitlement, which is most commonly obtained through a vignette. This system is the primary method by which the Austrian state finances the construction, maintenance, and ongoing improvement of its high-speed road network. Think of it as a compulsory toll, but paid in advance for a period of time, rather than per kilometre or per specific road section (though specific routes like certain tunnels do have additional tolls).

Essentially, a vignette proves that you have paid your contribution towards the road infrastructure for a set duration. Driving on designated toll roads without this proof is strictly forbidden and actively monitored. Both domestic and foreign vehicles are subject to this rule. Failing to possess or display a valid vignette when required can lead to significant on-the-spot fines issued by the authorities or ASFINAG control teams. Therefore, understanding the vignette system is not just about legal compliance; it's essential for a hassle-free and enjoyable driving experience in Austria.

Car driving on a scenic road, illustrating travelers

Is a Vignette Required for Your Journey?

The requirement for a vignette in Austria applies broadly to nearly all vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum permissible weight that intend to use the Autobahnen and Schnellstraßen network. This includes standard passenger cars, motorcycles, smaller motorhomes, and vans. The rule applies regardless of your nationality or the purpose of your trip – whether you're a tourist on holiday, a business traveler, a commuter, or simply passing through Austria in transit to another country.

While the vast majority of the high-speed network requires a vignette, it's worth noting that a few specific motorway sections, often newer bypasses or connecting roads, might be temporarily exempt. Additionally, certain tunnels and mountain roads, particularly transalpine routes like the Brenner Pass or the Tauern Tunnel, operate under a special toll system that requires an extra payment, even if you have a vignette. However, for standard travel across Austria's motorways, a vignette is a fundamental necessity for:

Common users include:

  • • Holidaymakers driving into or through Austria to reach popular destinations like the Alps, Vienna, or the lakes.

  • • Business travelers attending meetings or transporting goods using the motorway network.

  • • Residents utilizing the motorways for their daily commute or weekend excursions.

  • • Motorcyclists enjoying the scenic routes that often connect via the expressway system.

  • • Drivers of smaller motorhomes and vans embarking on road trips or deliveries.

Always check the specific requirements for your vehicle and intended route, especially if using larger vehicles (over 3.5t, which fall under a different Go-Box toll system) or planning to traverse tolled tunnels.

Choosing the Right Vignette Type

Austrian vignettes come in various validity periods tailored to different travel needs. They are also categorized by vehicle type to ensure fair pricing based on usage potential. Selecting the appropriate vignette before your journey begins is crucial for compliance and convenience.

Visual representation of different vignette types or validity periods

10-Day Vignette

This is the most flexible option for short stays or transit through Austria. It becomes valid from the day you purchase or register it and remains valid for 9 subsequent days, totaling 10 consecutive calendar days. Perfect for a weekend trip or simply passing through the country on a longer journey.

Vehicle Classes: Cars, Motorcycles

2-Month Vignette

Ideal for those planning a longer holiday, multiple shorter visits, or an extended business trip within Austria. This vignette is valid for exactly two months from the date of purchase or registration. For example, if purchased on May 15th, it is valid until the end of the day on July 14th.

Vehicle Classes: Cars, Motorcycles

1-Year Vignette

The most cost-effective choice for frequent travelers to or through Austria, or for residents. The annual vignette offers the longest validity period. It is valid from December 1st of the previous year until January 31st of the following year, providing a total validity of 14 months. This covers the entirety of a calendar year plus the adjacent months for convenience.

Vehicle Classes: Cars, Motorcycles

Rates differ between vehicle classes. Motorcycles generally have lower rates than cars and other vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Always verify the current prices for the specific validity period and vehicle type you require before purchasing.

Acquiring Your Austrian Vignette

Obtaining a valid Austrian vignette is straightforward, with multiple convenient purchase channels available to suit different traveler preferences and circumstances. You can opt for the traditional physical sticker or the modern digital version.

Illustration of buying something online on a laptop

Online

For maximum convenience, digital vignettes can be purchased directly online through the official ASFINAG website's online shop or via the "Unterwegs" app. This allows you to buy your vignette from the comfort of your home or while planning your trip. When purchasing online as a consumer, be mindful of the 18-day waiting period before the vignette becomes valid, mandated by Austrian consumer protection laws. This waiting period does not apply if you are purchasing as a business or through specific alternative immediate purchase points. Always double-check the validity start date during the online purchase process.

Exterior of a petrol station with cars and pumps

Physical Points of Sale

Traditional physical sticker vignettes, and in some cases, digital vignettes with immediate validity (bypassing the 18-day online waiting period for consumers), can be acquired at numerous physical locations. These include most petrol stations, particularly those located near border crossings into Austria or along major transit routes. Tobacco shops (known as "Trafiken" in Austria) are another common point of sale. Additionally, offices of automobile clubs such as ARBÖ and ÖAMTC typically sell vignettes. Purchasing at these locations provides immediate validity for physical stickers, making them suitable for spontaneous trips.

Whether you choose online convenience or immediate physical purchase, ensure you are buying from authorized retailers. Unofficial sellers may offer vignettes at inflated prices or even provide invalid documents.

Digital vs. Physical Vignette: Which One is Right for You?

Austria modernized its toll system by introducing the digital vignette alongside the traditional sticker. Both formats fulfill the legal requirement for using tolled roads, but they have different characteristics, advantages, and disadvantages that might make one a better fit for your specific travel needs.

Comparison visual showing a physical sticker next to a digital device
Feature Digital Vignette Physical Vignette
Format Electronically linked to your vehicle's license plate number. No physical item is required to be displayed on the vehicle. A tangible adhesive sticker that must be correctly affixed to the inside of the vehicle's windshield.
Purchase Primarily purchased online via official web shop (ASFINAG) or app. Also available at selected physical points of sale. Available for immediate purchase at numerous physical locations like petrol stations, Trafiken (tobacco shops), and automobile clubs (ARBÖ, ÖAMTC).
Validity Start For consumer online purchases, validity starts on the 18th day after purchase. For business online purchases or purchases at physical points (where offered), validity can be immediate or chosen for a future date. Validity starts immediately upon purchase and proper affixing to the windshield.
Vehicle Change/Transfer Linked to the license plate. If the license plate changes due to specific reasons (e.g., theft, loss, moving), the vignette can potentially be transferred to the new plate under application and verification. Valid only for the vehicle it is originally affixed to. Cannot be removed and transferred to another vehicle without invalidating it. Removing it destroys its integrity.
Pros Convenient purchase from anywhere with internet access. No need to find a physical point of sale. Avoids sticker residue on the windshield. Useful for vehicles with changeable license plates (e.g., certain leasing arrangements) or rental cars (if purchased correctly). Compliance checks are electronic. Immediate validity upon purchase (bypassing the 18-day rule for consumers). Tangible proof of purchase and validity. Familiar and traditional method for many travelers.
Cons The 18-day waiting period for consumer online purchases requires planning ahead. Less suitable for spontaneous trips if buying online as a consumer. Requires accurate license plate entry during purchase. Must be physically affixed correctly and remain visible. Can be difficult to remove without damage at the end of its validity. Improper affixing can lead to fines. Obstructs a small part of the windshield. Cannot be transferred between vehicles.

Consider your travel frequency, spontaneity, and vehicle type when choosing. If you plan ahead and value convenience, the digital vignette is often preferred. If you need immediate validity for a last-minute trip and are okay with a physical sticker, purchasing at a service station is a reliable option.

Applying and Using Your Vignette Correctly

Having a vignette is just the first step; ensuring it is correctly applied or registered is equally vital. Improper use is a common cause for receiving fines, which can quickly ruin a pleasant journey. Follow these specific guidelines depending on whether you have a physical sticker or a digital entitlement.

For Physical Sticker Vignettes:

  1. Image representing purchasing a vignette
    Purchase Correctly
    Ensure you buy the official vignette corresponding to your vehicle category (car, motorcycle) and the required validity period (10-day, 2-month, 1-year). Verify the year and validity printed on the sticker.
  2. Image representing peeling a sticker
    Peel Completely
    Carefully peel the entire sticker, including the protective film and the adhesive layer, away from the backing paper. It should come off as one piece. Do not just peel small sections or corners.
  3. Diagram showing correct placement of a vignette on a car windshield
    Affix to Windshield
    Stick the entire adhesive side directly onto the inside of your car's windshield. Recommended placement is either the top left corner or behind the rearview mirror. Avoid placing it in the tinted strip at the top of the windshield, as this can obstruct visibility for control cameras.
  4. Image representing a vignette clearly visible on a windshield
    Ensure Visibility
    The vignette must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle. Do not use tape, suction cups, or other methods to attach it; it must be permanently affixed with its own adhesive. Using any other method or tampering with the sticker invalidates it.

For Digital Vignettes:

  1. Image representing entering text into a form field
    Accurate License Plate
    The digital vignette is linked *precisely* to the license plate number you provide during the purchase process. Double-check the plate number for any typos before confirming your purchase. Any error makes the vignette invalid for your vehicle.
  2. Image representing a calendar with a waiting period marked
    Observe Waiting Period
    As a consumer buying online, remember the mandatory 18-day waiting period for the digital vignette to become legally valid. Plan your purchase accordingly. If you need immediate validity, buy it at an authorized physical sales point or check the ASFINAG app for instant purchase options.
  3. Illustration representing a camera scanning a license plate
    Electronic Verification
    There is no physical item to display. Your license plate is registered in a central database. Control cameras and mobile scanning units check passing vehicles against this database. If your plate is registered for a valid period, you are compliant.
  4. Image representing a document or digital confirmation
    Keep Confirmation (Optional)
    While not strictly mandatory for control purposes (as verification is electronic), keeping your purchase confirmation (digital or printed) can be helpful for your records or in case of any discrepancies.

General Note:

Always retain your purchase receipt or confirmation, regardless of whether you buy a physical or digital vignette. This serves as proof of purchase in case of any issues.

Image representing a police car or toll control booth

Consequences of Not Having a Valid Vignette

Ignoring the vignette requirement when using Austrian motorways and expressways is a costly mistake. The Austrian authorities, primarily through ASFINAG's dedicated service and control staff and the police, conduct frequent checks. These checks can be automated using cameras scanning license plates for digital vignettes or manual, with patrols stopping vehicles to verify physical stickers.

If you are caught without a valid, correctly applied (physical) or registered (digital) vignette on a tolled road, you will face an immediate "Ersatzmaut" (replacement toll). This replacement toll is significantly higher than the cost of a vignette and is typically around €120 for cars/motorhomes and €65 for motorcycles. However, this is often just the starting point. If the replacement toll is not paid on the spot or within a short grace period, administrative penalty proceedings will be initiated, which can result in fines ranging from €300 up to €3,000 or even higher in serious cases of repeated violations or attempted fraud (e.g., vignette manipulation).

Avoid These Common Mistakes:

  • Not purchasing a vignette at all before entering a tolled section.
  • Purchasing the wrong vehicle type (e.g., a motorcycle vignette for a car).
  • Failing to fully remove the backing paper from a physical vignette before affixing.
  • Placing the physical vignette in the tinted area of the windshield, rendering it invisible to cameras.
  • Incorrectly entering your license plate number when buying a digital vignette online.
  • Using a vignette that has expired for the duration of your travel.
  • Attempting to reuse a physical vignette or transfer it to a different vehicle.

The most reliable way to avoid fines is simple: Always double-check that you have a valid vignette (physical or digital) covering the entire duration of your intended motorway use in Austria and that it is correctly applied or registered to your specific license plate number *before* you enter any tolled road section.

Your Questions Answered

We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions about Austrian vignettes to provide quick and clear answers to common concerns.

No, the vignette requirement specifically applies to motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen) managed by ASFINAG, Austria's state-owned road operator. While this covers the vast majority of the high-speed network connecting major cities and regions, local and provincial roads are generally free to use without a vignette. It's important to be aware that certain specific high-cost routes, most notably scenic tunnels and alpine passes (like the Arlberg, Brenner, Tauern, or Katschberg tunnels), are subject to separate, section-specific toll charges. You will pay these tolls in addition to, or sometimes instead of, needing a vignette for that particular section. Clear signage indicates when you are approaching a tolled road or section requiring a vignette or special toll.

The 18-day rule is a key point for consumers purchasing digital vignettes online. Due to Austrian consumer protection laws, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal when buying goods or services online. To accommodate this, digital vignettes purchased online by private consumers become legally valid only from the 18th day following the purchase date. This allows for the 14-day cooling-off period plus a few administrative days. This rule does NOT apply if you purchase the digital vignette as a business or if you buy it at an authorized physical point of sale or through the ASFINAG app immediately before your journey, as these channels often offer instant validity. Always plan ahead if buying online as a consumer to ensure your vignette is valid when you need it.

Strictly no. Both physical and digital vignettes are designed to be non-transferable between vehicles under normal circumstances. A physical sticker vignette adheres permanently to the windshield of a single vehicle; attempting to remove it destroys the sticker and invalidates it. It cannot be reused on another car. A digital vignette is electronically linked to one specific license plate number provided at the time of purchase. It is only valid for that vehicle with that exact plate. Changing the license plate linked to a digital vignette is only permissible in very limited, specific circumstances, such as if your license plate is stolen, lost, or you change your place of residence, and it requires a formal application process with supporting documentation to ASFINAG.

Unfortunately, if your physical vignette is destroyed, lost, or rendered unusable (like due to a broken windshield), you will need to obtain a new, valid vignette before using tolled roads again. While ASFINAG may offer a replacement under certain conditions, it is not guaranteed and requires specific proof. You typically need to provide photographic evidence of the damaged windshield with the remains of the vignette still attached, along with the original purchase receipt for the vignette. The process involves submitting an application to ASFINAG. Until a replacement is officially issued, you must purchase a new vignette to legally drive on motorways and expressways. Keep your purchase receipts in a safe place, separate from the vignette itself.
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Our Mission

Welcome to the Austrian Vignette Guide. We are a small, dedicated team with a passion for safe and informed travel, particularly across the stunning landscapes and efficient road networks of Austria. Our journey began out of personal experiences and the realization that navigating the requirements for driving in foreign countries, even within Europe, can sometimes be confusing. The Austrian vignette system, while effective, generates many questions for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with its specifics. We founded this platform to address that need directly.

Our core mission is to serve as your reliable, comprehensive, and easy-to-understand online resource for everything related to the Austrian motorway vignette. We strive to gather official information, explain complex rules in simple terms, and present it in a clear, accessible format. We aim to empower drivers with accurate knowledge about what a vignette is, why it's necessary, the different types available, where and how to buy them correctly (both digital and physical), and critically, how to use them properly to avoid common pitfalls and costly fines.

We are committed to maintaining the accuracy of the information provided here, drawing from official sources and regularly updating our content to reflect any changes in regulations or procedures. While we do not sell vignettes ourselves, our purpose is purely educational and informational. We believe that armed with the right information, every driver can experience the convenience and efficiency of Austria's tolled road network without worry, focusing instead on the beauty of their journey. We hope this guide becomes your go-to resource before you set off on your Austrian adventure.

How We Can Help You

As an informational guide, we focus on providing you with the knowledge you need for a smooth journey on Austrian roads. While we don't offer commercial services like selling vignettes, we provide essential resources and support through education and guidance.

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Educational Help

Our primary service is offering comprehensive, up-to-date information through detailed articles, guides, and FAQs on this website. We cover all aspects of the Austrian vignette, from its legal basis and different types to purchase options, correct usage, and the consequences of non-compliance. Our content is designed to be easy to read and understand, helping both first-time visitors and regular travelers stay informed.

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Document Navigation Support

Official regulations and purchase processes can sometimes involve complex language or require navigating specific online portals. We provide guidance on where to find official documentation from ASFINAG and how to interpret requirements mentioned on official sites or in purchase confirmations. We aim to bridge the gap between official information and the traveler's need for straightforward instructions.

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Information Hotline Guidance

For specific vehicle details, complex legal situations, or issues directly related to a purchase or a potential fine, you may need to contact the official Austrian authorities or ASFINAG. While we are not an official hotline and cannot provide legal advice or handle specific cases, we can guide you on where to find the correct official contact information for inquiries related to vignettes, tolls, or fines, ensuring you reach the right authority for your specific problem.

Our goal is to equip you with accurate knowledge, enabling you to make informed decisions and comply with Austrian road regulations confidently.

Get in Touch

Do you have further questions about Austrian vignettes that weren't covered in our guide? Perhaps you have a suggestion or need clarification on a specific point? Feel free to reach out to us using the contact form below or the provided contact details.

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We are a non-commercial information resource dedicated to helping you understand Austrian vignette requirements. While we don't have a public office for walk-ins, you can contact us via email. Our listed address is for informational purposes regarding location context only, reflecting our focus on providing guidance relevant to Austria.

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This website, Austrian Vignette Guide, is intended solely as an informational resource. We provide general guidance and summaries regarding the Austrian motorway vignette system based on publicly available information. While we strive to ensure the information is accurate and up-to-date, regulations and procedures can change. Therefore, the content on this site should be considered for informational purposes only and not as official legal advice. Always verify critical details directly with official sources, such as ASFINAG (Austrian Motorway and Expressway Company), before making travel arrangements or decisions related to tolls and vignettes. Your reliance on the information on this site is strictly at your own risk.

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