Navigate Austria with Confidence

Your Essential Guide to Austrian Motorway Travel

Welcome to AlpenVignette Guide, your ultimate resource for understanding the mandatory Austrian motorway vignette system. We provide clear, up-to-date information to ensure your journeys across Austria's scenic roads are smooth, legal, and free from unexpected fines. Whether you need a digital vignette for convenience or prefer the traditional sticker, we break down everything you need to know, from types and prices to regulations and how to buy. Plan your trip confidently with our comprehensive guide.

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Understanding the Austrian Vignette

A vignette serves as proof that you have paid the toll required to use Austria's motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen). It's a straightforward system designed to fund the development, maintenance, and improvement of the national road network, ensuring high-quality infrastructure for all travellers. Without a valid vignette correctly displayed or registered for your vehicle before you enter these designated routes, you are liable for on-the-spot fines.

In Austria, vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes require a vignette. Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, primarily trucks and buses, are subject to a different electronic toll system managed via a GO-Box device. Understanding this distinction is crucial. For standard passenger cars, motorcycles, and lighter vehicles, the vignette is your key to legal motorway use. Ensure your journey through the stunning Austrian landscapes and efficient road network is hassle-free by complying with this requirement.

See Vignette Types & Prices
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Choose Your Vignette

Vignettes are available for different durations and formats, offering flexibility for various travel needs, whether you're just passing through, on a short holiday, or planning a longer stay. Select the option that best aligns with your journey length and purchase preference.

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10-Day Vignette

Ideal for short trips, weekend getaways, or transit. Valid for 10 consecutive days starting from your chosen start date.

Approx. €11.50

Available as Digital or Sticker

Card representing a 2-month vignette
2-Month Vignette

Suitable for longer holidays, visiting family, or business trips lasting up to two months. Valid for 2 months from your chosen start date.

Approx. €34.40

Available as Digital or Sticker

Card representing an annual vignette
Annual Vignette

The most cost-effective option for frequent travellers or residents. Valid from December 1st of the previous year to January 31st of the following year.

Approx. €96.40

Available as Digital or Sticker

Prices are approximate and subject to official adjustments. Always verify current prices on the official ASFINAG website or authorised sales points.

Learn How to Buy

Your Step-by-Step Guide

Purchasing your vignette, especially the digital version, is a simple process designed for convenience. Follow these steps to ensure you're correctly equipped for your Austrian journey.

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Step 1
Choose Type & Duration

Decide whether a digital or traditional sticker vignette suits you best and select the required duration: 10 days, 2 months, or a full year.

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Step 2
Provide Vehicle Details

For digital vignettes, accurately enter your vehicle's license plate number and the country where it is registered. Double-check for errors!

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Step 3
Complete Payment Securely

Proceed with payment through authorised online portals or physical sales points. Remember the 18-day consumer waiting period for online digital purchases.

Illustration of confirmation email or sticker application.
Step 4
Confirm & Prepare

For digital, your registration is confirmed. For sticker, apply it correctly to your windscreen. Ensure validity matches your travel dates.

Check Regulations

Important Regulations & Penalties

Adhering to vignette regulations is not just a legal requirement, but also essential for a smooth and worry-free journey. Understanding the key rules helps you avoid common pitfalls and potential fines.

High Fines for Non-Compliance!

Driving on Austrian motorways or expressways without a valid, correctly affixed sticker vignette or a valid digital vignette registration carries significant penalties. On-the-spot "substitute tolls" are typically €120 for cars and €65 for motorcycles. If the fine is not paid immediately or proceedings escalate, the penalty can increase substantially, potentially reaching between €300 and €3,000 through administrative procedures. Vehicle checks are frequent and automated.

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Mandatory Vignette Required BEFORE Entry

It is critical to possess a valid vignette *before* you enter any toll-road section. Purchasing a vignette after you have already been on a mandatory section does not exempt you from a potential fine. Plan ahead and acquire your vignette before your trip commences or immediately upon entering Austria, ensuring its validity starts on or before your first use of a toll road.

The 18-Day Consumer Validity Period

A crucial rule for consumers buying digital vignettes online: your vignette becomes legally valid only on the 18th day after the purchase date. This waiting period is mandated by consumer protection laws allowing for a right of withdrawal. This period does *not* apply if you purchase a digital vignette at a physical ASFINAG sales point, through an automobile club, or if the purchase is made by a business (B2B). Be mindful of this if buying online shortly before your trip.

Correct Sticker Application

If you choose a sticker vignette, ensure it is correctly affixed to the inside of your windshield. The standard locations are the upper left corner or directly behind the rear-view mirror. The sticker must be clearly visible from the outside and not obstructed. Improper affixing renders the vignette invalid and can lead to a fine.

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Win Your Austrian Adventure!

To celebrate the ease of navigating Austria with a valid vignette, we're giving you a chance to win incredible prizes! Participate in our exclusive contest and make your next journey even more rewarding.

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How to enter? It's simple! Share your favourite memory of driving on Austrian motorways, tell us about your dream road trip itinerary through the Alps, or submit a photo demonstrating your compliance with the vignette rule (e.g., a clear shot of your correctly affixed sticker or confirmation of your digital vignette). Use the entry method below and inspire others to travel responsibly!

Exciting Prizes Await:

  • Grand Prize: A €500 Travel Voucher to plan your next European escapade!
  • Runner-up Prizes (3 winners): An Annual Digital Vignette for hassle-free travel throughout the year.

Entry Period: November 1st, 2024 - December 15th, 2024

Enter the Contest Now!

Terms and conditions apply. Participants must be 18 or older. Void where prohibited. Details on entry submission will be provided upon clicking the button.

What Our Users Say

Meet the Guide Team

Behind AlpenVignette Guide is a dedicated team passionate about making your Austrian travels as straightforward and enjoyable as possible. We combine expertise in travel logistics and digital information delivery.

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Johann Huber

Founder & Lead Strategist

With years of experience navigating European road systems, Johann founded AlpenVignette Guide to simplify complex regulations for fellow travelers. His vision is to make Austrian travel seamless.

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Theresa Moser

Community & Support Lead

Theresa is dedicated to ensuring users find the information they need quickly and easily. She manages our user feedback and constantly works to improve the clarity of our resources.

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David Kainz

Content & Regulations Specialist

David possesses deep knowledge of Austrian traffic laws and regulations. He is responsible for researching and updating our guide to reflect the latest requirements and ensure accuracy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, a vignette is generally required for most motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen) in Austria. These are designated toll roads. However, it's important to note that certain specific sections, such as some tunnels or mountain passes, are subject to additional route-specific tolls separate from the standard vignette. Always check route signage or an updated road map if you are unsure about a particular stretch of road.

Both the digital vignette (Digitale Vignette) and the physical sticker vignette serve as valid proofs of payment for using Austria's toll roads. The key difference lies in how the vehicle is registered and verified. The sticker is a physical decal that must be correctly affixed to your vehicle's windshield. The digital vignette, on the other hand, is linked directly to your vehicle's license plate number in the ASFINAG database and is verified electronically via camera systems and mobile checks. The digital version offers convenience as there is no physical sticker to manage or remove.

If you are purchasing the digital vignette online as a consumer, there is a legal waiting period of 18 days (starting the day after purchase) before it becomes valid. This period exists due to consumer protection laws regarding the right of withdrawal for online purchases. If you need the vignette to be valid immediately, you must purchase the digital version at a physical ASFINAG sales point, through certain automobile clubs (like ÖAMTC or ARBÖ), or as a business.

Vehicles using Austrian motorways and expressways are subject to checks by ASFINAG staff and automated camera systems. If you are caught without a valid vignette, you will be required to pay a "substitute toll" on the spot, which is currently €120 for cars and €65 for motorcycles. Failure to pay this substitute toll can lead to significantly higher administrative fines, ranging from €300 up to €3,000 in legal proceedings.

For sticker vignettes, correct placement is crucial for validity. It must be applied to the inside of the vehicle's windshield. The standard, recommended positions are either in the upper left corner or directly behind the rear-view mirror. The sticker must be affixed securely with its own adhesive; do not use tape or other means. It must be clearly visible from the outside and should not be placed on a tinted strip or obstructed in any way. Removing and re-applying a sticker vignette invalidates it.

Get In Touch

Do you have further questions about Austrian vignettes, need clarification on regulations, or want to inquire about the contest? We're here to help! Reach out to our team via the form below or connect with us on social media.

Contact Information

Email: [email protected]

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