Frequently Asked Questions: Austria

What exactly is a digital vignette?

A digital vignette, available from December 2017, is an electronic validation that road tax has been paid for a vehicle in Austria. It is linked to the vehicle’s license plate and stored in Austria’s central database, removing the need to physically display a vignette on your windscreen.

Which vehicles require a vignette?

Vignettes are mandatory for all motor vehicles up to 3500 kg, encompassing motorcycles and passenger cars. For vehicles exceeding 3500 kg, such as trucks, buses, and motorhomes, a Go-Box is necessary. Go-Box is calculated based on distance, emissions, and axles​.

Is a separate vignette needed for a trailer or caravan?

No, trailers and caravans do not need a separate vignette if the towing vehicle has one, as long as it doesn’t exceed 3.5 tons.

What proof do I receive for a digital vignette?

Upon registering your license plate in the Austria database for a digital vignette, you will not receive a physical vignette. Instead, Avignette will email you a link to download your digital vignette purchase confirmation.

How long is the digital vignette valid?

The duration of a digital vignette varies. You can opt for a 1-day, 10-day, 2-month, or annual digital vignette for Austria.

Can the vignette be used multiple times?

Each vignette is uniquely linked to a specific license plate and is valid for a set period. Multiple vignettes for different time frames can be purchased.

Are there additional tolls with a vignette?

Yes, certain roads in Austria incur additional tolls despite having a vignette. These include various tunnels and expressways such as the A9 Pyhrn, A10 Tauern, A11 Karawanks, A13 Brenner, and the S16 Arlberg, among others. Specific high alpine roads also require additional toll charges.

Are there checks for vignette compliance?

Yes, Austria employs automated camera systems to check for vignette compliance. Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines, so compliance is crucial.

What else is required for driving in Austria?

When driving in Austria, it’s essential to have a safety vest, first aid kit, and warning triangle in your car. For motorcycles, a warning triangle and first aid kit are mandatory, with a safety vest recommended.

What is a GO-Box and when is it required?

The GO-Box is required for vehicles over 3500 kg. It calculates tolls based on the distance traveled, vehicle emissions, and axle count. Attached behind the windscreen, it automatically deducts tolls at stations. GO-Boxes can be topped up at specific petrol stations in Austria and neighboring countries.

Which vehicles require a vignette?

All vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden mass (tpmlm) of up to 3.5 tonnes, such as motorcycles and passenger cars, must have a vignette to use motorways and express roads. Motorcycles with side-cars and three-wheeled vehicles need a specific vignette for single-track vehicles.