Driving in Austria

Austria is strict on kit and winter rules. A UK car needs a motorway vignette, a first aid kit, and winter tyres or chains when roads are wintry between 1 November and 15 April.

Checked on 17 October 2026 against GOV.UK and the RAC guides. Rules change, so check the official sources at the bottom before you travel.

What you must have

  • UK sticker on the rear if your number plate doesn't show the UK identifier
  • Motorway vignette for motorways and expressways (fine €120 without one)
  • Reflective (hi-vis) jacket, worn if you break down outside built-up areas or on main routes
  • Warning triangle
  • First aid kit in a strong, dirt-proof box
  • Headlamp beam deflectors or adjusted headlamps
  • Winter tyres, or snow chains on the drive wheels, 1 Nov–15 Apr whenever there's snow, slush or ice

Worth packing

  • A hi-vis jacket for every passenger
  • Snow chains for winter trips (RAC: you can hire them at major border crossings)

Documents

  • Your full UK driving licence (photocard). If you still have a paper licence, GOV.UK says you may need to update it to a photocard or get an international driving permit.
  • Your V5C logbook. If the car is hired or leased in the UK, you need a VE103 certificate instead.
  • Your motor insurance certificate. Check with your insurer that you're covered abroad.
  • Your passport.
  • UK sticker: you need one unless your number plate shows the UK identifier with the Union flag. An old GB sticker must be covered or removed (GOV.UK).

Clean-air zones and stickers

Austria has no low-emission sticker scheme for cars in the RAC guide or on GOV.UK.

Official sites:

Tolls and vignettes

A vignette is required on all motorways and expressways, sold for 10 days, 2 months or 1 year. Buy it before you use the motorway: from the official ASFINAG toll shop, post offices, border points or fuel stations. No valid vignette: €120 fine (RAC, GOV.UK).

Winter rules

1 Nov–15 Apr: winter tyres, or snow chains on at least the drive wheels, whenever roads are wintry (RAC; Austrian transport ministry). Speed and weight limits apply on chains (RAC).

Speed limits (cars)

Road Limit
Motorways 130 km/h
Outside built-up areas 100 km/h
Built-up areas 50 km/h (30 where signed)

Signs always take priority over these general limits.

Drink-driving limit

The limit is 0.49 g/l of blood (0.049%), and 0.1 g/l for drivers with under 2 years' experience (RAC). The limit in England, Wales and Northern Ireland is 0.8 g/l.

Fines to know about

  • No valid vignette: €120 (RAC)
  • Speeding €20 up to €2,180 (RAC)
  • Driving without a valid licence: up to €2,180 (RAC)
  • Radar detectors banned (RAC)

Shop the kit

We don't currently stock UK stickers, headlamp beam deflectors, spare bulb kits or breathalysers. Ferry ports, Eurotunnel and most motoring shops sell them, so pick them up before you cross. Where signs require snow chains, check that snow socks are accepted on your route before relying on them.

See the full Driving abroad range. Clean-air stickers, vignettes and toll passes come only from the official sites linked above. We don't sell them.

FAQs

Do I need a vignette in Austria?

Yes, to use any motorway or expressway. Without a valid one you can be fined €120. Buy it from the official ASFINAG shop or at post offices, border points and fuel stations.

Is a first aid kit compulsory in Austria?

Yes. The RAC lists a first aid kit in a strong, dirt-proof box among the items you must carry.

When do I need winter tyres in Austria?

From 1 November to 15 April, whenever roads are wintry (snow, slush or ice). You need winter tyres, or chains fitted on at least the drive wheels.

Do I need a hi-vis vest?

Yes. You wear it if you break down outside built-up areas or on main routes.

What's the drink-drive limit in Austria?

0.49 g/l blood, and 0.1 g/l for drivers with under two years' experience.

Sources

Checked 17 October 2026:

This page is a general guide for UK-registered cars, not legal advice. Always check the official sources before you travel.