Austrian Motorway Vignette Guide - VignetteWise Austria

Illustrative image showing examples of digital and physical Austrian vignettes

Understanding the Austrian Vignette

The Austrian vignette, known locally as the 'Pickerl' for the physical version or 'digitale Vignette', is a mandatory toll sticker or digital permit required for nearly all vehicles intending to use Austria's extensive network of motorways (Autobahnen, designated with 'A') and expressways (Schnellstraßen, designated with 'S'). This system simplifies toll collection by charging a flat fee for a specific period, granting access to the entire vignette-required network, rather than charging based on distance traveled on individual sections.

Essentially, acquiring a valid vignette acts as your permission slip to traverse these high-speed roads legally. This fee contributes directly to the upkeep and expansion of Austria's high-quality road infrastructure, ensuring smooth and safe travel for everyone. Attempting to use these designated roads without a valid and correctly applied (for physical) or registered (for digital) vignette is a serious offense. Roadside checks by police and ASFINAG enforcement officers are frequent, and automated camera systems are also in place, making compliance essential to avoid substantial fines that far exceed the cost of a vignette itself.

Illustrative image showing different vehicle types requiring a vignette: car, motorcycle, small motorhome

Is a Vignette Required For Your Journey?

Key Information for Tourists, Residents, and Different Vehicle Types.

If you plan to drive on Austria's toll roads, it's highly likely your vehicle falls under the vignette requirement. The regulation applies to all vehicles with a maximum permissible gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tonnes. This category primarily includes standard passenger cars, campervans or light motorhomes (as long as they are under 3.5t), and motorcycles. It is important to note that the vignette requirement is for the towing vehicle; if you are towing a trailer or caravan with a car or motorhome under 3.5t, only the towing vehicle needs a vignette.

This requirement is universal and applies equally to all drivers, regardless of whether they are Austrian citizens, residents, or foreign tourists merely transiting through the country. Even if you are driving a rental car within Austria, it is your responsibility to ensure it has a valid vignette for your intended journey. While some rental companies may provide vehicles with vignettes already affixed or registered, it's crucial to confirm this beforehand and purchase one yourself if needed. Failure to do so rests entirely with the driver.

Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes, such as heavy trucks and buses, are subject to a separate, distance-based toll system managed by the GO-Box system, not the vignette.

Vehicles Typically Requiring a Vignette (under 3.5t):

Cars and motorhomes up to 3.5t - This is the most common category.
Motorcycles - A separate, slightly less expensive vignette is required for motorcycles.
Vehicles with trailers - The vignette is solely for the towing vehicle under 3.5t.
Rental cars - Always verify vignette status with the rental agency.

Illustrative image showing representations of 10-day, 2-month, and annual vignettes

Choosing the Right Vignette

Options Based on Duration and Vehicle Category.

Selecting the appropriate vignette depends entirely on the length of your stay or the frequency of your travel on Austrian toll roads. Austria offers several duration options to accommodate different needs, ensuring you only pay for the time period relevant to your trip. These options are available for both passenger vehicles (cars and light motorhomes up to 3.5t) and motorcycles, each with specific pricing.

Available Vignette Durations:

10-Day Vignette: This is the shortest validity period and is perfect for tourists on brief holidays, those making quick business trips, or drivers simply transiting through Austria on their way to another country. It provides access for ten consecutive calendar days, including the start date you choose (for digital) or the day it is punched (for physical).
2-Month Vignette: A good option for longer visits, multiple trips within a two-month window, or for seasonal stays. This vignette is valid for exactly two months from the specific start date you designate (digital) or the day indicated upon purchase (physical).
Annual Vignette: Represents the best value for frequent travelers or residents. An annual vignette is valid for a period spanning 14 months, specifically from the 1st of December of the preceding year to the 31st of January of the following year. For example, a 2024 annual vignette is valid from 1st Dec 2023 to 31st Jan 2025.

When purchasing, always verify you are selecting the correct duration and vehicle category (car/motorhome or motorcycle) to ensure the vignette's validity for your planned use. Prices are officially set by ASFINAG and are the same regardless of where you purchase them officially, although some third-party resellers might charge administrative fees.

Illustrative image showing a computer screen representing online vignette purchase and a gas station representing physical purchase locations

Purchase Your Vignette Legally

Official Sources for Physical and Digital Vignettes.

Acquiring your Austrian vignette from a legitimate source is paramount to avoid counterfeits, inflated prices, and potential fines. Both physical and digital vignettes are available through a network of authorized sales points across Austria and in neighboring countries, as well as through the official online portal.

For convenience and ease, the official ASFINAG online shop is the recommended place to purchase a digital vignette. This links the vignette directly to your license plate number, eliminating the need for a physical sticker. However, be aware that for consumers purchasing online, a standard 18-day cooling-off period applies before the digital vignette becomes valid. This consumer protection period does not apply if you purchase the digital vignette as a business, or if you buy it at a physical point of sale like an ÖAMTC/ARBOÖ office or certain petrol stations (where the digital vignette is then valid immediately).

Physical vignettes can be purchased at numerous locations. These include most major petrol stations situated near Austrian border crossings and throughout the country. Additionally, you can find them at post offices, tobacco shops (officially called "Trafiken") within Austria, and at the offices of major automobile clubs like ARBÖ and ÖAMTC in Austria, as well as their partner clubs in neighboring countries (e.g., ADAC in Germany, TCS in Switzerland, ÚAMK in Czech Republic). Purchasing at these official physical locations provides immediate validity.

Trusted Purchase Points:

Official ASFINAG online shop (for digital vignettes - mind the 18-day rule for consumers).
Automobile clubs (ÖAMTC, ARBÖ in Austria; ADAC, etc., abroad).
Petrol stations near borders and inside Austria.
Austrian Post offices.
Officially licensed tobacco shops (Trafiken).

Always look for authorized sellers and retain your receipt, especially for digital vignettes, as proof of purchase. Be extremely wary of unofficial websites or vendors claiming to sell vignettes online; these are often scams or charge exorbitant fees.

Illustrative image showing a comparison between a physical vignette sticker and a digital representation linked to a license plate

Digital or Physical: Which is Right for You?

Comparing the Two Vignette Options.

Austria provides travelers with the flexibility of choosing between the traditional physical sticker vignette and the modern digital vignette. While both serve the same purpose – granting legal access to toll roads – they have distinct differences in application and convenience that might make one a better fit for your travel needs.

The Physical Vignette:

This is the familiar sticker you purchase and physically affix to the inside of your vehicle's windscreen. It's a tangible proof of payment. Once stuck, it cannot be removed and transferred to another vehicle without becoming invalid. It requires correct application to a clean, designated spot on the windscreen (typically upper left or behind the rearview mirror) where it is clearly visible from the outside. Physical vignettes are available at numerous points of sale and are valid immediately upon purchase and validation (often by punching the start date). The primary drawback is the need for correct application and the inability to easily move it between vehicles.

The Digital Vignette:

Purchased online or at specific physical points of sale, the digital vignette is linked electronically to your vehicle's license plate number. There is no sticker involved, which is particularly convenient for vehicles with heated windscreens or for those who dislike applying and removing stickers. It's also ideal for drivers using multiple vehicles (like company cars) or for rental vehicles, as you simply register the plate number for the desired period. A key consideration is the 18-day waiting period for consumers buying online from ASFINAG due to EU consumer protection rights – plan your purchase well in advance of your trip if buying online! This waiting period does not apply if you purchase the digital vignette as a business or at specific physical sales points.

Choosing between the two depends on factors like purchase urgency (immediate vs. 18-day wait), vehicle usage (single personal car vs. multiple/rental), and personal preference (sticker vs. sticker-free). Both are equally valid forms of proof when traveling on Austrian toll roads.

Properly Using Your Vignette

Simple Steps for Physical and Digital Types.

Correctly using your vignette is just as important as purchasing it. Improper application or registration can render it invalid and lead to fines. Follow these simple guidelines based on the type of vignette you have chosen.

For Physical Vignettes: Ensuring Visibility and Permanence

Physical vignettes must be clearly and permanently affixed to the inside of your vehicle's windscreen. There are specific, recommended locations to ensure visibility for checks:

Remove the entire vignette sticker, including the adhesive layer, from its backing. Do not use tape or any other method that allows for easy removal.
The recommended placement is either the top-left corner of the windscreen (from the driver's perspective) or directly behind the rearview mirror, where it won't obstruct your view but is easily seen from the outside.
Press the sticker firmly onto clean, dry glass to ensure it adheres permanently across its entire surface.
Keep the lower part of the backing sheet; it contains important information about the vignette and serves as proof of purchase.
Remember to remove expired physical vignettes from your windscreen.

An improperly affixed vignette (e.g., taped, placed in the wrong spot, not fully adhered) is considered invalid and can result in the same penalties as driving without a vignette.

Diagram showing correct placement of a physical vignette on a car windscreen

For Digital Vignettes: The Simplicity of Digital Registration

Using a digital vignette is even simpler as it requires no physical action on your vehicle. The process is handled during the purchase:

The crucial step is ensuring you correctly enter your vehicle's license plate number and the country of registration during the online or physical purchase process. Double-check these details carefully!
Specify the desired start date for your vignette's validity period.
If purchased online as a consumer, the vignette becomes valid only after the mandatory 18-day consumer protection period has passed. Plan accordingly. If purchased at a physical point of sale that offers immediate digital registration (like ÖAMTC/ARBOÖ offices), it is valid instantly.
Carry your purchase confirmation (digital or printed) for your records, although enforcement checks are primarily done electronically by scanning your license plate.

The system automatically checks your license plate against the database of registered digital vignettes. An incorrect license plate number or attempting to use the vignette before the end of the 18-day waiting period (if applicable) will show up as invalid during checks, leading to fines.

Screenshot representation of the final step in purchasing a digital vignette online, showing license plate confirmation

Illustrative image showing a warning symbol or representation of a police vehicle

Avoid Fines: The Cost of No Vignette

Understanding Penalties and Common Mistakes.

The beautiful scenery and efficient motorways of Austria come with a strict requirement: a valid vignette. Failure to comply is not taken lightly by Austrian authorities and can result in immediate, significant financial penalties. The cost of a fine for driving on a toll road without a valid vignette is vastly disproportionate to the cost of purchasing one, making it a costly oversight to avoid.

If stopped or detected by automated cameras, drivers without a valid vignette can face on-the-spot "substitute tolls" or fines starting from approximately €120, which can escalate significantly, potentially reaching €300 or more if not paid immediately or if the case goes to administrative proceedings. This initial penalty is usually just to cover the substitute toll; you may still be required to purchase a valid vignette on the spot or face further fines.

Beyond simply not having a vignette, other issues can lead to fines: using a physical vignette that is not properly affixed (e.g., taped on, placed in the wrong location), using a vignette that has been tampered with (which suggests attempting to reuse it or transfer it), or for digital vignettes, having an incorrect license plate registered or using it before the 18-day consumer waiting period has expired. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes caught without a functioning GO-Box also face substantial penalties.

Common Reasons for Penalties:

No vignette at all on a designated toll road.
Physical vignette improperly affixed (not permanently stuck).
Physical vignette tampered with or transferred.
Digital vignette linked to an incorrect license plate number.
Using a digital vignette bought online as a consumer before the 18-day validity period.
Using a vignette from the wrong vehicle category (e.g., a motorcycle vignette on a car).
Using an expired vignette.

To ensure a smooth journey, always plan ahead, purchase your vignette from an official source, confirm the dates/license plate are correct, and follow application instructions precisely. A few minutes of preparation can save you significant expense and hassle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get Quick Answers to Common Vignette Queries.

Navigating the specifics of the Austrian vignette system can raise several questions, especially for first-time visitors or those using the digital option. We've compiled answers to some of the most common inquiries to provide quick clarity.

A 10-day vignette provides validity for a total of 10 consecutive calendar days. Its validity begins on the specific start date you choose during the purchase of a digital vignette, or on the date that is manually punched on the physical sticker by the vendor at the time of purchase. The validity period includes this initial start day. So, if the start date (digital) or punched date (physical) is the 5th of a month, the vignette would be valid until the end of the 14th of that same month.

If you purchase a digital vignette online via the official ASFINAG webshop or app as a private consumer, there is typically an 18-day waiting period before the vignette becomes valid. This is due to standard EU consumer protection laws allowing for a 'right of withdrawal' for online purchases. The validity period you select (e.g., 10-day, 2-month) begins only *after* this 18-day period concludes. However, this waiting period does NOT apply if you purchase the digital vignette at a physical point of sale which offers immediate digital registration (like ÖAMTC/ARBOÖ offices, or certain petrol stations), or if you purchase it as a registered business. Always check the validity start date confirmed at the time of purchase.

No, physical vignettes are strictly non-transferable between vehicles. They are designed to adhere permanently to the windscreen of a single vehicle. Any attempt to remove a physical vignette will likely damage it and render it invalid. Furthermore, presenting a vignette that shows signs of tampering or incorrect removal is treated as equivalent to not having a valid vignette and can result in significant fines. If you change vehicles, you must purchase a new vignette for the new vehicle.

A vignette is mandatory for all drivers using Austria's Autobahnen (motorways, marked with an 'A' followed by a number, e.g., A1, A10) and Schnellstraßen (expressways, marked with an 'S' followed by a number, e.g., S16, S35). These are the high-speed, primary road networks for intercity travel. There are a few short exceptions, such as specific border stretches or bypasses that might be toll-free, but it is safest to assume that any road signed as an 'A' or 'S' requires a vignette. Additionally, certain tunnels, mountain passes, or specific high-cost route sections (like the Brenner Pass, Arlberg Tunnel, or parts of the A9 Pyhrn Autobahn) require separate, specific toll payments in addition to the standard vignette; the vignette alone is not sufficient for these 'Sondermautstrecken' (special toll routes).

If you make an error when entering your license plate number for a digital vignette, the system will not register your vehicle correctly. During an electronic check on the road, your plate will not be found in the database of valid vignettes for that period, which is effectively the same as driving without a vignette. This will result in a fine. It is crucial to double-check your license plate number carefully during the purchase process. If you notice an error immediately after purchase, contact the point of sale (e.g., ASFINAG online shop support) as soon as possible to inquire about correction possibilities, although changes may not always be possible or easy once registered.

No, the vignette requirement in Austria applies exclusively to designated motorways ('A' roads) and expressways ('S' roads). You do not need a vignette to use federal roads (Bundesstraßen), provincial roads (Landesstraßen), or local roads. These non-vignette roads provide alternative routes, though they are typically slower and more winding than the high-speed toll network. However, note that some tunnels or specific mountain passes on these other road types might have separate, point-based tolls ("Mautstellen") that are paid directly upon passage.

About VignetteWise Austria

The idea behind VignetteWise Austria originated from a recognition of the common confusion faced by both domestic and international drivers regarding the mandatory Austrian motorway vignette system. We understand that navigating foreign road regulations, especially when different types of vignettes and purchase rules exist, can be a source of stress and uncertainty for travelers. Our mission is simple, yet crucial: to serve as a trusted, independent, and easily accessible source of clear, accurate, and up-to-date information.

We are not official sellers of vignettes, nor are we affiliated with ASFINAG or the Austrian government. Our independence allows us to focus solely on providing objective guidance. We meticulously research official sources, cross-reference regulations, and translate complex legal jargon into straightforward language that anyone can understand, regardless of their familiarity with Austrian road rules. Our team is committed to breaking down the intricacies of the system – from understanding which vehicles require a vignette to the nuances of digital vs. physical options and the consequences of non-compliance.

We continuously monitor official announcements and legal changes to ensure the information presented on our platform remains current and reliable. We believe that informed drivers are safer and more confident drivers, and by empowering you with precise knowledge about the vignette requirements, we hope to eliminate potential pitfalls and contribute to a smoother, more enjoyable journey across Austria's picturesque landscapes. Consider us your helpful co-pilot in navigating the administrative side of Austrian road travel.

How We Can Help

Our Non-Commercial Guidance Services.

As an independent information resource, VignetteWise Austria focuses purely on providing clarity and support regarding the Austrian vignette system. We do not sell vignettes directly, but we offer a range of services designed to help you understand and navigate the process effectively and legally. Our expertise is in simplifying complex information and directing you towards reliable official channels.

Our commitment is to make your preparation for driving in Austria as straightforward as possible, ensuring you have the necessary information to avoid fines and travel with confidence. We serve as a reliable first point of reference for your vignette questions before you proceed to purchase from official channels like ASFINAG or authorized physical vendors. We aim to build trust through the accuracy and accessibility of our guidance.

Our Guidance Offerings Include:

Educational Resources: Providing clear, detailed explanations of the Austrian vignette system, covering who needs one, the different types, validity periods, and application procedures.
Document Navigation Support: Offering guidance on understanding information found on official sources like the ASFINAG website or physical purchase points. While we don't interpret specific legal cases, we help you grasp the standard regulations.
Hotline/Contact Support: A channel where you can submit specific questions about the vignette process to our knowledge base (non-official guidance only). We aim to provide helpful responses based on publicly available official information.
Updates: Keeping you informed about significant changes to Austrian vignette rules, prices, validity periods, or purchase procedures as announced by official sources.

What Drivers Say

Feedback on Our Guidance.

We're proud to help drivers understand the Austrian vignette rules better. Here's what some users have shared about their experience with our guidance:

"Before finding VignetteWise, the official sites felt a bit overwhelming for a non-German speaker. This site broke it all down clearly and concisely. I quickly understood the difference between digital and physical and made my purchase confidently. A genuinely useful resource for planning my trip!"

- Elena Kowalski, Poland

"The explanation about the 18-day waiting period for online digital vignettes was crucial! I would have bought it too late otherwise. This specific detail saved me from a potential fine. Thank you for highlighting that important nuance."

- Markus Huber, Germany

"I wasn't sure where the *official* places were to buy the physical sticker. This guide listed all the trusted sources like the 'Trafiken' and specific border stations. Made finding one easy and reassured me I was getting a legitimate vignette."

- François Dubois, France

"The step-by-step instructions for applying the physical sticker were very helpful. It seems straightforward, but knowing the best placement and that taping is forbidden was important info I hadn't found elsewhere in such simple terms."

- Isabella Rossi, Italy

"Quickly confirmed that my small campervan under 3.5t needed a car vignette and not the GO-Box. The distinction about vehicle weight limits was very clear here, preventing me from getting the wrong type."

- David Jensen, Denmark

"Found this site when planning a road trip through Austria. It answered my questions about which specific roads need a vignette and mentioned the special toll routes, which was very helpful for route planning."

- Anya Petrova, Czech Republic

Need More Guidance?

Get in Touch with Our Support Team.

While our website covers the most common questions and scenarios regarding Austrian vignettes, we understand you might have specific inquiries related to your particular travel plans or vehicle. Our dedicated guidance team is here to assist you in finding the answers you need based on available official information. Please note that we provide informational support only and cannot offer legal advice or process vignette purchases directly.

Contact Methods:

For detailed questions, sending us an email is often the most effective way to receive a comprehensive response:

">info@

For quicker queries or if you prefer speaking directly (note: this is a non-official guidance line, hours may vary):

Call Us: +43 (0) 55 123 4567

Send Us a Message:

Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form below. Please provide as much detail as possible about your question to help us assist you efficiently. We aim to respond to all inquiries as quickly as possible.

Find Official Information Points in the Region

While VignetteWise is online-only guidance, official purchase points are located across Austria. This map shows the general area around Vienna, a key travel hub.

Illustrative image representing a legal document or privacy

Privacy Policy

Last Updated: October 26, 2024

Introduction

Your privacy and the security of your personal data are of utmost importance to us at VignetteWise Austria. This Privacy Policy outlines our practices regarding the collection, use, and protection of information when you visit and interact with our website. Our aim is to be transparent about what little data we do handle and why, ensuring you feel confident using our informational resource.

Data Collection

We are committed to minimal data collection. The primary instance where we collect personal data is through our Contact Us form. When you submit this form, we collect the information you voluntarily provide: your Name, Email address, the Subject of your inquiry (if provided), and the content of your Message. If you choose to request a callback, this preference is also noted. This data is collected solely for the purpose of understanding your query and responding to you effectively. We do not collect any personal data automatically through browsing, other than essential website functionality data handled via cookies.

Cookie Usage

Our website uses cookies strictly for essential functionality and to manage your cookie consent preferences. When you interact with our cookie consent banner, a cookie is set on your browser to remember your choice, preventing the banner from reappearing unnecessarily. We do not use third-party tracking cookies, analytical cookies, or marketing cookies without explicit, separate consent, and currently, our setup only includes the essential consent cookie. These essential cookies do not collect personal data beyond remembering your site preferences related to cookie banners.

Data Storage and Security

Information submitted through the contact form is processed via email and is not stored long-term on the website's server infrastructure itself beyond the temporary transmission. Our hosting provider maintains standard security measures. We do not share your contact information with third parties, except as necessary to respond to your inquiry (e.g., using our email provider) or if legally required.

Your Rights

In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other applicable privacy laws, you have specific rights regarding your personal data. These rights include the right to access the data we hold about you, the right to request rectification of inaccurate data, and the right to request the erasure of your personal data. As we collect minimal data, particularly through the contact form, exercising these rights involves contacting us directly to inquire about any information associated with your communication. To exercise any of these rights, please contact us using the details provided in the 'Contact Us' section of this website.

Changes to this Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or legal requirements. We will post any changes on this page, and the "Last Updated" date at the top will be revised. We encourage you to review this policy periodically.

Illustrative image representing a legal document or terms

Terms of Service

These Terms and Conditions govern your use of this website. By accessing and using this website, you agree to be bound by these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these Terms and Conditions, please do not use this website.

Purpose of the Website

This website is intended to provide educational and informational guidance about Austrian motorway vignettes. The content is for general knowledge purposes only and should not be considered legal advice or a substitute for official information or regulations. We aim for accuracy but cannot guarantee that all information is always current, complete, or error-free. Laws and regulations regarding motorway use and vignettes in Austria can change.

Use of Content

All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, icons, images, and software, is the property of the website operator and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may access and use the content for your personal, non-commercial use related to understanding Austrian vignettes. You may not modify, copy, distribute, transmit, display, perform, reproduce, publish, license, create derivative works from, transfer, or sell any information or content obtained from this website without explicit written permission.

Accuracy and Disclaimer

While we strive to provide helpful and accurate information, this website is not an official source. Information regarding vignette requirements, purchase locations, costs, penalties, and other related details is subject to change by Austrian authorities. It is your responsibility to verify all information through official sources and comply with all applicable Austrian laws and regulations. We shall not be liable for any reliance you place on the information provided on this website.

Third-Party Links

This website may contain links to external websites or resources. These links are provided for your convenience. We do not endorse and are not responsible for the content, accuracy, or privacy practices of third-party websites. Accessing linked sites is at your own risk.

User Conduct

You agree to use this website only for lawful purposes and in a manner that does not infringe the rights of, restrict, or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of the website. Prohibited behavior includes harassing or causing distress or inconvenience to any person, transmitting obscene or offensive content, or disrupting the normal flow of dialogue within this website. You must not misuse the website by introducing viruses, Trojans, worms, logic bombs, or other material that is malicious or technologically harmful.

Limitation of Liability

To the fullest extent permitted by law, we disclaim all liability for any loss or damage arising directly or indirectly from the use of this website or the information contained herein, including but not limited to direct, indirect, incidental, punitive, and consequential damages.

Changes to Terms

We reserve the right to revise these Terms and Conditions at any time without prior notice. By using this website, you are agreeing to be bound by the then-current version of these Terms and Conditions.

No Endorsement

References to specific companies, products, or services on this website do not constitute endorsement or recommendation unless expressly stated.

If you have questions regarding these Terms and Conditions, please use the contact options provided on the website.

Driving in Austria? Get Your Vignette Right.