General information about Austrian Vignette
Austria vignette serves as a digital route toll that must be paid by the users of Austrian motorways and expressways whose vehicles weigh no more than 3.5t. It is mandatory proof of covering the tax.
A digital vignette to Austria can be purchased online from 2018. Camera systems and constant patrols will easily detect if you don’t have a proper permit, and you will be punished, so keep that in mind.
Why vignette for Austria is necessary?
The Austrian digital vignette is important for several reasons. The route tolls are popular taxes in many countries across Europe. Thanks to it, the roads can be maintained properly, and travellers can drive safely.
If your vehicle weighs up to 3.5t, you need a traditional or digital vignette. Vehicles heavier than 3.5t must have installed the GoBox system, a special unit measuring distance and calculating the fee accordingly.
There are some vignette exemptions on the specific motorway and expressway sections in Austria. You don’t need a vignette if you drive through the following roads:
- A1 Westautobahn – section between the border at Walserberg and the Salzburg Nord junction;
- A12 Inntalautobahn – section between the border at Kufstein and the Kufstein-Süd junction;
- A14 Rheintal/Wlagau Autobahn – section between the country at Hörbranz and the Hohenems junction;
- A26 Linzer Autobahn – section under construction.
Penalties
While driving in Austria, you may be checked by the officers, who will verify if you paid for a vignette. Besides, a digital permit is connected to the licence plate number. The camera systems can easily detect those who didn’t cover the fee, so be aware of that.
The fine for driving without a vignette for Austria depends on the vehicle type and the situation. The price varies between 65 EUR for motorbikes and 120 EUR for cars. Vehicles over 3.5t without installed GoBox need to pay 240 EUR of penalty. It is important to cover route tolls to travel without problems.