Motorway vignette for Austria

In Austria, the digital vignette is mandatory for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons on motorways and expressways. IMPORTANT: The Austrian digital vignette has an 18-day waiting period from the date of purchase!

Austria has an extensive network of alpine motorways. A1 connects Vienna with Salzburg, A2 leads south to Italy through Carinthia.

Checks are carried out automatically using camera systems. The digital vignette is linked to the vehicle's registration plate.

Types of validity and prices

The Austrian digital vignette offers 10-day, 2-month, and annual options. NOTE: Validity starts 18 days after purchase!

Plan your purchase well in advance due to the waiting period. After activation, you will receive a confirmation by email.

How online purchase works

Purchasing the Austrian vignette is done online. You enter the license plate and choose the type of validity. Remember the 18-day waiting period.

The whole process is simple but requires planning ahead.

Fines for driving without a valid vignette

Driving without a valid vignette in Austria is an offense with a high fine of up to 240 EUR on the spot or up to 3000 EUR in administrative proceedings.

Traveling to other countries

Czech Republic • Slovakia • Hungary • Slovenia • Croatia • Romania • Bulgaria • Switzerland • Moldova

History of the Austrian Highway Network and the Alps

Austria has one of the most modern highway networks in Europe, which had to overcome challenging alpine terrain. The history of Austrian highways is closely linked to the development of alpine tourism and transit traffic between northern and southern Europe.

The first Austrian highway (A1 Westautobahn) was opened in 1958 and connected Vienna with Salzburg. Since then, the network has grown to include key alpine routes including the famous Brenner Pass and Tauern Highway.

Key Milestones of the Austrian Highway Network

• 1958 – Opening of A1 Westautobahn Vienna – Salzburg
• 1972 – Completion of Brenner Highway connecting Austria with Italy
• 1975 – Opening of Tauern Tunnel on A10
• 1997 – Introduction of highway vignette system
• 2018 – Launch of digital vignette (Digitale Vignette)

The Austrian highway network is a technical masterpiece – tunnels and bridges enable safe passage through the Alps in any weather and connect northern and southern Europe.

Today, the Austrian highway network includes over 2,200 km of highways and expressways. The network is managed by ASFINAG and is known for high quality maintenance, especially in winter.

Austrian Highway Vignette Prices 2025 Overview

The Austrian digital vignette (Digitale Vignette) offers three basic options. Important to remember is the 18-day waiting period for online purchases:

Prices are set by ASFINAG and apply to vehicles up to 3.5 tons. Some alpine tunnels require additional tolls.

Controls and Fines on Austrian Highways

Austria uses a combined control system – automatic cameras for digital vignettes and visual inspection of physical stickers. The system is very efficient.

How Verification Works

1. Camera systems – Automatic cameras scan license plates and verify digital vignettes in the ASFINAG database
2. Visual inspection – Police patrols check physical stickers on windshields
3. Tunnel controls – Special checks at entrances to paid alpine tunnels

Fine Amounts for Driving Without a Valid Vignette

Austrian authorities are very thorough in controls and fine enforcement, including foreign vehicles. Investing in a vignette definitely pays off – you'll save yourself stress and money.

Main Highway Routes and Alpine Passes

The Austrian highway network is a strategic connection between northern and southern Europe. Here are the most important routes:

Special Toll Sections (Sondermautstrecken)

Some alpine tunnels and passes require additional tolls besides the vignette:

• A10 Tauern Tunnel – approx. €12.50 (one-way)
• A13 Brenner Highway – approx. €11.50 (one-way)
• A9 Pyhrn Tunnel – approx. €6.00 (one-way)
• S16 Arlberg Tunnel – approx. €11.50 (one-way)

Before your trip, check which sections of your route require additional tolls. You can pay directly at toll booths with cash or card.

Practical Tips for Traveling Through Austria

Austria is a popular transit and destination country. Here are important tips for trouble-free travel:

Tourist Attractions in Austria

Austria offers a unique combination of culture, history, and natural beauty. Here are tips for stops:

Historic Cities

• Wien – The capital with Schönbrunn, St. Stephen's Cathedral, and famous Viennese coffee houses
• Salzburg – Mozart's birthplace with Hohensalzburg Fortress and historic center (UNESCO)
• Innsbruck – Alpine city with the Golden Roof and Olympic ski jumps
• Graz – Second largest city with Schlossberg and futuristic Kunsthaus

Natural Beauty

• Alpy – Austrian Alps with world-class ski resorts and hiking trails
• Hallstatt – Europe's most photographed village by a lake with prehistoric history
• Wachau – Wine region along the Danube with castles and monasteries (UNESCO)

💡 Tip: Combine cultural experiences in cities with the natural beauty of the Alps. Austria is ideal for both active and relaxing holidays.

Cross-Border Travel from Austria

Austria borders eight countries and is a key European crossroads. When planning trips, don't forget about highway vignettes:

For trouble-free travel, we recommend purchasing all necessary vignettes in advance. Get them in one place on VignetteGo.

Frequently Asked Questions About Austrian Highway Vignette

Legal Information and Exemptions

The obligation to purchase a highway vignette in Austria applies to all motor vehicles up to 3.5 tons on highways and expressways. Some vehicles are exempt:

Exempt Vehicles

• Rescue service, police, and fire department vehicles when on duty
• Armed forces vehicles of Austria and NATO
• Vehicles with diplomatic plates
• Road maintenance vehicles during work

For vehicles over 3.5 tons, the GO-Box system applies (electronic toll based on kilometers traveled). This system is separate from vignettes for passenger vehicles.