Renting a car in Austria is an excellent way to explore the country's stunning landscapes and historic cities. However, before you start your journey, familiarize yourself with the local traffic rules to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. 

Traffic Rules in Austria

When driving in Austria, you must adhere to the following traffic rules:

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts must be worn by all occupants.
  • Using mobile phones while driving is prohibited, except for hands-free devices.
  • Children under 14 years old or shorter than 150 cm must use appropriate child seats or booster cushions.
  • Headlights must be used during poor visibility conditions, such as fog, heavy rain, or snow, and are recommended during daylight hours.
  • The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05% for drivers, and 0.01% for new drivers (with less than two years of experience).
  • Be aware of unique traffic signs, such as the "No Overtaking" sign.

Speed Limits in Austria

Speed limits in Austria vary depending on the type of road:

  • Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph)
  • Non-urban roads: 100 km/h (62 mph)
  • Highways: 130 km/h (81 mph)

Fines in Austria

Fines for traffic violations in Austria include:

  • Speeding: €20 to €2,180, depending on the excess speed
  • Not wearing a seat belt: €35
  • Using a mobile phone while driving: €50
  • Parking violations: €20 to €365, depending on the severity of the offense
  • Running a red light: €70 to €150
  • Drunk driving: €300 to €5,900, depending on the blood alcohol level
  • Children without child seats: €35

Fines can be paid on the spot or within two weeks from the date of issuance at the nearest police station, post office, or bank.

Road Police in Austria

Austria has a vast network of cameras on the roads to monitor speed and enforce traffic rules. The road police, known as "Verkehrspolizei," are responsible for maintaining traffic safety and ensuring compliance. If stopped by road police, remain calm, provide the requested documents, and follow their instructions. Do not attempt to offer bribes, as this can lead to more severe penalties. The emergency number to call for road accidents is 112.