Ski trips and traveling around Austria: Knowledge guide for drivers (Part 1)
Austria is a very popular destination for our drivers when planning winter holidays. It is often the main destination, but we also consider it as a transit country on the way to Southern Europe. There have been many articles mentioning the strictness of road traffic regulations in Austria. Therefore, before deciding to travel in Austria, you should carefully consider the current regulations and fees.
There is a popular opinion among drivers going on winter holidays that "negotiating" with traffic police in Switzerland or Germany is better than doing so in Austria.
And that surely makes sense, because it is generally believed that if we decide to travel through this country, it is better for us - and for our wallet - if we strictly comply with traffic regulations and ensure full payment of necessary fees.
Let's start with the basic road traffic regulations in Austria.
- Speed limits
Unless otherwise indicated by traffic signs, the following speed limits apply in Austria for passenger cars, motorcycles, and campers with a gross weight under 3.5 tons:
- In built-up areas: 50 km/h;
- On expressways: 100 km/h;
- On motorways: 100 km/h or 130 km/h - depending on traffic signs;
- On motorways: 130 km/h.
Interestingly, in Austria, electric vehicles enjoy special privileges - on motorway sections marked IG-L (Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft), where vehicles with conventional internal combustion engines and hybrid vehicles must reduce speed to 100 km/h, zero-emission vehicles (including electric vehicles) may travel at the standard speed of 130 km/h (or according to general signs if higher).
IG-L signs are often seen when driving through urban and suburban areas, as well as near famous tourist spots.
- General regulations
- In Austria, wearing seat belts is mandatory.
- Using a mobile phone while driving is only permitted with hands-free devices, which must be operated with one hand and must not obstruct driving in any way.
- Every driver must equip their vehicle with a first aid kit, a warning triangle, and a high-visibility reflective vest, and must present them upon request during roadside checks.
- The reflective vest is mandatory on Austrian roads outside built-up areas. This means the driver must wear the reflective vest when exiting the vehicle in case of breakdown or accident. It is recommended that every passenger in the vehicle carry their own reflective vest and put it on when leaving the vehicle. Therefore, they should be kept in an easily accessible place, such as the door pocket or the back of the front seat.
- According to the Austrian Automobile Association ÖAMTC on its website, the use of low-beam headlights is not mandatory during the day.
- Low-beam headlights are mandatory:
- At dusk and in darkness (even if there are streetlights);
in cases of reduced visibility due to rain, snow, fog, and similar conditions (used alone or in combination with fog lights); - In tunnels, even if the tunnel is brightly lit!
However, regulations allow, and common sense also requires, the use of daytime running lights or low-beam headlights throughout the day, even when visibility is very good.
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Permissible blood alcohol concentration for drivers
In Austria, the permissible blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit depends on the type of driving license and driving experience. The general accepted limit is 0.5 per mille, but those with a driving license for less than three years and professional drivers must comply with the 0.1 per mille limit. -
Winter tires
From November 1 to April 15, winter equipment, including winter tires, is mandatory depending on weather conditions. Austrian regulations allow the use of all-season tires, but only if they are marked M+S or the three-peak mountain snowflake symbol (3PMSF).
It is also important that tires have the appropriate tread depth. For radial tires, the minimum tread depth is 4 mm, and for bias-ply tires, it is 5 mm.
In mountainous areas, as well as on steep slopes, snow chains should be used. Their use is only permitted when the road is completely or almost completely covered with snow or ice. Chains should be fitted to the drive wheels.
