Frequently Asked Questions: Austrian Vignette

No. The vignette is only required for motorways (Autobahn, marked with "A") and expressways (Schnellstraße, marked with "S"). Regular national roads, provincial roads, and city streets do not require a vignette. However, if your route uses any motorway or expressway section, you need a valid vignette for that portion.

No. Motorcycles (two-wheeled motor vehicles) are completely exempt from the Austrian vignette requirement. They may use motorways and expressways without purchasing a vignette. This exemption applies to all motorcycles regardless of engine size or country of registration.

Yes, vignettes are sold at most petrol stations near major border crossings. However, it is strongly recommended to purchase online in advance (digital vignette) or stop at a petrol station before reaching the motorway, as there are no toll booths on Austrian motorways. Driving even a short distance on a motorway without a vignette is an offence.

A physical vignette is a sticker that must be attached to the inside of your windscreen. A digital vignette is registered by your vehicle's licence plate number in the ASFINAG database — no sticker is needed. Both cost the same price. The digital vignette is particularly useful for rental cars or vehicles where you prefer not to attach a sticker.

In 2025, the prices are: 10-day vignette: €11.50; 2-month vignette: €29.00; annual vignette: €96.40. Motorcycles are exempt. Trucks over 3.5 tonnes use the separate GO-Box system with distance-based tolls.

No. Vignettes are non-refundable once purchased. This applies to both physical and digital vignettes. The only exception is if a vignette was purchased in error (wrong vehicle, wrong period) and the error is reported to ASFINAG within a very short time frame. Contact ASFINAG customer service immediately in such cases.

It depends on the rental company and the vehicle. Many Austrian rental companies include a vignette, but this is not guaranteed. Always confirm with your rental company before driving on Austrian motorways. If the car has a digital vignette, the rental company should provide documentation. If you are unsure, check the ASFINAG website using the vehicle's licence plate number.

No. The Austrian vignette has a fixed price set by ASFINAG. There are no discounts for seniors, students, EU citizens, or any other group. The price is the same regardless of where you purchase it (online, petrol station, tobacconist, etc.).

If caught without a valid vignette, you will be issued an on-the-spot fine (Organmandat) of up to €240. If you refuse to pay or cannot pay, a formal complaint (Anzeige) may be filed, which can result in a penalty of up to €3,000. Enforcement is carried out by both ASFINAG officers and police, using mobile patrols and fixed cameras.

Yes. If you believe a fine was issued incorrectly, you have the right to appeal. For on-the-spot fines (Organmandat), you can refuse to pay and request a formal procedure. For formal fines, you can file an appeal with the relevant district authority (Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde) within two weeks of receiving the notice. See our policies page for the full appeals process.

If a physical vignette falls off the windscreen, you are technically driving without a valid vignette and could be fined. Keep the original packaging and receipt as proof of purchase. Contact ASFINAG customer service — in some cases, they may be able to verify your purchase and issue a replacement. As a preventive measure, ensure the windscreen is clean and dry before attaching the vignette.

Yes. Austria uses an automated enforcement system (ASFINAG's "Kontrolle unterwegs") with fixed and mobile cameras that can read licence plates and check them against the digital vignette database. Physical vignettes are also checked visually by enforcement officers. The system is highly effective, and the chance of being caught without a valid vignette is significant.