Austrian Vignette Policies & Rules
This page provides a comprehensive overview of the rules, regulations, and policies governing the Austrian motorway vignette system. All information is based on Austrian federal law and ASFINAG regulations.
Legal Basis
The Austrian motorway vignette system is governed by the Bundesstraßen-Mautgesetz 2002 (BStMG) (Federal Road Toll Act 2002) and its subsequent amendments. ASFINAG is authorised under this law to collect tolls and enforce compliance on the motorway network.
Vignette Validity Rules
| Rule | Detail | Consequence of Breach |
|---|---|---|
| Vignette must be valid | Current year or valid period | Fine up to €240 / €3,000 |
| Physical vignette must be attached | Inside windscreen, top corner or behind mirror | Fine up to €240 / €3,000 |
| Vignette must be intact | Not torn, defaced, or partially removed | Fine up to €240 / €3,000 |
| Vignette must be for the correct vehicle | Cannot transfer between vehicles | Fine up to €240 / €3,000 |
| Digital vignette must match licence plate | Exact match required | Fine up to €240 / €3,000 |
| Vignette must be visible | Not obscured by dirt, stickers, or objects | Fine up to €240 |
| Section toll must be paid separately | For Brenner, Arlberg, Karawanken, etc. | Section toll fine applies |
| GO-Box required for 3.5t+ vehicles | Separate system, not covered by vignette | GO-Box fine applies |
Boundaries and Exceptions
The following are important boundaries and exceptions to the standard vignette rules:
- Motorcycles: Fully exempt from vignette requirement on all Austrian motorways and expressways.
- Emergency vehicles: Police, fire brigade, and ambulance vehicles are exempt.
- Agricultural machinery: Tractors and agricultural equipment used for agricultural purposes are exempt.
- Diplomatic vehicles: Vehicles with valid diplomatic plates are generally exempt.
- Electric vehicles: No exemption — same rules as conventional vehicles.
- Hybrid vehicles: No exemption — same rules as conventional vehicles.
- Foreign-registered vehicles: Same rules apply as for Austrian-registered vehicles.
- Trailers: No separate vignette required; covered by the towing vehicle's vignette.
Appeals and Complaints
If you believe you have been incorrectly fined, you have the right to appeal. The process depends on the type of fine issued:
- Organmandat (on-the-spot fine): You may pay immediately or refuse. If you refuse, the officer must initiate a formal procedure (Anzeige).
- Strafverfügung (penalty notice): You have 2 weeks from receipt to file an objection (Einspruch) with the issuing authority.
- Formal appeal: File a written appeal with the relevant Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde (district administrative authority). Include your name, address, vehicle registration, date/location of offence, explanation, and evidence.
- Administrative court: If your appeal is rejected, you may appeal to the Verwaltungsgericht (administrative court) within 4 weeks.
- ASFINAG disputes: For digital vignette issues, contact ASFINAG customer service at +43 800 400 12 400 or via asfinag.at before initiating formal proceedings.
- Motoring clubs: ÖAMTC and ARBÖ members can receive legal assistance with vignette disputes.