Frequently Asked Questions — Austrian Vignette

Answers to the most common questions from drivers about Austrian motorway vignettes. If your question is not answered here, contact us.

General Questions

What is an Austrian vignette?
An Austrian vignette (Autobahnvignette or Autobahnpickerl) is a mandatory time-based toll pass required for all motor vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes to use Austrian motorways (A roads) and expressways (S roads). It is administered by ASFINAG.
Do I need a vignette if I am just passing through Austria?
Yes. If your transit route uses any Austrian motorway or expressway, you need a valid vignette. The 10-day vignette is the most cost-effective option for transit travel. Alternatively, you can use federal roads (B roads) which do not require a vignette, though this significantly increases journey time.
Is the vignette required for all vehicles?
The vignette is required for all motor vehicles up to 7.5 tonnes GVW. Vehicles over 7.5 tonnes use the GO-BOX system instead. Emergency vehicles, military vehicles, and certain other categories are exempt. Motorcycles require a separate, lower-priced vignette.
What roads require a vignette in Austria?
Only motorways (Autobahnen, marked "A") and expressways (Schnellstraßen, marked "S") require a vignette. National roads (Bundesstraßen, "B"), provincial roads (Landesstraßen, "L"), and city streets do not require a vignette.

Purchasing

Where can I buy an Austrian vignette?
You can buy a vignette at: the official ASFINAG online shop (shop.asfinag.at), petrol stations at Austrian border crossings, tobacco shops (Tabak-Trafik) throughout Austria, ÖAMTC and ARBÖ automobile club offices, and ASFINAG service centres at motorway rest areas.
Can I buy a vignette before entering Austria?
Yes. The digital vignette can be purchased online up to 18 days before your planned entry date. You set the start date at the time of purchase. Sticker vignettes can be purchased at petrol stations in neighbouring countries (Germany, Switzerland, etc.) near the Austrian border.
What payment methods are accepted?
Online purchases accept major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, etc.). In-person purchases at petrol stations and tobacco shops typically accept cash and card. ASFINAG service centres accept card payments.
Can I get a refund if I don't use the vignette?
Generally, no. Once a digital vignette is active (i.e., the start date has passed), refunds are not available. For sticker vignettes, refunds are not available once the sticker has been removed from its packaging. In exceptional circumstances (e.g., vehicle sold or written off before the vignette period), contact ASFINAG directly.

Validity and Rules

When does the 10-day vignette start and end?
The 10-day vignette is valid for 10 consecutive calendar days from the chosen start date. For example, if you choose 15 June as the start date, the vignette is valid from 00:00 on 15 June to 23:59 on 24 June. The start date is set at the time of purchase.
When is the annual vignette valid?
The annual vignette is valid from 1 December of the previous year to 31 January of the following year — approximately 14 months. For example, the 2025 annual vignette is valid from 1 December 2024 to 31 January 2026.
Can I transfer a vignette to another vehicle?
No. Vignettes are not transferable between vehicles. A digital vignette is registered to a specific licence plate. A sticker vignette, once removed from the windscreen, is permanently invalid and cannot be re-applied.
Does the vignette cover my trailer or caravan?
Yes. A trailer or caravan towed by a vehicle with a valid vignette does not require a separate vignette. The car vignette covers the towing vehicle and any trailer it tows.

Digital Vignette

How does the digital vignette work?
The digital vignette is registered to your vehicle's licence plate in the ASFINAG database. No physical sticker is required. When you drive on Austrian motorways, ASFINAG's camera system automatically reads your plate and verifies your vignette. Police can also check your vignette using mobile plate readers.
What if I entered my licence plate incorrectly?
Contact ASFINAG customer service immediately at +43 800 400 12 440 or [email protected]. If the vignette has not yet become active, they may be able to correct the error. Once the vignette is active, corrections are generally not possible and a new vignette must be purchased.
Do I need to show any proof of digital vignette to police?
Police can verify your digital vignette using their mobile plate reader system. However, it is advisable to keep your purchase confirmation email accessible (e.g., on your phone) in case of any technical issues with the verification system.

Penalties

What is the fine for driving without a vignette?
The on-the-spot reduced fine is €120. The formal administrative fine is up to €240. In addition, you must purchase a valid vignette before continuing on the motorway. Repeated or deliberate violations may result in higher penalties.
Can foreign drivers be fined?
Yes. Foreign-registered vehicles are subject to the same rules as Austrian vehicles. Fines can be collected on the spot. For vehicles registered in countries with bilateral enforcement agreements with Austria, fines may also be pursued after the driver has left Austria.
What if my sticker vignette is damaged or illegible?
A damaged or illegible sticker vignette may be treated as invalid by enforcement officers. If your sticker is damaged, purchase a new vignette. Keep your original receipt as evidence of the original purchase, which may be useful if you receive a fine.

Special Cases

I am driving a rental car. Do I need a vignette?
Check with your rental company before your trip. Many Austrian rental companies pre-fit annual vignettes, but this is not universal. If the rental car does not have a vignette, you are responsible for purchasing one. For digital vignettes, use the exact plate number of the rental vehicle.
Does the vignette cover the Brenner motorway?
No. The Brenner motorway (A13) is a special toll section requiring a separate toll payment in addition to the vignette. The Brenner toll is approximately €10.50 per car (one way) and is paid at toll booths on the A13.
I am driving a campervan. Which vignette do I need?
Campervans up to 3.5 tonnes GVW use the standard car vignette at standard prices. Campervans between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes require the annual LCV vignette (€207.60). Campervans over 7.5 tonnes use the GO-BOX system.

Glossary of Key Terms

Vignette (Autobahnvignette / Autobahnpickerl)
The mandatory time-based toll pass for Austrian motorways and expressways.
ASFINAG
Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft — the Austrian state-owned company that manages and finances the motorway network.
Sondermautstrecke
Special toll section — a motorway section requiring additional toll payment beyond the vignette (e.g., Brenner, Arlberg, Karawanken).
GO-BOX
The electronic toll system for heavy goods vehicles over 7.5 tonnes GVW. These vehicles do not use the vignette system.
Digital Vignette (Digitale Vignette)
A vignette registered to a vehicle's licence plate in the ASFINAG database, without a physical sticker. Available since 2018.
StVO (Straßenverkehrsordnung)
The Austrian Road Traffic Act — the primary legal framework governing road use, including vignette requirements.