Complete Austrian Vignette Guide

1. Vignette Types

Austria offers three main vignette durations. Each is available in both physical (sticker) and digital format. The digital vignette is linked to your vehicle's licence plate and requires no physical affixing.

2. What Is Included and What Is Not

3. Purchase Channels

Vignettes can be purchased through the following authorised channels. Always ensure you are buying from an official source to avoid counterfeit products.

4. Digital Vignette

The digital vignette (digitale Vignette) was introduced in 2018 and has become the preferred format for most drivers. It is linked directly to your vehicle's licence plate in the ASFINAG database, eliminating the need for a physical sticker.

Key points about the digital vignette:

• Purchase up to 18 months in advance; specify the exact start date.
• The vignette becomes valid at 00:00 on the selected start date (or immediately if purchased for the current day).
• No sticker to affix — enforcement cameras read your plate automatically.
• If you sell or re-register your vehicle, the vignette does not transfer.
• You can check your vignette status on the ASFINAG website using your licence plate.
• Corrections to licence plate errors must be made before the vignette's validity period begins.

5. Affixing Rules for Physical Stickers

Incorrect affixing is one of the most common reasons for fines, even when a valid vignette has been purchased. The rules are strict and enforced.

• Must be affixed to the inside of the windscreen.
• Position: upper left corner (driver's perspective) or behind the rear-view mirror.
• Must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle.
• Must not be placed on a removable screen protector or film.
• Must not be transferred from another vehicle.
• Once removed, the sticker is invalid (it is designed to show tampering).
• For motorcycles: affix to the fork, frame, or a visible non-removable surface.

6. Special Tolls (Sondermaut)

Several sections of the Austrian motorway network require additional payment beyond the standard vignette. These are collected separately and are not included in any vignette type.

7. Fines & Enforcement

Austria enforces vignette compliance through both automated camera systems and manual patrols. The consequences of non-compliance are significant.

8. Exemptions & Boundaries

The following categories are exempt from the vignette requirement, or have special conditions:

• Emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire, police) — fully exempt.
• Military vehicles — fully exempt.
• Vehicles with diplomatic plates — exempt.
• Electric vehicles registered in Austria — exempt from annual vignette fee (not from Sondermaut).
• Vehicles over 3.5t gross weight — must use GO-Box (distance-based toll) instead.
• Agricultural vehicles — exempt on most sections.
• Vehicles with special permits (e.g., oversized loads) — check with ASFINAG.
• Motorcycles — require a separate, lower-priced vignette.

9. Complaints & Appeals

If you believe a fine was issued incorrectly, you have the right to contest it. The process is as follows:

1. Obtain the official fine notice (Organmandat or Strafverfügung).
2. Note the deadline for appeal — typically 4 weeks from the date of issue.
3. Submit a written objection (Einspruch) to the issuing authority listed on the notice.
4. Provide evidence: purchase receipt, digital vignette confirmation, or other documentation.
5. The authority will review your objection and issue a decision.
6. If unsatisfied, you may appeal to the administrative court (Verwaltungsgericht).
7. For ASFINAG-related queries: contact ASFINAG customer service at +43 800 400 12 400 (toll-free in Austria).
8. For consumer advice: contact the Austrian Federal Chamber of Labour (AK) or a local consumer protection organisation.

10. Glossary of Key Terms

Vignette

A toll sticker or digital registration required for driving on Austrian motorways and expressways.

ASFINAG

Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft; the state-owned operator of Austria's motorway network.

Sondermaut

Special toll charged on specific motorway sections (e.g., Brenner, Arlberg) in addition to the standard vignette.

GO-Box

Electronic device required for vehicles over 3.5t; used for distance-based toll collection.

Organmandat

An on-the-spot fine issued by an enforcement officer; lower amount than a formal administrative fine.