Austria to implement exclusive digital motorway tolls from December 1

Austria is transitioning to an exclusively digital motorway toll system. Traditional physical vignettes that are adhered to windshields can only be purchased until the end of November. Starting December 1, all toll payments must be processed digitally.

Existing physical vignettes purchased under the old system will remain valid until January 31, 2027. The German Automobile Club (ADAC) has issued warnings regarding the transition. A critical requirement for the new digital system is the precise entry of license plate numbers. The Austrian state motorway operator, Asfinag, treats typographical errors in license plate registration with the same severity as toll evasion, imposing a fine of 200 euros.

In addition to the system change, toll prices are set to increase by an average of 2.9 percent in line with the consumer price index. For example, the one-day digital vignette will rise from 9.30 euros to 9.60 euros, and the annual vignette will increase from 103.80 euros to 106.80 euros.

While traditional sales channels like gas stations and newsstands remain available, users purchasing long-term digital vignettes (two months or one year) should note that due to European consumer protection laws regarding the 14-day right of withdrawal, the toll entitlement only becomes effective from the 18th day after purchase.