Austria to switch to digital motorway vignette and tighten vehicle inspection rules in 2027

The Austrian government will end the sale of the traditional red sticker vignette in 2026, making the digital motorway vignette the only valid form from 1 February 2027. The change, announced by ASFINAG, aims to simplify travel, cut paper use and lower administrative costs. The 2026 annual vignette costs €106.80, with short‑term options also rising. Digital vignettes can be bought online or at around 6,000 sales points domestically and abroad, and will be instantly valid when purchased through most channels.

In parallel, a reform of the vehicle‑inspection "Pickerl" is being prepared for early 2027. The proposed amendment removes the current four‑month grace period, requires the inspection to be completed by the official due date, and introduces new intervals: a first check after four years, followed by three two‑year cycles, and then yearly inspections after ten years. Early inspections may be scheduled up to four months before the due date. The ministry describes the overhaul as “an important progress toward modern and sustainable mobility.” Both measures are pending final legislative approval.