Austrian transport and highway regulation updates

Austria is implementing various updates to its transport and infrastructure regulations. The Ministry of Innovation, Mobility and Infrastructure has announced that approximately 3.6 million paper driving licences issued before 19 January 2013 must be replaced with card-type documents by early 2033. A replacement fee of €73 applies, and the government is launching an information campaign to encourage early applications.

Regarding road usage, the country maintains specific toll-vignette exemptions on four motorway sections: the A1 Westautobahn near Salzburg, the A12 Inntal from the German border, the A14 Rheintal/Walgau, and the A26 near Linz.

Highway payment systems, managed by ASFINAG, are categorized by vehicle mass. Vehicles up to 3.5 tons, including cars, motorcycles, and light motorhomes, use a vignette system. While physical stickers are available, the analog option is scheduled to be phased out by 1 February 2027. For 2026, 10-day vignette rates are set at €12.80 for multi-track vehicles and €5.10 for single-track vehicles. Digital vignettes offer different validity terms: 1-day and 10-day versions can be effective immediately upon online purchase, but 2-month and annual digital vignettes are subject to an 18-day waiting period from the date of purchase.

Vehicles exceeding 3.5 tons must use the GO-Maut system via a GO-Box electronic device. This system calculates distance-dependent tariffs based on mileage, axle count, and emission levels regarding noise and air pollution. Failure to display a valid vignette or register a digital one to a license plate can result in replacement tolls or fines ranging from €300 to €3,000.