Driving in Austria: Important Road Safety Rules and Tips

Before starting the journey, the driver and all passengers must fasten their seatbelts. The seatbelts must stay fastened while driving.

Austrian traffic law. Important signs and rules

Here are some useful driving tips in Austria that you should know before you start your road trip.

• Colors of direction signs: green: in town, white: outside town, blue: on highways
• Emergency phone numbers: 133 for the police, 144 for an ambulance.
• Drivers approaching a traffic jam on highways are recommended to switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Overnight stays in public parking areas are allowed but camping is not. Please note any additional parking regulations indicated by signs.
• Using, operating or holding of mobile phones is prohibited while the engine is running and/or vehicle is moving.
• Right of way: In the absence of a traffic sign or traffic light at an intersection/crossroads, the vehicle entering from the right has the right of way.
• Overtaking: Passing on the right lane is prohibited. Use the left lane and return to the right lane as soon as it is safe to do so.
• Parking: when parking, respect the local regulations and check if you need a parking disk/ticket/parking meter etc.
• Turning right on red is not allowed. It is only allowed when sign #25 is present.
• Gas station: Stop at the needed pump. Fill up your car and then see the cashier. Diesel is available at all gas stations.
• Austrian police officers are very helpful. Don’t hesitate to ask them for assistance.
• In periods of traffic congestion: always leave the mandatory rescue lane free. This lane may be needed for ambulance and/ or police –blocking this lane can result in a fine.
• Most motorways have electronic displays providing information on the latest traffic conditions, speed limits, traffic jams or accidents.
• When you travel to other countries, please check if you need a road tax sticker. Entering a motorway without the sticker can lead to heavy fines.
• If you have not chosen any protection yet, we highly recommend our full protection package. It includes the complete exclusion of liability meaning that you are liable with 0€ for your rental car in case of hit and run, theft and self-inflicted accidents and also protects you and your passengers

Speed Limits

• Speed limits for cars up to 3.5 tonnes: 50 km per hour: in town, 100 km per hour: outside town 130 km per hour: on highways
• Fog: A speed limit of 50 km per hour applies to all roads when fog, snow or rain make visibility less than 50 meters. The speed must be adapted accordingly when visibility is further reduced. Fog lights may be used in fog or snow weather conditions.Rear fog lights should only be used when visibility is less than 50 m.

Things to Bring Along

Make sure you carry your driver’s license with you at all times.

Additional Information

Sixt rent a car hopes that you have read and understood all our driving tips in Austria to ensure that you have a safe and pleasant journey. Please note: be advised that this page provides only general information and makes no claim to be complete or correct.