Driving in Austria
For driving in Austria, It is important to have a motorway tax sticker known as vignette on motorways and expressways. These stickers can be purchases at petrol stations or in OAMTC offices. Children under 12 years of age and below the height of 1.5m are not allowed to travel in the front unless they are in a proper child restraint seat. Otherwise they must be fastened with a seat belt at the back.
It is important that you carry important documentation like driver’s license, vehicle registration, and certificate of motor insurance along with a valid form of Photo ID like your passport. If the car is not owned by you, you must carry a letter from the owner giving you permission to drive.
Drinking and driving is strictly prohibited. The legal blood alcohol limit is between 50 and 80mg. If you violate the law you may be charged with heavy fines and even suspension of your license. The police are authorized to collect fines on the spot. However, make sure you get a receipt from the official issuing you the fine. Cars are required to display a GB sticker which shows your country of origin.
Headlight converters are compulsory. After 2006, it has become compulsory to use dipped headlights at all times during the day and at night. The minimum age for driving in Austria is 18 provided that you have a UK driver’s license. Visibility vests are compulsory in Austria. You must carry enough vests for the number of passengers traveling in the car. A first aid kit is also mandatory.
Speed limits vary depending on where you are driving. The speed limit on motorways is 130kph. On open roads it is 100kph and in urban areas it is 50kph. To use certain expressways you must buy a tax disc and display it on your windscreen. You will be penalized for not displaying the vignette.
Driving during the winter months can be difficult because of the snow and ice. The traffic is not that bad in Austria and is actually quite mild. When air pollution is high, car use is restricted at times. Police are authorized to collect penalties on the spot. You have two weeks to pay. In case you refuse to pay you will be asked to make a security deposit. You are also allowed to take the case to court.
Seatbelts are compulsory both at the front and the back. Horns are not allowed everywhere especially in Vienna. If you are not a European you must carry an International driver’s license.
You must use the off street car parks in order to park your car. Do not park the car facing oncoming traffic. Also, always park your car on the right. You are not allowed to park within 10 feet of a fire hydrant. It is also not allowed to park on a white line near a bus stop. You might be faced with a severe penalty if you violate parking laws.
Additional Information
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