Driving in Austria this winter: vignette, Brenner toll and mountain rules

Planning on driving in Austria this winter? Whether you are heading into the Alps for skiing or crossing mountain passes on a longer European road trip, the local highway rules require a bit of preparation before you hit the border. From digital motorway vignettes to required emergency equipment, here is everything you need to sort out in advance.

Austrian motorway vignettes and digital tolls

If you plan to use Austria's motorways and expressways, you must have a valid vignette before entering the toll network. Austria offers a convenient digital e-Vignette tied to your vehicle licence plate. You can register your car directly through the official ASFINAG portal at the ASFINAG Official shop.

When purchasing your vignette online, make sure to check when it becomes valid. Consumer protection waiting periods can apply to certain online purchases, so plan ahead to ensure your registration is active before you cross the Austrian border. Toll rules change, so check the official site before you go.

If you travel in a motorhome with a maximum permissible weight over 3.5 tonnes, the standard vignette does not cover you. Heavy motorhomes must register for the distance-based GO toll and carry a GO-Box device on all Austrian motorways and expressways. You can review the requirements and order a unit on the official GO toll (ASFINAG) website.

Brenner Pass and mountain section tolls

A standard vignette does not cover every motorway in Austria. Several high-mountain transit corridors, known as section toll routes, incur separate toll fees. The most notable examples are the Brenner motorway (A13), connecting Innsbruck to the Italian border, and the Tauern motorway (A10).

On these routes, you can pay at the physical toll barriers or purchase digital section tolls in advance via the official ASFINAG portal to pass through automated video toll lanes. Remember that having an active vignette does not exempt you from paying these dedicated section tolls, so make sure your route planning accounts for both.

Mandatory car equipment for Austrian roads

Austrian traffic police require drivers to carry specific emergency equipment inside the vehicle. Having this kit ready keeps your family safe and helps you avoid trouble during routine border or roadside inspections.

• High-visibility reflective vests (EN ISO 20471): In Austria, one vest is required per passenger. By law, these vests must be stored inside the passenger cabin within arm's reach, rather than locked in the boot.
• Warning triangle (ECE R27): Every car must carry a certified warning triangle ready to deploy in case of a breakdown or hazard.
• First aid kit (DIN 13164 standard): The kit must be sterile, sealed in a solid dustproof case, and within its expiry date.

While these requirements are standard driving practice across the region, specific equipment items have not been individually confirmed since our last system check, so confirm the details on the official transport site before departing.

Winter tyres and seasonal mountain rules

Winter in the Austrian Alps brings sudden weather shifts, heavy snowfall, and freezing tarmac. Drivers must prepare their vehicles for harsh winter conditions before venturing onto high-elevation motorways or mountain passes.

Winter tyres and carrying emergency snow chains are critical considerations when travelling through Austria in the colder months. Because seasonal rules depend on weather conditions and road status, check the official road safety advisories before driving. For extra peace of mind on alpine corridors, pair your preparation with our guides on checking Alpine pass weather and getting live mountain pass advice before setting off.

Emergency numbers and roadside assistance

Knowing who to contact in an emergency is essential when driving abroad. Across the European Union, the universal emergency number 112 works free of charge 24/7 from any phone, even without roaming or a local SIM card.

In Austria, you can also dial dedicated local emergency services directly: 133 for the police and 144 for medical assistance. If your vehicle suffers a mechanical breakdown on an Austrian motorway or rural road, roadside assistance is available via the motoring clubs ÖAMTC on 120 (or +43 1 120 from foreign numbers) and ARBÖ on 123. Our emergency contact data was verified on 7 October 2026.

Plan Austrian routes with Holiday Routes

Sorting out different national rules for a cross-border road trip can easily get overwhelming. Holiday Routes makes this simple with our built-in borders checklist feature: Know the rules before the border.

When you build an itinerary that passes through Austria, the app flags required vignettes, section tolls, and safety kit automatically. For instance, on our showcase 21-Day Grand European EV Loop with two adults and a child in a Hyundai IONIQ 5 AWD, Austria features prominently: crossing the Austria A2 on Day 5 on the way to the Dolomites, returning north over the Brenner Pass on the A13 on Day 9 towards Innsbruck, and later driving Day 16 from Munich past Salzburg to Vienna.

Holiday Routes links you straight to verified official portals like ASFINAG and lets you keep all your travel bookings in one place. Note that our tolls and vignettes checklist is Europe-only, keeping European rules accurate, simple, and transparent.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a vignette if I only drive on the Brenner motorway?

The Brenner motorway (A13) is a special section toll route. While you must pay the section toll, you do not need the standard vignette if your journey on Austrian motorways is strictly limited to this specific section toll corridor.

Where should I keep my safety vests when driving in Austria?

Safety vests must be stored inside the passenger cabin within arm's reach of the occupants. Placing them in the boot or luggage area does not comply with Austrian road regulations.

Can I purchase an Austrian vignette on the road?

You can buy physical sticker vignettes at motorway service stations before the border or purchase the digital e-Vignette online. When buying online, always verify the start date so your registration is active before you enter the country.

What should I do if my car breaks down on an Austrian motorway?

Put on your reflective safety vest before exiting the vehicle, set up your warning triangle at a safe distance behind your car, and wait behind the safety barrier. Then call roadside assistance via ÖAMTC on 120 or ARBÖ on 123.