🇦🇹 Drive Austria with Confidence
Know the rules. Carry the right documents. Enjoy the Alpine roads.
Do You Need an IDP in Austria?
Recommended — Required by Most Rental Companies
Non-EU drivers should carry an IDP alongside their license. Austrian rental companies including Europcar and Sixt routinely require an IDP before releasing vehicles. Austrian police may also request one during roadside checks.
Key Warning
Austria requires a vignette (toll sticker) for all motorways. Without one, fines start at €120. Purchase at border petrol stations or online before arrival. Alpine tunnel tolls are separate and can cost €10–40 each.
Driving Rules in Austria
Drive on the Right
Austria drives on the right. Roundabouts give priority to vehicles already in the circle. Overtaking is only permitted on the left on highways.
Alpine Tunnels
Major tunnels like the Arlberg and Tauern require separate tolls. Keep headlights on in all tunnels. Chains or winter tires are mandatory from November to April.
Alcohol Limit
The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. For new drivers under 2 years experience, the limit drops to 0.01%. Fines range from €300 to €5,900.
Speed Limits
Urban: 50 km/h. Rural: 100 km/h. Motorway: 130 km/h. Austria uses fixed and mobile speed cameras extensively. Fines are issued immediately.
Renting a Car in Austria
What you need to know before picking up your rental vehicle.
Required Documents
IDP (non-EU drivers), valid license, passport, credit card. Minimum age 19–21 depending on agency. Under-25 surcharge applies.
Typical Costs
Compact cars from €35–55/day. Full insurance (CDW) adds €15–25/day. Winter tires included November–April. Fuel around €1.50/liter.
Top Rental Companies
Europcar — Strong airport coverage. Sixt — Wide fleet variety. Buchbinder — Popular Austrian local agency with competitive rates.
“The Europcar counter in Salzburg asked for our IDP immediately. We had applied through RoadSeal two days before and showed the digital version. No issues at all — they handed over the keys in minutes.”
Get Your IDP for Austria — From $29
Delivered digitally in as little as 2 hours. Physical copy shipped worldwide. Valid for 1 year.
Apply Now →Austria IDP FAQ
EU license holders do not need an IDP. Non-EU visitors are strongly recommended to carry one. Most rental companies require it, and Austrian police may request it during traffic stops.
A vignette is a motorway toll sticker required on all Austrian highways. Purchase it at border petrol stations, online at asfinag.at, or at Austrian post offices. A 10-day vignette costs approximately 9.90 EUR.
Yes, from November 1 to April 15, vehicles must be equipped with winter tires (marked M+S) or carry snow chains. Fines for non-compliance can reach 5,000 EUR in hazardous conditions.