Driving in Austria | Mandatory Equipment 2025
Planning to drive to Austria? Make sure your car or motorcycle is properly equipped to avoid fines. Here's what’s required in 2025.
Mandatory Vehicle Equipment | Austria 2025
First-aid kit
(DIN 13164 compliant)
Warning triangle
(type-approved)
Reflective vest
(for the driver)
Motorcycles
Only a first-aid kit is required. No triangle or vest mandatory. Riders must wear helmets. Recommended: gloves, jacket, trousers and boots.
Winter Tyres & Chains
Winter tyres are mandatory from 1 November to 15 April. Trucks >3.5t must meet additional tread and marking requirements (M+S or 3PMSF).
Snow chains are not always mandatory, but road signs may require them in mountain regions. In snowy or icy conditions, you may use chains on summer tyres.
Important
Fines for non-compliance range from €35 up to €5000 depending on severity.
Recommended Equipment
- Reflective vests for all passengers
- Fire extinguisher
- Spare wheel or repair kit
- Spare bulbs and fuses
- Jack and wheel wrench
- Jumper cables
- Tow rope
- Tools: screwdrivers, torch, washer fluid, ice scraper
Good to know
Reflective clothing (e.g. jacket, trousers) is accepted if it meets visibility standards.
Fines
Missing mandatory equipment may lead to fines from €14 and up. Refusal to pay can escalate the case administratively.
Mandatory Documents | Austria
- ID or passport (valid for 3–6 months minimum)
- Third-party liability insurance (valid for 3 months)
- Vehicle registration document
- Valid driving licence
- Rental authorisation if car is borrowed
Additional for trucks (>3.5t)
- Driver’s licence & registration
- Driver card, EU licence, CMR waybill
- Driver insurance, pay documentation
- Transport licence (copy or original)
- Rental agreement, driver employment contract
Reminder
Vignette required for motorway travel. See: Austria toll fees
Key Traffic Rules | Austria
- Motorcycles: dipped headlights required at all times
- All vehicles: lights required in tunnels, at night, or poor visibility
- Truck ban on Sundays/holidays 00:00–22:00 (DMC > 7.5t)
- No overtaking on motorways for vehicles >3.5t where signed
- Hands-free required for mobile use
- Seatbelts mandatory for all passengers
- Alcohol limit: 0.49‰ (regular), 0.1‰ (professional or new drivers)
Important
Dashcams are prohibited in Austria. Using them may lead to fines up to €25,000.
Speed Limits
| Vehicle type | Urban | Non-urban | Motorways |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cars / Motorcycles (DMC < 3.5t) | 50 | 100 | 130 |
| Cars with trailer (DMC < 3.5t) | 50 | 100 / 70* | 100 / 80* |
| Trucks (DMC > 3.5t) | 50 | 70 | 80 |
| Buses | 50 | 80 | 100 |
Note
* 100 km/h applies to trailers under 750 kg (O1). Trailers over 750 kg (O2) have reduced limits depending on combined weight.
Don't Risk a Fine!
Lack of correct vignette may result in high fines. Buy austrian vignettes and enjoy hassle-free journey. You'll receive payment confirmation via e-mail.
Buy Vignettes ATAustria by car | Summary
Make sure your car carries a DIN 13164 first-aid kit, warning triangle, and reflective vest. In winter, switch to seasonal tyres and carry chains if driving into mountains. Missing gear or breaking local rules may cost you hundreds (or thousands) of euros.
Have a safe journey!