Frequently Asked Questions

No. The vignette is only required for motorways (Autobahnen, "A" routes) and expressways (Schnellstraßen, "S" routes) managed by ASFINAG. Regular federal roads (Bundesstraßen, "B" routes) and local roads are free to use without a vignette. However, these alternative routes are often significantly slower.

Physical vignettes are available at petrol stations near border crossings in Austria and in neighbouring countries (Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Slovenia). However, you must purchase the vignette before entering the motorway — not after. If you enter the motorway without a valid vignette, even for a short distance to reach a petrol station, you are technically in violation.

For digital vignettes: contact ASFINAG immediately. Corrections to the licence plate may be possible within a short window after purchase. For physical stickers: once purchased, the start date cannot be changed. If you have selected the wrong start date, you may need to purchase a new vignette. Refunds are generally not available.

Many Austrian rental companies include a valid vignette with their vehicles, but this is not guaranteed. Always confirm with the rental company before picking up the car. If the rental car does not have a valid vignette, you are responsible for purchasing one.

No. Physical vignette stickers are designed to be destroyed if removed from the windscreen. Attempting to transfer a sticker to another vehicle will void the vignette and may result in a fine. Digital vignettes are linked to a specific licence plate and cannot be transferred to a different vehicle (though ASFINAG may allow plate changes in specific circumstances).

Yes. Electric vehicles are subject to the same vignette requirements as petrol and diesel vehicles. The vehicle weight category (under or over 3.5 tonnes) determines whether a standard vignette or GO-Box is required.

Austria does not offer a strict "12-month" vignette. The annual vignette is valid from December 1st of the year before the indicated year to January 31st of the following year — approximately 14 months. This extended validity is a feature, not a mistake.

Yes, a small number of short motorway sections near urban areas are exempt from the vignette requirement. These are clearly signposted. However, the vast majority of the Austrian motorway network requires a valid vignette.

ASFINAG operates automatic licence plate recognition cameras at multiple points on the motorway network. These cameras read your plate and check it against the digital vignette database in real time. If no valid vignette is found, a fine notice is sent to the registered vehicle owner.

Generally, no. Vignettes are non-refundable once purchased. The only exception may be in cases of vehicle theft or total loss, subject to ASFINAG's discretion and documentation requirements.