Austria Vignette Guide — Everything You Need to Know
Your comprehensive, up-to-date resource for Austrian motorway toll stickers (Vignette): types, prices, purchase locations, rules, and practical tips for drivers from Austria and abroad.
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What Is an Austrian Vignette?
The Austrian Vignette is a mandatory toll sticker required for driving on Austrian motorways (Autobahnen) and expressways (Schnellstraßen). It is issued by ASFINAG (Autobahnen- und Schnellstraßen-Finanzierungs-Aktiengesellschaft), the state-owned company responsible for Austria's motorway network. All vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must display a valid vignette or face fines of up to €300 on the spot.
The vignette system has been in place since 1997 and was expanded to include a digital (electronic) option in 2023, allowing drivers to register their vehicle's licence plate instead of affixing a physical sticker. Both formats are equally valid and enforced by automated camera systems across the network.
Types of Vignettes
10-Day Vignette
Valid for 10 consecutive days from the selected start date. Ideal for short trips, holidays, or transit through Austria. Available digitally or as a sticker.
See price →2-Month Vignette
Covers 2 calendar months. Suitable for extended stays, business travel, or seasonal visitors. Cost-effective for medium-duration visits.
See price →Annual Vignette
Valid from 1 December of the preceding year to 31 January of the following year (14 months total). Best value for residents and frequent travellers.
See price →See the full services page for motorcycles, trailers, and special vehicle categories. Consult our glossary definition of validity periods for precise date calculations.
Where to Buy Your Vignette
| Channel | Format | Availability | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ASFINAG official website | Digital | 24/7 online | Instant activation; requires licence plate |
| ASFINAG app | Digital | 24/7 mobile | iOS & Android; manage multiple vehicles |
| Petrol stations (Austria) | Physical sticker | Most stations | OMV, BP, Shell, Jet, Avanti etc. |
| Motorway service areas | Physical sticker | All major stops | Available at entry to Austria |
| ÖAMTC / ARBÖ clubs | Physical sticker | Branch offices | Membership discounts may apply |
| Tobacco shops (Trafik) | Physical sticker | Throughout Austria | Convenient for city purchases |
| Border crossing shops | Both | Major border points | Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Slovakia borders |
| Post offices | Physical sticker | Selected branches | Check opening hours in advance |
For detailed guidance on each purchase channel, visit our step-by-step process page. Our service area page lists regional purchase points near Graz.
Key Rules & Requirements
- The vignette must be affixed to the inside of the windscreen (bottom-right corner, near the rear-view mirror) for physical stickers.
- Digital vignettes are linked to the vehicle's licence plate — no sticker required.
- The vignette is non-transferable between vehicles.
- Damaged, removed, or tampered stickers are invalid.
- Motorcycles require a separate motorcycle vignette.
- Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes use the GO-Box system (separate toll device), not the vignette.
- Foreign-registered vehicles are subject to the same rules as Austrian vehicles.
- Enforcement is automated via overhead gantry cameras (no toll booths on most routes).
- Fines for missing vignette: on-the-spot fine of €120 (discounted) or up to €300 (full penalty).
- Replacement stickers are available at ASFINAG service centres with proof of original purchase.
For a complete list of obligations and exceptions, see our Policies page and FAQ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a vignette at the Austrian border?
Yes. Physical vignettes are sold at most major border crossings, including petrol stations and dedicated shops immediately after entering Austria. However, digital vignettes can only be purchased online or via the ASFINAG app before or during your journey.
Is the vignette valid on all Austrian motorways?
The standard vignette covers the general motorway and expressway network. Several routes require additional special tolls: Brenner motorway (A13), Arlberg road tunnel (S16), Karawanken tunnel (A11), Tauern motorway (A10), Pyhrn motorway (A9), and others. See our special tolls section.
What happens if I forget to buy a vignette?
ASFINAG enforcement cameras operate continuously. If your vehicle is detected without a valid vignette, you will receive a fine by post (for foreign-registered vehicles) or an on-the-spot fine if stopped by police. The discounted on-the-spot payment is €120; the full administrative fine can reach €300.
Why Choose ASF Travel Vignett Guide?
Independent & Transparent: We are an independent information and advisory service, not affiliated with ASFINAG or any government body. Our goal is to provide clear, accurate, and unbiased guidance to help you comply with Austrian toll regulations.
Comprehensive Coverage: From the basic 10-day sticker to complex multi-vehicle scenarios, special tolls, and cross-border regulations, we cover every aspect of the Austrian vignette system.
Regularly Updated: Austrian vignette prices and rules are updated annually (typically in October/November). We update our content within 48 hours of any official ASFINAG announcement.
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