Driving rules in Austria
A practical summary of the main rules that may differ when you cross the border. The values below come from the official source linked on this page — the standardized Your Europe country page or the national law or authority.
Source-backedTypical passenger-car speed limits
- Built-up areas
- 50 km/h
- Outside built-up areas
- 100 km/h
- Motorways / expressways
- 130 km/h
Blood alcohol limits
- Standard drivers
- < 0.5 mg/ml
- Novice drivers
- 0.1 mg/ml
- Professional drivers
- 0.1 mg/ml
Lights, winter rules and equipment
- Daytime lights
- Mandatory for motorcycles and mopeds Headlamps are mandatory in daylight only for motorcycles and mopeds.
- Winter tyres / equipment
- Mandatory in winter road conditions For vehicles below 3.5 t, mandatory when the road is covered with snow or ice.
- Mandatory equipment
- first-aid kit, warning triangle, reflective vest
Checks that depend on the route
- Low-emission zones
- Applies to lorries, not to passenger cars
- Fines and enforcement
- EU rules let the fine follow you home
- Emergency number
- 112
Frequently asked questions
What are the speed limits in Austria?
The cited source lists typical passenger-car limits of 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h outside built-up areas, and 130 km/h on motorways and expressways. Road signs, the vehicle and local conditions can set a different limit.
What is the drink-drive limit in Austria?
The cited source lists < 0.5 mg/ml for standard drivers. A lower limit can apply to novice and professional drivers; this page shows those values too.
Do I need daytime lights in Austria?
The cited source lists the daytime-light rule as: Mandatory for motorcycles and mopeds. Check the linked official guidance and road signs before driving.
Are winter tyres required in Austria?
The cited source lists the winter-tyre or winter-equipment rule as: Mandatory in winter road conditions. Seasonal dates, weather conditions and signed roads can change what is required.
This is a planning summary, not legal advice. Road signs and current national rules take priority. Always check the linked official source before departure.