Austria implements EU GSR2 Phase 3 safety requirements, updates the Vignette motorway toll system with digital-only options, introduces environmental zone updates in major cities, and increases penalties for speed limit violations.
Safety rules
Before
Basic ADAS requiredSince July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping assistance, and drowsiness detection
After (2026)
Camera-based distraction monitoring mandatoryAll new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera detecting phone use, eating, or looking away from the road
Environmental zones
Before
IG-L emission restrictionsImmissionsschutzgesetz-Luft (IG-L) restrictions applied to older vehicles in some areas during high-pollution days
After (2026)
Permanent environmental zone restrictionsVienna and Graz introduce permanent low-emission zones restricting Euro 0-3 diesel vehicles; transit traffic through Inntal corridor faces stricter emission checks
Penalties & fines
Before
Moderate speed finesSpeeding fines started at €20 for minor violations; €2,180 maximum for severe speeding
After (2026)
Higher fines and faster license actionMinimum fine for speeding over 20 km/h increased to €150; over 40 km/h triggers automatic 2-week license suspension; maximum fine raised to €5,000 for extreme speeding
Vehicle equipment
Before
€96.40 annual vignette (2025)Annual motorway vignette available as physical sticker or digital; price €96.40 for cars
After (2026)
€98.90 annual vignette (2026)Annual vignette price increased to €98.90; digital vignette now activable immediately (previously 18-day delay); new 1-day vignette option at €8.60
Speed limits
Before
Section control on select tunnelsAverage speed cameras primarily on A2 (Kaisermühlen tunnel), A22 (Kaisermühlen), and select tunnel sections
After (2026)
Extended section control networkSection control expanded to additional Autobahn segments on A1, A2, A9, and A10; new installations in construction zones and accident-prone areas
From July 7, 2026, all new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) - camera-based monitoring that detects phone use or looking away from the road. ISA, AEB, lane-keeping, and drowsiness detection were already mandatory from July 2024. This is EU GSR2 Phase 3, applicable across the EU.
The annual vignette costs €98.90 for cars. A new 1-day option is available for €8.60. The 10-day vignette remains available. Digital vignettes are now activable immediately (no more 18-day delay). Driving without a vignette on Autobahn or Schnellstraße risks a €120 on-the-spot fine or up to €3,000.
Vienna and Graz are introducing permanent low-emission zones restricting Euro 0-3 diesel vehicles (generally manufactured before 2006). If your diesel vehicle meets Euro 4 or higher standards, you can still drive in these areas. Check your vehicle's emission class in your registration documents.
Speeding over 20 km/h costs at least €150. Going 40 km/h over the limit triggers automatic 2-week license suspension. The maximum fine for extreme speeding has been raised to €5,000. Austria also uses average speed cameras (section control) on motorways, which are being expanded in 2026.
All rule changes are sourced from official government transport agencies and legal publications. AutoviaTest is an independent educational platform and is not affiliated with any government agency. Rules may be subject to change before their effective dates.
Information last verified: February 1, 2026Everything you need to pass on your first attempt
