Austria 2026 Driving Rule Changes
Official Source: Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität (BMK)
Last Updated: 1. фебруар 2026.
Summary
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.
Key Changes
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7. јул 2026.
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping assistance, and drowsiness detection
Camera-based distraction monitoring mandatory
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera detecting phone use, eating, or looking away from the road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026 for all new cars. Combined with ISA (which already warns when you exceed the speed limit) and existing AEB and lane-keeping systems, new vehicles sold in Austria now have comprehensive driver monitoring.”
Environmental Zone Updates in Vienna and Graz
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
IG-L emission restrictions
Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft (IG-L) restrictions applied to older vehicles in some areas during high-pollution days
Permanent environmental zone restrictions
Vienna and Graz introduce permanent low-emission zones restricting Euro 0-3 diesel vehicles; transit traffic through Inntal corridor faces stricter emission checks
Official Source: BMK Environmental Zones
Instructor's Tip
“Vienna and Graz are introducing permanent low-emission zones. Euro 0-3 diesel vehicles (generally pre-2006) will be restricted. If you're driving through Austria with an older diesel vehicle, check restrictions before entering city centers. The Inntal corridor on the A12/A13 also has stricter emission checks.”
Increased Speed Limit Violation Penalties
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
Moderate speed fines
Speeding fines started at €20 for minor violations; €2,180 maximum for severe speeding
Higher fines and faster license action
Minimum 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
Official Source: BMI Verkehrsstrafen
Instructor's Tip
“Austria is getting much tougher on speeding. Going 20 km/h over now costs at least €150, and 40 km/h over means automatic license suspension for 2 weeks. The maximum fine has more than doubled to €5,000. In Austria, speed limits are strictly enforced with both fixed and mobile radar.”
Changes by Category
🚗Speed Limits(1)
Expanded Section Control (Average Speed) Cameras
Effective 1. април 2026.
Section control on select tunnels
Average speed cameras primarily on A2 (Kaisermühlen tunnel), A22 (Kaisermühlen), and select tunnel sections
Extended section control network
Section control expanded to additional Autobahn segments on A1, A2, A9, and A10; new installations in construction zones and accident-prone areas
Official Source: ASFINAG Section Control
⚠️Penalties & Fines(1)
Increased Speed Limit Violation Penalties
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
Moderate speed fines
Speeding fines started at €20 for minor violations; €2,180 maximum for severe speeding
Higher fines and faster license action
Minimum 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
Official Source: BMI Verkehrsstrafen
🔧Vehicle Equipment(1)
Digital Vignette System Updates
Effective 1. фебруар 2026.
€96.40 annual vignette (2025)
Annual motorway vignette available as physical sticker or digital; price €96.40 for cars
€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
Official Source: ASFINAG Vignette
🛡️Safety Rules(1)
EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Effective 7. јул 2026.
Basic ADAS required
Since July 2024, new cars required ISA, AEB, lane-keeping assistance, and drowsiness detection
Camera-based distraction monitoring mandatory
All new cars must have Advanced Driver Distraction Warning (ADDW) with in-cabin camera detecting phone use, eating, or looking away from the road
Official Source: EU General Safety Regulation 2
🌱Environmental Zones(1)
Environmental Zone Updates in Vienna and Graz
Effective 1. јануар 2026.
IG-L emission restrictions
Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft (IG-L) restrictions applied to older vehicles in some areas during high-pollution days
Permanent environmental zone restrictions
Vienna and Graz introduce permanent low-emission zones restricting Euro 0-3 diesel vehicles; transit traffic through Inntal corridor faces stricter emission checks
Official Source: BMK Environmental Zones
Instructor Tips
Re: EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
Instructor's Tip
“GSR2 Phase 3 adds camera-based distraction monitoring from July 2026 for all new cars. Combined with ISA (which already warns when you exceed the speed limit) and existing AEB and lane-keeping systems, new vehicles sold in Austria now have comprehensive driver monitoring.”
Re: Digital Vignette System Updates
Instructor's Tip
“The digital vignette is now activable immediately - no more 18-day waiting period. A new 1-day option at €8.60 is perfect for short trips through Austria. Remember: all vehicles on Autobahn and Schnellstraße need a vignette. Without one, you face a €120 on-the-spot fine or up to €3,000.”
Re: Environmental Zone Updates in Vienna and Graz
Instructor's Tip
“Vienna and Graz are introducing permanent low-emission zones. Euro 0-3 diesel vehicles (generally pre-2006) will be restricted. If you're driving through Austria with an older diesel vehicle, check restrictions before entering city centers. The Inntal corridor on the A12/A13 also has stricter emission checks.”
Re: Increased Speed Limit Violation Penalties
Instructor's Tip
“Austria is getting much tougher on speeding. Going 20 km/h over now costs at least €150, and 40 km/h over means automatic license suspension for 2 weeks. The maximum fine has more than doubled to €5,000. In Austria, speed limits are strictly enforced with both fixed and mobile radar.”
Re: Expanded Section Control (Average Speed) Cameras
Instructor's Tip
“Austria is expanding its section control (average speed measurement) network beyond tunnels onto open motorway sections. These systems measure your average speed over several kilometers. Maintain the speed limit consistently - braking at camera points is ineffective with average speed measurement.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What new safety features are required in Austrian cars from 2026?
How much does the Austrian motorway vignette cost in 2026?
Can I drive my older diesel car in Vienna and Graz?
What are the speeding penalties in Austria in 2026?
Sources & Methodology
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: 2026-02-01
Primary Sources:
- Bundesministerium für Klimaschutz, Umwelt, Energie, Mobilität (BMK) — Official regulatory body
- EU General Safety Regulation 2 — EU GSR2 Phase 3: Advanced Driver Distraction Warning
- ASFINAG Vignette — Digital Vignette System Updates
- BMK Environmental Zones — Environmental Zone Updates in Vienna and Graz
Partner link – opens GetYourGuide.com
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