Car Hire in Austria: What to Know Before You Drive

Drive on the right and keep right

Traffic drives on the right in Austria. On motorways and multi-lane roads outside built-up areas, the general rule is to keep to the right-hand lane unless you have a reason to use another lane.

• Overtaking: normally overtake on the left.
• After overtaking: return to the right-hand lane when it is safe.
• If you normally drive on the left: take particular care after turning and when leaving car parks or petrol stations.
• Urban multi-lane roads: different lane-selection rules can apply in built-up areas, so follow signs and markings.
• Roundabouts: follow the priority signs and road markings at the particular junction rather than assuming every roundabout works exactly the same way.

Speed limits in Austria

Speed limits are shown in kilometres per hour. For a normal passenger car up to 3.5 tonnes, the general maximum limits are:

• Built-up areas: generally 50 km/h.
• Rural roads: generally 100 km/h.
• Motorways: generally 130 km/h.

Lower limits can apply because of road layout, tunnels, weather, traffic or environmental restrictions. Always follow the posted limit.

Winter tyres are compulsory in wintry conditions

Between 1 November and 15 April, cars up to 3.5 tonnes may only be driven in wintry conditions such as snow, slush or ice if suitable winter equipment is fitted.

• Winter tyres: they must be fitted to all wheels when the rule applies.
• Rental car: confirm winter equipment with the rental provider if travelling during the winter period.
• Mountain areas: conditions at altitude can be wintry even when roads in Vienna or other lowland cities are clear.
• Weather: check the route before setting off rather than relying only on the conditions at your starting point.

Snow chains and mountain routes

Snow chains can become important on mountain roads after heavy snowfall.

• Chains may only be used where the road surface has a continuous or almost continuous covering of snow or ice.
• Where a road sign requires snow chains, follow the instruction before continuing.
• Check whether the rental vehicle is compatible with chains and whether they are supplied.
• If you do not know how to fit chains, ask the rental provider before travelling into mountain areas.
• Never wait until you are blocking a steep road before learning how the equipment works.

Driving in the Austrian Alps

Alpine roads can involve gradients, tight bends, tunnels and rapidly changing weather.

• Descents: use an appropriate lower gear rather than relying continuously on the brakes.
• Hairpin bends: reduce speed before the bend and stay on your own side of the road.
• Cyclists: expect cyclists on popular mountain passes during warmer months.
• Weather: rain in a valley can become snow or ice at higher altitude.
• Seasonal roads: high Alpine roads can close in winter and reopen only when conditions permit.

Tunnels are part of everyday driving

Austria's motorway and Alpine network includes many long tunnels. Treat tunnel signs, traffic lights and variable limits as important safety instructions.

• Reduce speed before entering if a lower limit is displayed.
• A red traffic light before a tunnel means stop.
• Keep a safe distance from the vehicle ahead.
• Do not make unnecessary lane changes inside a tunnel.
• If traffic stops, leave enough space ahead and be prepared to form the Rettungsgasse where required.

Driving in Vienna

Vienna combines ordinary road traffic with trams, cyclists, pedestrians and extensive public transport.

• Trams: expect tracks and tram stops within the road network and give trams the space and priority required by signs and signals.
• Cyclists: check carefully before turning across a cycle lane.
• Pedestrian crossings: approach at a speed that allows you to stop for pedestrians using or clearly intending to use the crossing.
• Navigation: set your route before moving rather than making last-minute decisions in busy junctions.
• Public transport: for central sightseeing, parking the car and using public transport may be more convenient than moving the vehicle repeatedly.

Parking in Vienna

Vienna has an area-wide paid short-term parking system covering all districts, although some streets and outer areas have different arrangements.

• Standard hours: the citywide short-term zone generally applies Monday to Friday on working days from 9:00 to 22:00.
• Visitor maximum: parking with a normal parking ticket or HANDYPARKEN is generally limited to two hours.
• Shopping streets: different times or shorter maximum stays can apply.
• Signs: do not assume each street contains a reminder sign for the citywide zone.
• Garages and Park & Ride: these can be simpler for longer stays than repeated short-term street parking.

Driving licence requirements for visitors

• EU and EEA licences: valid driving licences issued in EU and EEA countries are recognised in Austria.
• Carry the original: keep your actual driving licence with you while driving.
• Licence language: where a foreign licence is not in German, an International Driving Permit or appropriate translation may be required.
• Non-EEA licences: check the Austrian recognition requirements that apply to the country where your licence was issued.
• Rental provider: the rental company may impose additional documentation or licence-age requirements.

Taking an Austrian hire car across a border

Austria borders eight countries, so cross-border driving is a common part of many itineraries.

• Check that the rental provider permits travel to every country on your route.
• Confirm whether a cross-border fee applies.
• Each neighbouring country has its own motorway toll, vignette and environmental-zone rules.
• Do not assume an Austrian vignette covers roads in another country.
• Check whether your roadside-assistance and insurance cover remain valid outside Austria.

If the hire car breaks down

• Move the car away from moving traffic where this can be done safely.
• Switch on the hazard warning lights.
• Put on the high-visibility clothing before leaving the vehicle where required.
• Use the warning triangle where appropriate and safe.
• Keep passengers away from live traffic.
• Contact the roadside-assistance number supplied by the rental provider.

Emergency numbers in Austria

• European emergency number: 112
• Police: 133
• Ambulance: 144
• Fire service: 122
• Mountain rescue: 140

For a mechanical breakdown without an emergency, use the assistance service provided with your rental rather than arranging your own repair.