Austrian Vignette Rules & Policies

Legal Framework

The Austrian motorway vignette system is governed by the Bundesstraßen-Mautgesetz (BStMG), the Federal Roads Toll Act. This legislation establishes the obligation to display a valid vignette, defines the categories of vehicles subject to the obligation, sets the framework for tariff-setting, and prescribes the penalties for non-compliance. ASFINAG is empowered under the BStMG to collect tolls and enforce compliance.

The BStMG is supplemented by the Mautordnung (toll regulations), which provides detailed operational rules including the technical specifications for vignette stickers, the requirements for e-vignette registration, and the procedures for enforcement checks.

Enforcement Framework

Enforcement of the vignette obligation is carried out by two bodies: the Austrian Federal Police (Bundespolizei) and ASFINAG's own enforcement officers. Both have the authority to stop vehicles and check for valid vignettes. ASFINAG also operates an extensive network of automated licence-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras that continuously cross-reference licence plates against the e-vignette database.

Enforcement checks can occur at any point on the motorway network, including at rest areas and service stations. There is no advance warning of enforcement operations.

Fines and Penalties

Offence	On-the-Spot Fine	Formal Penalty
No valid vignette	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Incorrectly affixed sticker	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Tampered or transferred sticker	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Wrong vehicle category	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Expired vignette	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000

Foreign motorists who cannot pay an on-the-spot fine may be required to provide a security deposit before being permitted to continue their journey. Vehicles may be detained until the fine or deposit is paid.

Boundaries and Exceptions — Detailed Rules

• The vignette must be valid for the entire duration of motorway use — a vignette that expires during a journey does not cover the remainder of the journey.
• A physical sticker that has been removed from the windscreen is no longer valid, even if it is still within its validity period.
• A sticker affixed to a removable component (e.g., a sun strip) is not considered correctly affixed and may result in a fine.
• The e-vignette is only valid for the specific licence plate number registered at the time of purchase.
• If a vehicle's licence plate is changed, the e-vignette linked to the old plate is no longer valid for the vehicle.
• Vignettes purchased from unauthorised resellers may not be valid — always use official channels.
• The vignette is not transferable between vehicles.
• A vignette purchased for a car is not valid for a motorcycle, and vice versa.

Complaints and Appeals

If you believe you have received an unjust fine or wish to contest an enforcement action, the following process applies:

1. Request a formal notice: Ask the enforcement officer to issue a formal written notice (Strafverfügung) rather than paying the on-the-spot fine, if you wish to contest the matter.
2. Submit a written objection: Within four weeks of receiving the formal notice, submit a written objection (Einspruch) to the issuing authority (the relevant district administrative authority, Bezirkshauptmannschaft).
3. Include supporting evidence: Attach any relevant evidence, such as proof of vignette purchase, photographs of the correctly affixed sticker, or e-vignette registration confirmation.
4. Await the decision: The authority will review your objection and issue a decision. This process typically takes several weeks to months.
5. Further appeal: If the decision is unfavourable, you may appeal to the relevant administrative court (Verwaltungsgericht) within four weeks of the decision.

For complaints about ASFINAG's customer service or e-vignette registration errors, contact ASFINAG directly via their official website or customer service hotline. ASFINAG is required to respond to written complaints within a reasonable timeframe.

Where to write: ASFINAG Kundenservice, Rotenturmstraße 5-9, 1010 Vienna, Austria. Include your full name, address, vehicle licence plate, purchase reference number, and a clear description of the issue. Retain copies of all correspondence.

Assessment Factors Table

Factor	Relevance to Compliance	Action Required
Vehicle weight (GVW)	Determines vignette vs. GO-Box	Check registration document
Vehicle type	Car vs. motorcycle pricing	Select correct category at purchase
Journey duration	Determines validity period needed	Choose 10-day, 2-month, or annual
Route selection	Special toll routes require extra payment	Check route before travel
Licence plate accuracy	Critical for e-vignette validity	Double-check plate at purchase
Sticker placement	Incorrect placement = invalid vignette	Affix to windscreen glass only
Purchase channel	Unauthorised resellers may be invalid	Use official ASFINAG channels
Start date selection	Vignette not valid before start date	Set correct start date
Validity expiry	Expired vignette = offence	Check expiry before each journey
Rental vehicle	May or may not include vignette	Confirm with rental company