Driving
Latest news and important information on driving licences, law changes, speed limits, fines, and more.
Everything you need to know about driving in Austria in winter
Austria is known for having long, cold winters, which can impact conditions on the roads. Here’s what you need to know about driving in Austria in the winter. From tips to make your trip smoother to the rules you need to follow.
The best websites for buying a used car in Austria
Public transport works well in most larger cities in Austria, but if you live in a smaller town or enjoy travelling to more hidden locations where public transport cannot take you, you might consider buying a car.
From fuel to taxes: How to save money in Austria
With fuel and heating-oil prices once again pushing up the cost of living, we explore a few different ways to spend less and save money in Austria without sacrificing quality.
EU nations to hold emergency meeting on diesel prices amid US pressure
EU nations will meet Friday, aiming to develop a unified response to soaring diesel prices, a day after the US called on its European allies to release strategic reserves "immediately" to stem the crisis.
Austria checks hundreds of foreign-plated vehicles, but when do you need to register yours?
Austria has assessed almost €1 million in unpaid vehicle taxes after a nationwide crackdown on foreign-plated vehicles. For people who brought a vehicle from abroad, the registration deadline can come up surprisingly quickly.
How can drivers compare electric-car charging prices in Austria?
A call for petrol-style price signs has revived a familiar problem for EV drivers in Austria: working out what a charge will cost before plugging in.
How traffic offences can cost you your Austrian citizenship
Austria has strict rules for citizenship that mean even traffic offences can stop you from obtaining naturalisation, as a recent case in Vienna shows.
Where to expect traffic jams in Austria over the long weekend
Austria is heading for a busy long weekend on the roads, with traffic clubs warning of delays around cities, on transit routes and near major events.
What drivers in Austria need to know about the Tyrol Brenner protest shutdown
Planning to drive via the Brenner in Tyrol on May 30th? Austria is facing a rare full closure of the Brenner corridor for most of the day, and the rules on who can pass are strict.
How Austria’s planned new Pickerl rules could save drivers time and money
Austria is planning to stretch the inspection intervals for many vehicles, meaning drivers could need fewer Pickerl checks during the first ten years after a car is registered.
Overtourism: Visitors to Salzburg face summer driving ban in city centre
Salzburg's Altstadt has announced a traffic ban this summer. Only cars with number plates from the city and the surrounding districts will be allowed to drive in parts of the city centre, with tourists told to park on the outskirts.
Do I need to wear a helmet when riding a bike or e-bike in Austria?
Austria’s relaxed helmet rules might surprise you, but legal consequences can still follow if you ride without one.
LISTED: The items you can't carry in your car in Austria
When it comes to driving in Austria, it’s not just traffic rules you need to watch out for. There’s a surprising list of items you’re not allowed to carry - or at least not allowed to carry freely - in your car. Here’s what you need to know.
What are European countries doing to keep fuel costs down?
War in the Middle East has caused energy market volatility around the globe, forcing governments in Europe to intervene and keep fuel costs down for consumers.
Which roads will be busiest in Austria over the Easter holidays?
Easter is a time of celebration in Austria with a public holiday on April 6th. We look at what you can expect on the roads and where you should fuel your car up for the best deal.
How changes to Vienna’s Ringstrasse are set to affect drivers and commuters
Vienna plans sand-yellow cycle zones and new crossing points on the Ring. Find out what changes first, and how car access is meant to work
EU says Slovakia cannot charge foreign drivers more for diesel
Slovakia’s decision to charge foreign drivers more for diesel is illegal under European Union law, the European Commission said on Tuesday.
Austria vs Germany: Why it costs twice as much to get a driving licence across the border
If you think it's a long and expensive process to obtain your driver's license from scratch in Austria, a quick look over the border will have you saying 'Gott sei Dank'.
Austrian drivers to pay more for fuel as Slovakia restricts diesel sales
The Slovak government said it would limit diesel purchases and increase prices for foreign drivers, including from Austria, after supplies through the Druzhba pipeline were suspended.
What is Austria's 'three strike' system for driving offences?
Anyone driving in Austria needs to be aware of the 'three strike' system that may lead to motorists who break rules having to take extra training or losing their licence.
What you need to know about driving to the Winter Olympics from Austria
If you are planning to drive from Austria to the 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy, a bit of preparation will save you stress on the road and at your destination.
What drivers in Austria must do this winter to stay safe and avoid expensive fines
From frozen windows to ski boot rules, drivers in Austria need to follow the guidelines to stay safe over winter and avoid fines.
Austria warns of weekend traffic as semester holidays begin
The start of school holidays in Austria and neighbouring countries is set to increase traffic this weekend. Peak congestion is expected especially on routes to ski resorts.