Vienna City Guide

Roadworthiness test (“Pickerl”) All motor vehicles have to undergo an inspection of their roadworthiness at regular intervals (cars: for the first time three years after the first car registration, then two years after the first inspection, then one year after the second and every following inspection). The inspection can be done at garages or at the automobile clubs’ garages (ÖAMTC or ARBÖ). You will need your registration document (“Zulassungsschein”) and the document received at the last inspection (if applicable). When the car passes this inspection, a “Pickerl” badge is fixed onto the windshield of your car. The expiration date is shown by the number at the top of this badge. The inspection fees amount to an average of approx. € 60, but can vary significantly depending on where the inspection is performed. At the automobile clubs it costs less if you are a member. Safety requirements and traffic regulations Drivers in Austria have to carry a safety warning equipment (warning triangle and reflective clothing e.g. a reflective vest) and a first aid kit. All car passengers need to wear seatbelts; children under the age of 14 and below 150 cm in body height need to be seated in appropriate child car seats. The car seat must fulfil the ECE 44 norm (version 03). Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free set. When using a mobile phone while driving, you will be fined with € 50. Motorcyclists have to wear a helmet. The helmet must fulfil the ECE-R 22.05 norm. Motorcyclists need to turn on the dimmed headlights during daytime as well. In the period of November 1 and April 15 during wintery weather conditions (snow, snow slush, ice) cars may only be used if they are equipped with winter tires. You may face a fine if you drive your car with insufficient tires and equipment (e.g. winter tires, snow chains) during winter weather. When causing an accident you may not be covered by insurance anymore. The basic speed limit is 50 kph (about 30 mph) in built-up areas and 100 kph (about 60 mph) elsewhere. While the speed limit on the highway (“Autobahn”) is 130 kph (about 80 mph) in general, it is reduced to 110 kph (about 65 mph) at night on most highways. Radar speed traps can be found frequently on the autobahn and in residential areas. The same is true for red-light offenders who get caught by mounted cameras. Speeding can result in heavy fines and even the consequential loss of your Austrian license. Fines are applied to irregularities such as illegally passing on the right, illegal parking, not keeping sufficient safety distance and driving while intoxicated. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 ‰ when driving – in some cases (e.g. in the first two years after first receiving a driving license) the limit is 0.1 ‰ only. Levels above this limit will be fined heavily; blood levels above 0.8 ‰ will also result in the suspension of the driving license for one or more months (depending on the blood level).

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Vienna City Guide