Destinations / Austria
Driving in Austria as a visitor
Usually yes. Austria expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Standard delivery included. Need it sooner? Express lands by for $25 more.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Austria expects
| Permit needed | Expected |
|---|---|
| Convention format | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Valid for | Up to 3 years |
| Drives on the | Right |
| Emergency number | 112 |
| Top speed limit | 130 km/h motorways |
What the rental desk will ask you for
| Your own licence | The original card. A photo of it, or a photocopy, gets turned away. |
|---|---|
| Licence translation | Expected. Hand it over with the licence, never instead of it. |
| Booklet format they know | 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna |
| Minimum age | 18. Under 25 usually pays a young-driver surcharge. |
| Deposit | A credit card in the driver's name. The hold is taken in EUR. |
Rules that catch visitors out
| Tolls | Motorway vignette (Pickerl) mandatory. |
|---|---|
| Lights | Headlights recommended day and night. |
| In the car | Reflective vest and triangle required. |
| Alcohol | 0.05% alcohol limit; 0.01% for novice drivers. |
On the road in Austria
At the pump
Stations sell Super 95/98 petrol and Diesel; most are self-service and take international cards, with unattended automated pumps common at night. Petrol runs roughly EUR 1.45 to 1.65 per litre.
After a crash
Call 133 for police or the pan-European 112 (ambulance 144); police must be called if anyone is injured or if drivers cannot agree, otherwise a police report is not mandatory for minor damage where details are exchanged. Place the warning triangle, wear the hi-vis vest, photograph the scene and complete the European Accident Statement; do not move vehicles if there are injuries.
Sources: austria.info · visitaustria.info · lifeistravel.info · eurocampings.co.uk
Common questions
Do you need an International Driving Permit in Austria?
Usually yes. Austria expects visiting drivers to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence, and rental desks ask for one. It matters most when your licence is not printed in the Latin alphabet.
Which IDP format does Austria accept?
Austria recognises the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna format. Your permit is prepared in that format.
Will a rental desk in Austria ask for one?
Requested for non-EU licences.
How fast can you get one?
Express orders are emailed within 5 minutes. The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay and the order is refundable for 30 days.