Destinations / Austria
Driving in Austria as a visitor
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU drivers should carry an IDP alongside their national licence in Austria.
Reviewed July 2026 · A translation of your own licence, carried with it. Not a government permit.
What Austria expects
| Driving document | Depends on licence issuer, script and rental policy |
|---|---|
| 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 | Check the desk policy for your issuing country and licence script. A translation accompanies the licence and never replaces an official permit. |
| 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?
Often required, depending on where your licence was issued. Non-EU drivers should carry an IDP alongside their national licence in Austria.
Which translation format is used for Austria?
Austria uses the 1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna convention format. A Vialy translation is prepared in that format but is not a government-issued permit.
Will a rental desk in Austria ask for a translation?
Requested for non-EU licences.
How fast can Vialy prepare one for Austria?
The exact delivery moment is quoted before you pay, 30 minutes as standard and 5 with Express.
Also in Europe
Driving on to another country on the same trip? Each page states what that destination expects.