AustriaAustria

Drive on the right and normally overtake on the left. Outside built-up areas and on motorways, drivers should generally keep to the right-hand lane when possible.

Call 112 for the European emergency number, 133 for police, 144 for an ambulance, 122 for the fire service and 140 for mountain rescue.

For most drivers, the blood-alcohol level must remain below 0.5‰ (0.5 g/l). A much lower limit of 0.1‰ applies to probationary drivers and certain other categories, including drivers of category C and D vehicles.

For cars and motorcycles, the general maximum speed is 50 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

For cars and motorcycles, the general maximum speed on ordinary roads outside built-up areas is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

For cars and motorcycles, the general maximum speed on an Autostraße is 100 km/h, unless signs indicate another limit.

For cars and motorcycles, the general maximum speed on motorways is 130 km/h, unless a lower limit is indicated.

Vehicles with a maximum technically permissible laden mass of up to and including 3.5 tonnes generally need a valid vignette to use Austria's motorways and expressways. Some road sections are exempt or use a separate section toll.

Certain expensive tunnels and Alpine motorway crossings are subject to a separate section toll. On the section-toll segment itself, a vignette is not required, although other motorway sections used during the journey may still require one.

Cars and light goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes must use winter tyres on all wheels between 1 November and 15 April when wintry road conditions are present, such as snow, slush or ice. Snow chains on at least two driven wheels may be used as an alternative when the road is continuously covered with snow or ice.

Seat belts are mandatory for occupants using seats equipped with them. Each person aged 14 or older is responsible for wearing their own seat belt.

Children under 14 years old and shorter than 135 cm must be secured using an appropriate child-restraint system. Children under 14 who are at least 135 cm tall must use a seat belt.

Motorcycle and moped riders and passengers must wear helmets. Children under 12 must wear a helmet when cycling, people under 14 must wear one when riding an e-bike, and riders under 16 must wear one when using an electric scooter.

Drivers may not hold or otherwise use a mobile phone while driving, except for permitted hands-free calling or navigation when the phone is securely mounted. Texting, browsing and operating apps while driving are prohibited.

There is no general requirement for cars to use lights during normal daylight. Lights must be used in darkness and poor visibility. Motorcycles and mopeds must use dipped headlights or daytime running lights at all times.

At an intersection where priority is not otherwise regulated, vehicles approaching from the right generally have priority. Traffic signs, traffic lights and special priority rules can override this rule.

Drivers must allow pedestrians who are on a crossing or clearly intend to use it to cross safely and without obstruction. Drivers must approach at a speed that allows them to stop in time.

Motor vehicles must normally leave at least 1.5 metres in built-up areas and 2 metres outside built-up areas when overtaking cyclists or scooter riders. At speeds of no more than 30 km/h, the distance may be reduced where road safety permits.

When congestion begins to form on a motorway or physically separated multi-lane expressway, drivers must immediately create a Rettungsgasse. Traffic in the leftmost lane moves left, while traffic in all other lanes moves as far right as necessary.

Red means stop. A steady amber light also generally means stop; drivers who are already too close to stop safely may continue through the intersection.

Drivers of cars must carry a warning triangle, reflective high-visibility clothing and a suitable first-aid kit. The reflective clothing should be put on before leaving the vehicle after a breakdown or accident.

In a Begegnungszone, vehicles must normally travel at no more than 20 km/h. The authority may exceptionally permit a limit of 30 km/h. Pedestrians may use the entire carriageway and must not be endangered or obstructed.

Where passengers must cross the roadway to board or leave a bus or tram, vehicles must stop while passengers are getting on or off. Once the doors are closed and nobody is approaching the vehicle, drivers may proceed at walking pace.

An IG-L speed limit is imposed under Austria's air-pollution legislation. These limits can apply permanently or be activated dynamically on motorways and expressways, and drivers must follow the displayed limit unless a specific legal exemption applies.