How to Buy and Use an Austrian Vignette: Step-by-Step

The 8-Step Process

1. Step 1: Determine Your Vehicle Category

   First, confirm whether your vehicle requires a vignette. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes (cars, campervans, small vans) require a vignette. Motorcycles are exempt. Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes use the GO-Box system. Check your vehicle's registration document for the maximum permitted weight.

2. Step 2: Choose the Right Vignette Type

   Select the vignette duration based on your planned time in Austria. If you are staying less than 10 days, choose the 10-day vignette (€11.50). For stays of 11–60 days, the 2-month vignette (€29.00) offers better value. For frequent visitors or stays over 60 days, the annual vignette (€96.40) is most economical.

3. Step 3: Decide Between Physical and Digital

   Choose whether you want a physical sticker or a digital registration. The digital vignette is more convenient for rental cars or if you prefer not to attach a sticker. Both cost the same. For the digital option, you will need your vehicle's licence plate number and an email address.

4. Step 4: Purchase the Vignette

   For digital: visit the ASFINAG website (asfinag.at) and complete the online purchase. For physical: purchase at a border petrol station, Austrian petrol station, tobacconist (Trafik), post office, or ASFINAG service centre. Always keep your receipt as proof of purchase.

5. Step 5: Attach the Physical Vignette (if applicable)

   If you purchased a physical vignette, attach it immediately to the inside of your windscreen. The correct position is the top-left or top-right corner, or behind the rear-view mirror. The windscreen must be clean and dry. Remove the vignette from its backing and press firmly. Do not attach it to any other surface — it is designed to be attached to glass only and will be destroyed if removed.

   Warning: Never attach the vignette to the outside of the windscreen, to a side window, or to a removable panel. The vignette must be clearly visible from outside the vehicle.

6. Step 6: Verify Your Digital Vignette (if applicable)

   After purchasing a digital vignette, you will receive a confirmation email. You can verify your registration at any time on the ASFINAG website using your licence plate number. Keep the confirmation email for your records. Note: digital vignettes become active immediately for 10-day and 2-month options, but annual digital vignettes must be purchased at least 18 days in advance.

7. Step 7: Check Your Route for Section Tolls

   Before setting off, check whether your planned route includes any section toll roads (Streckenmaut). Key routes requiring additional tolls include the Brenner Pass (A13), Arlberg Tunnel (S16), Karawanken Tunnel (A11), and Tauern Tunnel (A10). Have cash or a payment card ready for these tolls, as they are charged at toll booths on the specific routes.

8. Step 8: Drive and Keep Documentation

   You are now ready to use Austrian motorways. Keep your vignette receipt and any digital confirmation accessible during your journey. If stopped by ASFINAG officers or police, you may be asked to show proof of purchase. For digital vignettes, your licence plate will be checked automatically — no additional action is required while driving.

Complaints and Appeals Process

If you receive a fine or believe you have been incorrectly penalised, here is how to proceed:

• On-the-spot fine (Organmandat): You may pay immediately (up to €240) or refuse and request a formal procedure.
• Formal complaint (Anzeige): You will receive a written notice. You have two weeks to file an appeal with the relevant district authority (Bezirksverwaltungsbehörde).
• What to include in your appeal: Your full name, address, vehicle registration, date and location of the alleged offence, your explanation, and any supporting evidence (receipts, digital confirmation, photos).
• ASFINAG customer service: For digital vignette issues, contact ASFINAG directly at +43 800 400 12 400 or via asfinag.at.
• Motoring clubs: ÖAMTC (+43 1 711 99) and ARBÖ (+43 1 891 21) can provide legal assistance to members.
• Response time: Allow 4–8 weeks for a formal response to your appeal.

Read the full appeals policy →