When Austrians travel, they prefer to travel by car. According to a study by Statistics Austria, around two thirds of all summer vacation trips are preferably made in their own car. In neighboring countries, however, other safety regulations often apply, we have summarized the most important ones!
Whether for a week or just a weekend, the Austrian family likes to get in the car for a trip abroad. Neighboring countries like Italy, Croatia and Germany are on the list of the most popular destinations. In order to avoid involuntary stops or expensive penalties, you should find out about the applicable legal provisions in advance. We have put together a handy list of the toll regulations and additional carrying requirements in our neighboring countries for you!
Slovenia
If you want to get to the sea quickly from Graz, you often choose the two Slovenian towns of Piran or Portorož. In Slovenia, as in Austria, all drivers need a vignette to use the motorway. It is best to buy this upon arrival, a car vignette for 7 days costs €15. Also: In Slovenia you have to carry 2 warning triangles in the car if you are towing a trailer. Light during the day is mandatory, it is best to use the low beam during the day, but the daytime running lights are also accepted.
Croatia
Although Croatia is not a direct neighboring country, it is undoubtedly one of the most popular travel destinations. As in Slovenia, 2 warning triangles must be carried in the car if a trailer is towed, as well as a set of spare lamps. Vehicles with xenon or LED lights are exempt from the obligation to replace bulbs for these lights, but must carry bulbs for the remaining lights. In Croatia, the toll is calculated according to the distance traveled, which means in practice: you take a ticket when entering the motorway and when you exit you pay either in cash or with a card.
Italy
In addition to the obligatory espresso, which one should treat oneself to at the first rest stop in Italy, it is obligatory for our southern neighbors not only to carry but also to wear the high-visibility vest at all unusual stops on the motorway. Unfortunately, drivers of 125cc motorcycles do not enjoy it, they are not allowed on the motorway in Italy. Holders of a driver’s license are only allowed to drive 100 km/h on motorways and 90 km/h on expressways within the first 3 years after issue. As in Croatia, the toll is charged according to the distance driven! Last: Outside of built-up areas, headlights are compulsory for all motor vehicles during the day. For mopeds and motorcycles also in the local area!
Switzerland
The motorway vignette in Switzerland is comparatively cheap: you can get the annual vignette for €35.75, for example at all Austrian ÖAMTC bases and at the customs office upon entry. The disadvantage: there is no weekly or monthly vignette for a shorter stay! Beware of speeding, these are punished with high penalties in Switzerland: At more than 210 km/h on the motorway, the speeder faces 1 year in prison!
Germany
Germany still has the reputation of being a paradise for speed drivers: However, unrestricted speed limits do not apply to all sections of the Autobahn. As in Austria, the guideline is 130 km/h and if there is a sign with a speed limit, it must be observed – penalties from other EU countries can be enforced in Austria.
Czech Republic
Good to know: In the Czech Republic, a vignette is compulsory for all vehicles up to 3.5 t, but not for motorcycles. A 10-day vignette costs €14.50. The advantage: the start date can be chosen freely, which means you can get them in advance if you are planning a trip to the northern neighbors! A spare lamp set must also be carried, a spare tire is not necessary – a repair kit or emergency tires are sufficient. In addition to the daytime running lights, the alcohol limit of 0.0 per mille must also be observed.
Slovakia
As in its neighboring country, the Czech Republic, a vignette is mandatory in Slovakia for all vehicles up to 3.5 t, lights on during the day and a 0.0 alcohol limit. The electronic vignettes can be purchased in advance via the website www.eznamka.sk, the associated app or at the self-service machines at the borders. It is important that you check all the information for accuracy and keep the receipt safe!
Hungary
Hungary has an electronic toll system that has to be solved at the border. The e-vignette can be purchased from the Ă–AMTC Nickelsdorf, at petrol stations in Hungary and online at https://www.virpay.hu. The latter costs an additional 200 forints (equivalent to €0.61). The receipt must then be kept for one year. Otherwise, there are also a few things to consider: The §57a “Pickerl” must not be overstated if you do not comply
