Key terms on this page: e-Vignette ASFINAG Validity Period Motorway Network Fine / Penalty

Austria Digital Vignette: Your Complete Travel Guide

Everything you need to know about purchasing, activating, and using the Austrian e-Vignette — the mandatory toll pass for motorways managed by ASFINAG.

How to Buy Step-by-Step See Prices

What Is the Austrian Digital Vignette?

Since 2023, Austria has fully transitioned to a digital-only motorway vignette system. The physical sticker that used to be affixed to your windscreen has been replaced by an electronic record linked directly to your vehicle's licence plate. When you purchase an e-Vignette, your registration number is stored in the ASFINAG database, and automated cameras verify compliance as you drive.

This guide covers every aspect of the system: who needs one, which roads require it, how to purchase, how to verify your purchase, what happens if you forget, and how to handle special situations such as rental cars, motorcycles, and vehicles registered abroad.

Quick Comparison: Digital vs. Former Physical Vignette

Feature	Digital e-Vignette	Former Physical Sticker
Attached to	Licence plate number	Windscreen
Purchase channels	Online, app, petrol stations, ASFINAG offices	Petrol stations, post offices, border shops
Activation delay	18 hours after purchase (online)	Immediate on purchase
Transferable to another car	No	No
Refundable if unused	Partial refund possible (conditions apply)	Not refundable
Verification method	Automatic camera scan	Visual inspection
Risk of loss/damage	None	Sticker could peel off
Available since	2022 (mandatory from 2023)	Until 2022

Who Needs an Austrian Vignette?

Any motor vehicle with a maximum permissible weight up to 3.5 tonnes that uses Austrian motorways or expressways designated as toll roads must carry a valid vignette. This includes passenger cars, campervans under the weight limit, motorcycles (which require a separate motorcycle vignette), and light commercial vehicles.

Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes are subject to a separate distance-based toll system (GO-Maut) and do not use the vignette system described here.

Vehicles Exempt from the Vignette

Emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire brigade, police)
Military vehicles on official duty
Vehicles using only the sections of motorway that are free of charge (check ASFINAG map)
Agricultural and forestry machinery
Vehicles with special diplomatic status
Vehicles over 3.5 tonnes (different toll system applies)

Vignette Validity Types at a Glance

Type	Duration	Price (2025)	Best For
10-Day	10 consecutive days	€11.50	Short holiday or transit
2-Month	61 consecutive days	€28.90	Extended trip or seasonal visit
Annual	Jan 1 – Dec 31 (or 14 months if bought in advance)	€96.40	Residents and frequent travellers

Prices are set by ASFINAG and reviewed annually. The figures above reflect the official 2025 tariff. See full pricing details and comparison →

Key Steps to Get Your Vignette

Choose your validity period — 10-day, 2-month, or annual.
Gather your vehicle details — licence plate number, country of registration, vehicle category (car or motorcycle).
Visit the official ASFINAG shop or an authorised reseller.
Enter your licence plate exactly as it appears on your registration document.
Select start date — online purchases activate 18 hours after payment; in-person purchases can activate immediately.
Complete payment — credit card, debit card, or other accepted methods.
Save your confirmation — you will receive an email with a transaction number.
Verify your purchase — use the ASFINAG online checker to confirm your plate is registered.

Read the full step-by-step process →

Fines and Enforcement

ASFINAG operates a network of automatic licence plate recognition cameras across the motorway network. If your vehicle is detected without a valid vignette, you will receive a fine. The standard penalty for travelling without a valid vignette is a supplementary charge of €120 (in addition to purchasing the vignette on the spot). Repeated or deliberate offences can result in significantly higher administrative fines.

Enforcement is continuous and applies equally to Austrian and foreign-registered vehicles. Learn more about fines and appeals →

Frequently Asked Questions (Quick Answers)

Can I buy the vignette at the Austrian border?

Yes, vignettes are sold at most petrol stations near border crossings, as well as at ASFINAG service points. However, online purchase is recommended to avoid queues, especially during peak travel periods.

Does the vignette cover all roads in Austria?

No. The vignette covers motorways (Autobahn) and expressways (Schnellstrasse) managed by ASFINAG. Regular federal and regional roads do not require a vignette. Some special routes (e.g., Brenner Autobahn sections, Grossglockner High Alpine Road) charge additional tolls.

What if I entered my licence plate incorrectly?

Contact ASFINAG customer service immediately. Corrections may be possible within a short window after purchase. If you have already driven on the motorway with an incorrect plate, you may be liable for the fine even if you purchased a vignette in good faith.

Is the vignette valid for a rental car?

Check with your rental company first — many rental cars already have a valid annual vignette included. If not, you must purchase one using the rental car's licence plate number. The vignette is non-transferable between vehicles.

View all FAQs and full glossary →

Customer Reviews

James M.

★★★★★

London, UK

"Bought our 10-day vignette online the night before our road trip to Salzburg. The guide here explained the 18-hour activation rule clearly — saved us from a potential fine."

Sandra R.

★★★★★

Munich, Germany

"Very detailed comparison of vignette types. I drive to Vienna regularly and the annual vignette is clearly the best value. The pricing table made the decision easy."

Thomas K.

★★★★☆

Zurich, Switzerland

"The FAQ section answered my question about motorcycle vignettes immediately. Good, honest information without any upselling."

Read all customer experiences →