How to Purchase the Austrian Digital Vignette
Purchasing the Austrian e-Vignette is straightforward, but there are important rules — particularly around the 18-hour activation delay for online purchases — that every driver must understand before travelling.
Full Step-by-Step Process (Online Purchase)
- Determine your vehicle category. Confirm whether your vehicle is a car/light vehicle (up to 3.5t), a motorcycle, or a vehicle requiring the GO-Maut system. This determines which vignette type applies.
- Choose your validity period. Decide between 10-day (€11.50), 2-month (€28.90), or annual (€96.40) based on your travel plans. See our pricing page for a detailed comparison.
- Gather your licence plate details. Have your registration document ready. Enter the plate number exactly as it appears — including any letters, numbers, and country prefix. Double-check before proceeding.
- Visit the official ASFINAG online shop or an authorised reseller. Do not purchase from unofficial third-party websites that may charge inflated fees.
- Select your start date. For online purchases, the vignette activates 18 hours after payment. If you need it immediately, purchase at a petrol station or ASFINAG service point instead.
- Complete payment. Accepted methods include major credit cards (Visa, Mastercard), debit cards, and PayPal at some channels. Keep your payment confirmation.
- Save your transaction number. You will receive a confirmation email. Store the transaction number — you will need it if you need to verify, modify, or dispute your purchase.
- Verify your registration. Use the ASFINAG online checker (available on the ASFINAG website) to confirm your licence plate is correctly registered in the system before you drive on a motorway.
- Wait for activation (online purchases only). Do not enter a motorway until 18 hours after your purchase time. Plan your departure accordingly.
- Drive with confidence. Automated cameras will verify your plate as you travel. You do not need to display anything on your windscreen or carry any document.
Preparation Checklist Before Purchase
- Confirm your vehicle is under 3.5 tonnes maximum permissible weight
- Have your vehicle registration document (Zulassungsschein) ready
- Know your exact licence plate number including country prefix
- Decide on validity period based on your travel dates
- Check if your rental car already has a vignette (ask the rental company)
- Ensure your payment card is valid and has sufficient funds
- Have an email address ready for the confirmation
- If buying online, plan to purchase at least 18 hours before entering a motorway
- Check if any routes on your journey require supplementary tolls
- Verify the ASFINAG website URL to avoid phishing sites
- Note the ASFINAG customer service number in case of issues
- Check that your vehicle's licence plate is clean and readable for cameras
Purchasing at a Petrol Station or Border Point
If you need immediate activation, purchase your vignette in person at an authorised petrol station, ASFINAG service point, or border crossing shop. The cashier will enter your licence plate into the ASFINAG system, and the vignette activates immediately. You will receive a paper receipt as proof of purchase — keep this until you have verified the registration online.
What to Do If Something Goes Wrong
| Problem | Action | Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong licence plate entered | Contact ASFINAG immediately; correction may be possible | Within 1 hour of purchase |
| Payment taken but no confirmation email | Check spam folder; then contact ASFINAG with payment reference | Within 24 hours |
| Vignette not showing in ASFINAG checker | Wait up to 2 hours; if still missing, contact ASFINAG | Within 2 hours |
| Received a fine despite having a vignette | Gather purchase confirmation and appeal in writing within 4 weeks | Within 4 weeks |
| Vehicle sold or licence plate changed | Contact ASFINAG for refund or transfer options | As soon as possible |