Description
Anyone travelling on the Austrian motorway network is obliged to pay the toll - with the exception of three exempt stretches - by purchasing the so-called vignette, which is provided by the system operated by the concession holder ASFINAG AG. However, even in the case of regular purchase, if the vignette is not affixed correctly on the windscreen, a penalty is still incurred. In addition, there are additional motorway tolls on specific sections of the network, such as at the 'Ponte Europa' pass on the Brenner motorway. Numerous consumers turned to the European Consumer Centre Italy (ECC-Net Italy) after receiving a communication from ASFINAG requesting payment of EUR 120, to be paid within four weeks from the date of issue of the letter. However, in practice, it often happens that this notice is delivered late or, in some cases, not at all. The result? Payment is made after the deadline and ASFINAG has already forwarded the report to the competent authority, which then issues a higher penalty of EUR 300. To avoid unpleasant consequences, here are the latest news and some useful tips on how to pay the motorway toll correctly in Austria.
In Austria, the mere purchase of a vignette is not sufficient for the toll payment obligation to be considered fulfilled. In order to be valid, the sticker must be affixed correctly on the windscreen according to precise instructions. As an alternative to the sticker, it is possible to purchase a digital vignette, which is available at authorised sales points or directly on the official website of the motorway operator. In addition to the vignette requirement, some motorway sections require payment of an additional toll, independent of the vignette itself. These are particularly onerous infrastructures to operate, such as tunnels or mountain sections. The sections subject to additional tolls are:
A9 Pyrhn and the Gleinalm and Bosrucktunnel;
A10 Tauern, including the Katschberg tunnel;
A11 Karawaken;
A13 Brenner;
S16 Arlberg expressway.
ASFINAG has recently introduced a number of innovations in connection with these additional tolls, referred to on its website as 'toll routes'. An emblematic example is the Europa Bridge, located on the A13 at the entrance to Austria from the Brenner border: a critical point for many consumers, who have often been fined for non-payment.
The main changes concern
new section names: in addition to the abbreviation of the motorway, the name of the specific section is now also indicated (e.g. not just "A13", but "A13 Ponte Europa"), making it easier to recognise the toll to be paid;
Flex" service: this mode allows the registration plate and country code to be registered by associating them with a credit card. In this way, there is no need to buy individual tickets, because tolls are charged automatically when passing through. This is a solution similar to the Italian Telepass, which is particularly useful for those who travel frequently or want to avoid forgetfulness and related penalties.
To use the service, simply
access the official website www.asfinag.at;
click on 'Toll Shop
select 'Toll Route' and choose the desired section;
indicate whether you wish to purchase a ticket for one or more sections.
Vignette-free stretches
There are currently three stretches of motorway in Austria that are exempt from paying vignettes:
A1 between Walserberg and Salzburg North;
A12 between Kufstein and Kufstein South;
A14 between Hörbranz and Hohenems.
In any case, outside these specific sections, the vignette is always compulsory, even if only to drive a few metres on the motorway. It is therefore essential to plan your itinerary carefully and to check that you have a valid vignette before setting off to avoid penalties. For more information: https://www.asfinag.at/maut-vignette/vignette/faqs-vignette/
Other tips
If you have purchased a vignette, you should always keep your receipts and receipts as proof of payment for at least three years. In particular, anyone using a sticker is encouraged to take a photo on the spot, clearly showing the correctly affixed sticker on the windscreen.
In Austria, checks on toll payment are often automated, using systems similar to speed cameras. It can therefore happen that you receive a request for payment from ASFINAG or an administrative fine from the authorities even many months after your transit on the motorway network. These notices are generally delivered by regular mail, which is considered valid under Austrian law. It is important neither to ignore them nor to bin them, even if they may seem unofficial.
Source and image: European Consumer Centre Italy - ECC-Net Italy