Austria driving guide.

Seat belts are compulsory, and handheld phone use is prohibited. The standard blood-alcohol limit is below 0.05%, with stricter limits for some drivers. From 1 November to 15 April, cars must have winter tyres on all wheels when roads have snow, slush or ice. In motorway queues, form an emergency corridor between the leftmost lane and the lane immediately to its right.

Most motorways and expressways require a vignette for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. Buy through ASFINAG or an authorised seller, and confirm that a digital vignette is valid before entering a tolled road. Certain tunnels and Alpine motorway sections have separate section tolls; scenic roads such as the Grossglockner High Alpine Road charge separately. Check whether your rental already includes a vignette.

Unleaded petrol is labelled Super 95 or Super Plus 98; diesel is labelled Diesel. Match the pump to the rental vehicle's fuel specification. Motorway stations are convenient but usually cost more than town stations. Rural staffed stations may close early or on Sundays, so keep a payment card and refuel before remote mountain drives.

For ordinary passenger cars, default limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 100 km/h outside built-up areas and 130 km/h on motorways, unless signs specify otherwise. Environmental restrictions marked IG-L and electronic motorway limits are enforceable. Expect lower limits in tunnels, residential streets and mountain sections.

Carry your original valid driving licence alongside your International Driving Permit; the permit does not replace the licence. Keep your passport, rental agreement and vehicle registration and insurance documents available for checks. Confirm cross-border permission and winter equipment with the rental company. Check that the car has a warning triangle, first-aid kit and reflective vest, and put the vest on before leaving the vehicle during a motorway breakdown.