Austrian Vignette Rules and Policies

Legal Framework

The Austrian motorway vignette system is governed by the Bundesstraßen-Mautgesetz (BStMG). ASFINAG is empowered under the BStMG to collect tolls and enforce compliance. The BStMG is supplemented by the Mautordnung (toll regulations), which provides detailed operational rules.

Enforcement

Enforcement is carried out by the Austrian Federal Police and ASFINAG enforcement officers. ASFINAG also operates automated licence-plate recognition (ANPR) cameras that cross-reference plates against the e-vignette database.

Fines and Penalties

Offence	On-the-Spot Fine	Formal Penalty
No valid vignette	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Incorrectly affixed sticker	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Tampered or transferred sticker	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Wrong vehicle category	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000
Expired vignette	Up to € 120	Up to € 3,000

Key Rules

• The vignette must be valid for the entire duration of motorway use.
• A physical sticker removed from the windscreen is no longer valid.
• The sticker must be affixed to windscreen glass only.
• The e-vignette is only valid for the registered licence plate.
• Vignettes are not transferable between vehicles.
• A car vignette is not valid for a motorcycle, and vice versa.

Complaints and Appeals

1. Request a formal written notice (Strafverfügung) rather than paying on the spot.
2. Submit a written objection (Einspruch) within four weeks to the issuing authority.
3. Include supporting evidence (purchase proof, photographs, e-vignette confirmation).
4. Await the decision; further appeal to the administrative court is possible.