Austrian motorway vignettes

By Charlotte and Lynden Olstea
This item appears on page 47 of the April 2015 issue.

We enjoyed reading Steve Jones’ article with tips on driving in Europe (Feb. ’15, pg. 43). On the subject of needing a special vignette (sticker) to drive on Switzerland’s national highways, we would add that Austria also requires a vignette for any vehicle traveling on its motorways and highways. 

Unlike Switzerland, Austria offers vignettes for varied time periods: a 10-day pass for 8.70 (near $10), a 2-month pass for 25.30 and a 12-month pass for 84.40.

Like their Swiss counterparts, the Austrian authorities are extremely vigilant in making sure every car displays the vignette.

Vignettes can be purchased at gas stations in Austria as well as at gas stations in bordering countries. We are yearly visitors to that part of the world, and our last driving trip in Austria was in June 2014.

CHARLOTTE & LYNDEN OLSTEAD, Redwood City, CA