Car travel remains the favorite of Austrians: ARBÖ warns of pitfalls in international travel

The automobile maintains its leading position as the preferred means of travel for Austrians during their well-deserved vacation. A recent online survey of 200 participants conducted by the Austrian Automobile, Motorcycling and Cyclists' Association (ARBÖ) confirms this trend: Around 45 percent of respondents plan to use their own car for their summer vacation.

Most travelers are drawn to popular European destinations, with neighboring countries Germany, Italy, and Croatia once again topping the list of most-visited destinations. Whether a city trip, a swim, or cultural experience – their proximity, diversity, and easy accessibility make these destinations the first choice. However, the ARBÖ urges caution: Many regulations common in Austria are no longer valid abroad, which can lead to unexpected fines, as Johann Kopinits, head of the ARBÖ legal department, emphasizes.

Popular travel destinations and the pitfalls of foreign traffic laws

The preference for traveling by car is deeply rooted in Austria. It offers independence, flexibility, and the opportunity to create individual travel itineraries. Nearby countries are particularly attractive, offering a wide range of vacation options. Germany attracts visitors with its cities like Munich, but also with its coasts along the North and Baltic Seas and the mountainous regions in the south. Italy promises sunshine on the Adriatic, cultural highlights in Tuscany, and historic cities like Rome. Croatia, with its picturesque coastline and islands, remains a magnet for beachgoers and water sports enthusiasts. These countries are traditionally popular destinations for Austrian vacationers and benefit from their easy accessibility by car.

However, traveling abroad in your own car also poses pitfalls that many Austrian drivers are unaware of. Johann Kopinits of the Austrian Motor Vehicle Insurance Association (ARBÖ) emphasizes that "some legal regulations commonly applied in Austria are not valid abroad." This can lead to unexpected fines and unpleasant surprises during or after your vacation. Comprehensive preparation and information about the respective traffic regulations of the destination country are therefore essential to avoid such problems. Knowledge of the country-specific regulations, which often differ from those in the home country, is crucial for a smooth and penalty-free trip.

Recognition problems with Austrian special regulations abroad

The ARBÖ points out a number of specific Austrian regulations that are not recognized abroad and are of importance for travelers:

1. Four-month overdue period for the §57a assessment: In Austria, vehicle owners are permitted to exceed the deadline for the main technical inspection, known as the §57a inspection sticker or "Pickerl," by up to four months without fear of immediate penalties. However, this grace period is unique to Austria. In most other European and non-European countries, such an exception does not exist. There, the inspection date must be strictly adhered to. Exceeding the deadline abroad can be considered driving an unroadworthy vehicle and result in heavy fines. It is therefore advisable to carefully check the validity of the §57a sticker before setting off on your journey and, if necessary, have an early inspection carried out to cover the entire travel period.
2. Red license plate for bike and rear carrier: In Austria, red license plates for bicycle or rear-mounted carriers are very popular, as they eliminate the hassle of remounting the original, white vehicle license plate. However, this practice of attaching a third license plate to the carrier is not recognized abroad. In these cases, the vehicle's white license plate must be attached to the rear carrier; otherwise, fines and possibly a ban on further travel are imposed. Travelers should be aware of this before departure and remount the original license plate accordingly.
3. Digital driver’s license and digital registration certificate: The digitization of documents is progressing, and in Austria, digital driver's licenses and digital vehicle registration certificates are already permitted. However, these digital documents are only for use during traffic checks within Austria. They are not valid in other European and non-European countries. For driving authorization and proof of registration, only analog documents—i.e., paper driver's licenses, credit card driver's licenses, or traditional vehicle registration certificates—are required. Carrying these physical documents is therefore essential when traveling abroad.

Special driving authorizations: The “Code 111” and the L17 driving license

Particular caution is also required with special Austrian driving licenses, as their recognition abroad can vary greatly:

1. Code: 111 The "Code 111" entered on a driver's license entitles you to drive motorcycles with up to 125 cc displacement and a maximum power of 11 kW in Austria, provided you hold a Class B driver's license and have completed appropriate training. However, this driving authorization is only recognized in a few selected countries:
   1. Italy: Here, the code 111 is recognized without restriction, which makes Italian motorcycle tours attractive for Austrian travelers.
   1. Latvia: In Latvia, the validity is also unlimited.
   1. Portugal: In Portugal, the code 111 is recognized from the age of 25.
   1. Czech Republic: Here the validity is limited to vehicles with automatic transmission.
   1. Spain: In Spain, recognition is dependent on possession of a category B driving license for at least three years. In all other countries that do not recognize Code 111, such a motorcycle may not be driven without the corresponding motorcycle license class (A1, A2, or A).
2. L17 driving license: The so-called L17 training allows young people in Austria to obtain a full Class B driving license at the age of 17. However, the training drives as part of this driving license training must be completed exclusively in Austria. This means that a vacation trip abroad is only recognized as a training drive up to the Austrian border. Exceeding this limit would invalidate the training and lead to legal consequences if checked. Even after completing the training, the use of the L17 driving license abroad is restricted: outside of Austria, the L17 driving license is only recognized in Germany, the United Kingdom, and Denmark until the driver turns 18. Young drivers should therefore familiarize themselves thoroughly with the regulations there before traveling.
3. Driving license class AM (moped license): The Class AM driver's license, also known as a moped license, entitles you to drive mopeds and moped cars. However, this license is only valid in Austria and Germany until you reach the age of 16. In all other countries, the minimum age for driving mopeds and moped cars is generally 16, meaning that younger drivers with an AM license are not permitted in these countries.

General information and requirements for travel abroad

Beyond the specific Austrian regulations, Johann Kopinits of the ARBÖ reminds travelers that they should always inform themselves comprehensively about the local regulations of their destination country before starting their journey. "Especially in the very popular southern holiday destinations such as Croatia, Slovenia, or Italy, traffic fines are often severely enforced, often months or even years later," warns Kopinits. This means that fines from abroad can be delivered in Austria with a significant delay. Ignorance of local traffic laws can therefore have long-term and costly consequences.

In addition, many countries also have "special carrying requirements" for drivers. These include, for example:

• Fire extinguisher: In some countries, particularly in Eastern Europe, it is mandatory to carry a fire extinguisher in your vehicle.
• Replacement lamps: A set of replacement bulbs for vehicle lighting may also be required in certain states.
• High-visibility vests: The obligation to carry a high-visibility vest for all passengers is standard in many European countries, and it must be worn when leaving the vehicle in the event of an accident or breakdown.
• First aid kit: A properly filled first aid kit is mandatory in almost all European countries.
• Warning triangle: Carrying a warning triangle is also standard, and in some countries (e.g. Türkiye, Spain) even two warning triangles are required.

Failure to comply with these requirements can also result in fines. To avoid unpleasant surprises and ensure a relaxing vacation, the ARBÖ recommends obtaining comprehensive information about the specific regulations of the country you are traveling to from automobile clubs or official sources. A well-prepared trip is the best protection against unexpected difficulties abroad.