Austria for Truck Drivers: Rules, Restrictions, Toll Roads and Controls

Austria is a country with a well-developed road network, strict enforcement, and clearly defined rules for international carriers. Here, it’s important not only to know the general traffic regulations but also to understand regional restrictions, night driving bans, toll systems, and Tyrol’s specific transit rules. In this guide, Driver Work provides up-to-date information on road regulations, working and rest times, winter requirements, and toll payment systems in Austria.

General Information about Austria

Austria is a transit country forming a crucial part of Europe’s North–South and East–West transport corridors. For truck drivers, this means continuous control, excellent infrastructure, and strict compliance with EU Regulation 561/2006.

Driving Requirements and Safety Rules

Austrian law imposes strict rules concerning road safety and environmental standards. Truck drivers must pay attention not only to signage but also to regional regulations.

Lights and Mobile Phones

• Headlights: must be on at all times.
• Phone use: only allowed via hands-free systems.
• Parking: blue-marked zones are paid, a parking ticket is required.

Reflective Clothing

Every driver must carry at least one reflective safety vest (yellow, orange, or red) with reflective stripes. It must be worn when exiting the vehicle on the road.

Low-Noise Vehicles

During night operations, only vehicles with the “Lärmarme Kraftfahrzeuge (L)” plate (low-noise certification) are permitted. Otherwise, fines apply.

Speed Limits

General Limits

Night Restrictions

On several major routes (especially A12 and A13), night speed limits of 60 km/h and even full driving bans between 22:00–05:00 are in force. These apply mainly to heavy trucks and vehicles without an L certification plate.

Night and Weekend Driving Bans

Night Driving Restrictions

• Time: 22:00–05:00
• Applies to: trucks and combinations over 7.5 tons

Exceptions:

• low-noise vehicles marked with L;
• transport of perishable goods, fresh meat, milk, or live animals.

Weekend and Public Holidays

The ban applies to vehicles over 7.5 tons and combinations with trailers over 3.5 tons.
Exceptions: combined transport (ROLA) within 65 km of terminals (Vienna, Salzburg, Wels, Graz, Villach, etc.) and transport of essential goods.

Public Holidays in Austria

Vehicle Dimensions and Weight Limits

Winter Equipment Requirements

Period

From 1 November to 15 April.

Obligations

• Trucks over 3.5 tons and buses must use winter tyres on the drive axle.
• Snow chains must be carried on board and fitted to at least two drive wheels when required.
• Chains must fit tightly and maintain full contact with the road.
• A reflective vest and first-aid kit are mandatory.

Toll System: GO-Box (ASFINAG)

General Information

All trucks with a gross vehicle weight above 3.5 tons must use the GO-Box device on Austrian motorways and expressways.

Payment Modes

Top-ups are available at petrol stations and official ASFINAG points (around 180 locations).

GO-Box Signals

ROLA – Rolling Highway Transport

The ROLA (Rollende Landstrasse) system allows trucks to be transported on rail wagons — particularly useful for crossing the Tyrol region.

Main routes: Brenner – Wörgl – Trento.

Advantages:

• no toll charges;
• exemption from driving restrictions;
• travel time counts as daily rest.

Payment: accepted via EuroShell.
Restrictions: ADR classes 1 and 7 (explosives and radioactive materials) are not allowed.

Regional Restrictions and Eco Zones

Various Austrian federal states impose local restrictions on truck movement due to noise, emissions, or road protection. Below is a short overview.

Tyrol

The most regulated region for transit.
On A12 (Kufstein–Zirl) and A13 (Brenner Autobahn) strict sectoral bans apply.
Transport of metals, ores, construction materials, cement, fuels, stones, grains, and paper is prohibited.

Exceptions: local deliveries, loading/unloading within Tyrol, and Euro VI trucks with IG-L marking.
Since 2020, Euro V trucks are banned on several routes.

Upper Austria (Oberösterreich)

Noise and emission restrictions near Linz.
Night bans for heavy trucks on A1 and A8.
Local bans for bulk materials on B139 and B1.

Styria (Steiermark)

Restrictions in the Graz and Leibnitz areas for trucks below Euro IV/V/VI.
Industrial zones require permits and emission checks.

Salzburg

An “eco corridor” applies: night bans and noise limits.
Near the German border (A1, B156) — monitoring of trucks over 7.5 tons.

Lower Austria (Niederösterreich)

Restrictions for old diesel trucks around Vienna and on A21.
Entry into Vienna allowed only for Euro IV+ trucks.

Carinthia (Kärnten)

Night driving bans in valleys, especially B100 Drautalstraße.
Seasonal restrictions during snowfall.

Vienna (Wien)

Entry banned for trucks below Euro IV.
Certain city districts have night bans for heavy trucks.

Vorarlberg

Local eco-zones with noise control (especially along the Swiss border).
Seasonal restrictions on mountain passes.

Emergency Services and Useful Numbers

• 112 — European emergency number
• 122 — Fire service
• 133 — Police
• 144 — Ambulance
• 140 — Mountain rescue
• 120 — ÖAMTC roadside assistance
• 123 — ARBÖ breakdown service

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I drive at night on A12/A13?

No. On most sections, driving is prohibited between 22:00 and 05:00, except for low-noise vehicles and perishable cargo.

How are tolls paid?

All trucks over 3.5 tons must use a GO-Box. The toll is charged automatically when passing the gantry.

What are the winter requirements?

From 1 November to 15 April, winter tyres and snow chains are mandatory.

How to avoid restrictions in Tyrol?

Use the ROLA railway system (Brenner–Wörgl–Trento) or alternative routes to bypass restricted zones.