Europe

Terrorism

There is a general threat from terrorism.  Attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see terrorism abroad.

Crime

You should take precautions to avoid becoming a victim of crime.  Do not leave valuables unattended. Be aware that pickpockets and muggers operate in and around the city centre of Vienna, including restaurants, cafes, hotel lobbies and on public transport. You should be especially vigilant around major railway stations and city centre parks after dark.

 

Drivers, especially on the 'Autobahn' in Lower Austria, should be wary of approaches by bogus police, in plain clothes, a baseball cap marked 'Polizei' and travelling in unmarked cars. In all traffic-related matters police officers will be in uniform. Unmarked vehicles will have a flashing electronic sign on the rear window, which reads 'Stopp', 'Polizei' and "Folgen'. Police officers may be in plain clothes but in any case will identify themselves unasked. If in any doubt contact the police on the emergency number 133. Drivers have the right to ask to speak to uniformed patrolmen. In addition, confirmation about plain police officers patrolling the local area can be sought by calling the 133 number.

For more general information see victims of crime abroad.

Political Situation

Austria Country Profile

 

Local Travel

Road Travel

Only persons over 18 years of age holding valid driving licences may drive in Austria. The only exceptions to this rule are under 17 year olds who drive for practice reasons under supervision and have met the required legal conditions.

 

When driving in Austria, you should always carry a full British licence, ownership documents and insurance details. In 2007 there were 691 road deaths in Austria (source: BMVIT). This equates to 8.3 road deaths per 100,000 of population and compares to the UK average of 5.0 road deaths per 100,000 of population in 2007 (source: DfT).

 

The legal limit in Austria is 50 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood (and/or 10 milligrams of alcohol in 100 millilitres of blood for beginners, coach and HGV drivers) and penalties for driving under influence are strict.

 

High visibility warning vests are required for all drivers. They need to be stored within reach of the driver and must be worn day or night when exiting the vehicle on the hard shoulder or in the event of breakdown. Only 'hands free' mobile telephones can be used whilst driving.

 
From 1 January 2008, it will no longer be compulsory for cars to be driven with headlights switched on throughout the day all year round. 

If you use Austrian motorways ('Autobahn') and 'S' roads you must display a Motorway Vignette on the inside of the windshield of your vehicle as you enter Austria. Failure to have one will mean a heavy, on-the-spot fine. Motorway Vignettes are obtainable at all major border crossings into Austria and at larger petrol stations.

All vehicles above 3.5 tonnes maximum permitted laden weight and using the Austrian network of motorways and expressways are required to attach a small device - called the 'GO-Box' - to their windscreen. Note that this includes larger private vehicles such as motor caravans that are above the weight limit. If your vehicle is close to the weight limit you are advised to carry documentation confirming the maximum permitted laden weight. If your registration documents do not clearly state this, you will need to produce alternative certification e.g. from a weighbridge.

The GO-Box uses the high frequency range to communicate with the around 400 fixed-installation toll points covering the whole of Austria, making it possible to effect an automatic toll deduction without slowing down or stopping the flow of traffic. The on-board devices can be obtained for a one-off handling fee of Euro 5.00 at approximately 220 sales centres in Austria and in neighbouring countries, or via the Internet. For further information, visit the website at: http://www.go-maut.at.

 

Road Hauliers

There is a ban on all lorries over 7.5 tonnes laden weight (without trailer) or over 3.5 tonnes (with trailer) which applies throughout the year on all motorways on Saturdays between 15:00 hours and 24:00 hours and all day on Sundays and Public Holidays. Lorries over 7.5 tonnes laden weight are also prohibited from using motorways throughout the year between 22:00 hours and 05:00 hours. There is a ban on lorries over 7.5 tonnes laden weight overtaking on several motorways. Drivers should look out for special prohibiting signs.

The Transport Ministry and ASFINAG (the semi-privatised motorway operator) are continuing to carry out stringent checks on HGVs. It is therefore vital that such vehicles are roadworthy, and are correctly documented. Vehicles found to have defects have been impounded until the completion of necessary repairs.

Road Travel in Winter (1 November-15 April)

New legislation, which came into force on 1 January 2008, demands that all vehicles with up to 3.5 tonnes laden weight use winter tyres on all wheels in wintry road conditions (snow, slush, ice). Snow chains on the driving wheels will only be allowed as an alternative where the road is fully covered by snow and/or ice and the road surface will not be damaged by the chains. Chains or summer tyres will not be allowed for slush conditions. Heavy fines or temporary loss of vehicle may be imposed on those who ignore this legislation.

For more general information see driving abroad.

Air Travel

The revised EU-wide security measures that came into effect for all passengers departing from UK airports in November 2006 are also being implemented in Austria.  For more general information see airline security.