Austria is a beautiful country with wonderful scenery. It is easy to drive in Austria since its roads have generally good conditions, one of the best in the Europe. But in the winter, roads in alpine areas can be dangerous due to snowfall or ice, and some mountain roads may be closed.

For driving in Austria, foreign visitors from non-European Union countries must have International driving permits which may only be used for the first six months; after that term any driver must obtain the Austrian driver license.

To hire a car, a driver must be at least 18 years old and have held a driving permit for one year; however, drivers under 25 years of age may have a young driver surcharge.

The Austrian main road traffic rules are:

• Traffic flaw on the right side of the road;
• Seat-belts are mandatory for a driver and all passengers in the car;
• Crash helmets are compulsory for motorcycle drivers and passengers.
• Children under 12 years and 1.5 meters of height may only be ridden in special child seats with suitable restraint system.
• The speed limits are: on motorways – 130 km/h (80 mph); on open roads – 100 km/h (62 mph); in towns – 50 km/h (31 mph). It is illegal to use the radar detection equipment.
• The permitted level of alcohol in blood is 0.05%.
• First-aid kit must be carried in the car all times when driving.
• Warning triangle is mandatory.
• Visibility vests are obligatory for every occupant and must be put on before getting out if a vehicle  broken down under a red warning triangle.
• The minimum driving age for cars is 18 years.
• Third-party insurance is mandatory.
• During winter, snow chains are compulsory. If tyres don't have snow chairs when the weather or road condition demands, the police can stop your journey.
• Winter or all-season tyres are required from November 1 to April 15.
• For driving on motorways, vehicle must have a motorway tax sticker (vignette) on the inside of the windshield; they can be bought at petrol stations close to the border and are valid for ten days, two months, or one year.
• Vehicles on the roundabout have a right of way unless signed otherwise.
• While driving, using of hand-held cell phones while driving is prohibited.
• In Vienna, horns cannot be used.
• The right turn on red is prohibited.
• In built-up areas, headlights must be on at all times.
• If a vehicle is not visible from at least 50 meters away, parking lights are necessary.
• Pedestrians, cyclists, public transport, and vehicles ascending a mountain road have priority to move.
• It is forbidden to park on a white line at a bus stop and in front of yellow/red lines or within 3 meters (10 feet) of a fire hydrant.
• Blue zones are free parking places, where vehicles can be left up to 90 minutes. It is compulsory to have a parking disc, showing the arriving time, which can be bought at petrol stations.
• Emergency roadside help phone number is 123, police – 133, ambulance – 144.

• Austrian Driving Vocabulary