Process: Buy and Use Vignette
Table of Contents
Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Check Vehicle Class and Toll Obligation
First determine whether your vehicle is subject to toll. Vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes permissible gross weight require a vignette. Motorcycles, cars and motorhomes up to 3.5t fall into this category. Vehicles over 3.5t instead require a GO-Box for distance-based tolls.
Step 2: Select Vignette Type
Choose the appropriate vignette type based on your planned travel duration in Austria. For short visits, the 10-day vignette is recommended, for medium stays the 2-month vignette, and for regular users the annual vignette.
Note: If you want to use both the annual vignette and special toll routes (e.g. Brenner), you must pay the special toll separately.
Step 3: Choose Purchase Channel
You can buy the vignette online through the ASFINAG website, at petrol stations, tobacco shops, border crossings or at automobile clubs. The digital vignette is only available online.
Step 4: Purchase Vignette
For online purchase: Select vignette type, vehicle class and enter the number plate (for digital vignette). For in-person purchase: Provide the number plate and receive the sticker vignette.
Step 5: Attach Vignette (Sticker)
The sticker vignette must be attached to the inside of the windscreen, in the upper left area (drivers side). The vignette must not be attached to the outside, on films or in other locations.
Step 6: Activate Digital Vignette
After purchasing the digital vignette online, there is a lead time of 18 hours. This means the vignette is only valid 18 hours after purchase. Plan for this when travelling.
Step 7: Check Validity
Before driving, check whether your vignette is still valid. The annual vignette expires on 31 January of the year after next. The 2-month vignette expires exactly 2 months after the purchase date. The 10-day vignette expires after 10 days.
Step 8: Note Special Toll Routes
If you want to use special toll routes such as the Brenner, the Arlberg Tunnel or the Karawanken Tunnel, you must pay a separate toll in addition to the vignette. This can be paid on-site or partly online.
Checklist: Preparation for the Journey
| Task | Done | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Check vehicle weight (under 3.5t?) | ☐ | Vehicle registration |
| Select vignette type | ☐ | Consider travel duration |
| Purchase vignette | ☐ | Online or in person |
| Attach sticker vignette correctly | ☐ | Inside windscreen top left |
| Digital vignette: plan 18h lead time | ☐ | Only for digital vignette |
| Identify special toll routes | ☐ | Brenner, Arlberg, Karawanken? |
| Prepare special toll | ☐ | Cash or card |
| Check vignette validity | ☐ | Note expiry date |
| Carry vehicle documents | ☐ | Registration, driving licence |
| Note emergency numbers | ☐ | ÖAMTC: 120, Police: 133 |
| Route planning with toll routes | ☐ | Navigation or map |
| Check travel insurance | ☐ | Breakdown assistance included? |
Process: Buy Digital Vignette
- Visit ASFINAG website (shop.asfinag.at)
- Select vignette type (annual, 2-month or 10-day vignette)
- Select vehicle class (car, motorcycle, motorhome)
- Enter official number plate (e.g. W-123AB)
- Choose validity start (earliest today, latest 18 hours after purchase)
- Select payment method (credit card, PayPal, etc.)
- Complete order and receive confirmation
- Keep confirmation email
Appeals and Complaints
If you have received a replacement toll and consider it unjustified, you can file an appeal.
| Step | Action | Deadline | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | File written appeal | 4 weeks | ASFINAG |
| 2 | Submit proof of valid vignette | With appeal | ASFINAG |
| 3 | Wait for response | 6–8 weeks | ASFINAG |
| 4 | If rejected: Administrative court | Court deadline | District court |
For appeals contact: ASFINAG Maut Service GmbH, Rotenturmstraße 5-9, 1010 Vienna. Please provide your number plate, the date and location of the check, and your contact details.