I see on the Austrian National Tourist website that an international driver's license is required. On past trips to France, Germany, and Belgium my husband has just used his US license with no problems. Does anyone know if this will work in Austria or should he get an international license? Thanks!
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33832 posts
Don't confuse an "International Drivers License" with the "International Drivers Permit". The IDP is the correct document which is required in many countries, including Austria and Italy, - and in the USA it is available at the AAA. The IDL - unless it is accidentally said by mistake meaning IDP - is a sham. It is not accepted in any country; it is often available from scammers on the Internet.
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
I've driven all over Europe many times and have not had to use an International Drivers' license. Austria and Italy requires them. It's no big deal to run by AAA to pick one up, so I do carry one when I'm over there. Driving in Austria is really the way to see the county. Every inch of that place is special. Have a great trip!
Posted by
Lake Forest, CA, USA
1633 posts
Also, remember to purchase your Austria vignette, a toll sticker, at the border which will allow you to drive on the autobahns. You can get one for as few as 10 days. Have a great trip!
Posted by
OP
Omaha, NE, US
53 posts
Can we buy the toll sticker from the car rental agency? We will pick up the car in Vienna. Thanks!
Posted by
NYC area
2980 posts
Hi Julie, You buy the "Vignette" at gas stations, convenience stores, etc. You'll have no trouble finding it. They're sold everywhere. Cost is approx. 8 Euro for a sticker good for 10 consecutive days. DO NOT drive on an Austrian highway without it. Fines are steep and the law is strictly enforced. Nigel is 100% correct. You need an Interantional Driving Permit (IDP). NOT license. It's basically a translation of your Drivers License into many languages. Easy to get at AAA for approx. $20. Paul
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Don't skimp - much better to have an IDP and not need it than the opposite (it's only about $20 at AAA). Also you need a vignette (window sticker) to drive on autobahns in Austria. You can pick them up at the truck stops on the border. Again, don't skimp. They're not expensive - but the ticket, which is enforced heavily, is.
Posted by
Wiesbaden, Germany
791 posts
About ten years ago I was driving through Austria on my way back to Italy when I got pulled over for going 150 in a 110 zone just outside of Innsbruck. I'd forgotten my drivers license and like an idiot I neglected to buy the vignette sticker. Total fine: No license: $200 No sticker: $200
Speeding: $100 The Austrian polizei do not mess around.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you rent the car from an Austrian agency, it should already come with all the registration you need to drive in Austria. I'm not 100% certain, but I believe, like Switzerland, vehicles registered in Austria do not need a vignette to drive in the country.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
517 posts
My family car is registered in Vienna and every January I take it to the nearest gas station and buy a new vignette for the year. However, I would assume/hope that a rental car being picked up in Austria would come with a vignette. Certainly doesn't hurt to make sure.
Posted by
Northamptonshire, England
33832 posts
About ten years ago I was driving through Austria on my way back to Italy when I got pulled over for going 150 in a 110 OW OW OW OOWWWWW