The toll sticker (vignette) for 2010 is lilac in colour. Since the motorway toll sticker was first introduced in Austria in 1997 there have been fourteen different colours. The new sticker is valid from 1 December 2009 and it is obtainable from 7 500 sales outlets inside and outside the country, for example at Austria's automobile clubs, the ÖAMTC and ARBÖ.
The Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (bmvit) is keen to increase the proportion of the modal split, that is to say of transport choices, accounted for by pedestrian and cycle traffic, by improving conditions for these types of transport. The bmvit is focusing on those avenues that are open to it by virtue of its statutory remit.
The bmvit has tasked a specialist department with the specific agendas of non-motorised traffic. Concerns and suggestions voiced by cyclists and pedestrians are collected here and are checked and evaluated jointly with the appropriate specialist departments. Developments and experience at national and international level are also observed and collected. These are used in evaluating measures along with the latest research and theory.
As of 1 January 2008 drivers using Austria's roads are required, under the 29th amendment to the Motor Vehicles Act (KFG), to have appropriate winter equipment. Between 1 November and 15 April of the following year drivers of private cars and goods vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum gross vehicle weight must be suitably equipped for winter conditions. That means that drivers using the roads in wintry conditions during this period must have winter tyres fitted.
Drivers of goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes maximum gross vehicle weight and buses must comply with a winter tyres requirement. That means that the vehicle must always be fitted with winter tyres during the prescribed period, whether there is snow on the roads or not. This requirement applies to goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes from 1 November to 15 April and to buses from 1 November to 15 March.
Announcement by the Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (bmvit):
As of 21 December 2007, following enlargement of the Schengen Area, permits for road haulage consignments entering, exiting and transiting through Austria will no longer be subject to checks at Austria's borders with the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary and Slovenia.
Federal Ministry for Transport, Innovation and Technology (bmvit)
division II/ST7 Transport of Goods and Passengers
Radetzkystraße 2, A-1030 Vienna
fax: +43 (0) 1 711 62 extension 65 5866
Contact hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8.30 to 12.00
Ms. Annemarie Steinbacher
Radetzkystraße 2, A-1030 Vienna, room 1K19
phone: +43 (0) 1 711 62 extension 65 5532
e-mail: Annemarie.Steinbacher@bmvit.gv.at
Ms. Martina Pober
Radetzkystraße 2, A-1030 Vienna, room 1K11
phone: +43 (0) 1 711 62 extension 65 5858
e-mail: Martina.Pober@bmvit.gv.at
Mr. Edwin Grundei
Radetzkystraße 2, A-1030 Vienna, room 1K18
phone: +43 (0) 1 711 62 extension 65 5457
e-mail: Edwin.Grundei@bmvit.gv.at