If you are required to drive in Austria you will be lucky enough to drive in one of the most driver-friendly countries in the world; with smooth, well planned roads, clear signage and polite motorists who observe the rules of the road.

But as befits a country where safety is a very high priority, there are some special requirements you must adhere to, and special equipment your vehicle must carry, especially during the winter months.

When driving in Austria you should always keep your full licence, ownership documents and insurance details with you. You must be at least 18 years of age to drive in Austria.

The legal drink/driving limit in Austria is 50 milligrams of alcohol per 100 millilitres of blood. As in all countries, do not drink and drive – and be aware that penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol are severe in Austria.

You must carry a high visibility warning vest and wear it when getting out of your car on the hard shoulder or in the event of breakdown. You must also have a first aid kit and a warning triangle in your car.

It is no longer compulsory for cars to be driven with headlights switched on throughout the day all year round. If you are travelling in a right-hand drive car you will need headlamp converters in the form of beam deflectors that can be fixed to your headlights when you are driving on the right.

Autobahn Vignette

If you use Austrian Autobahn or S roads you must display a motorway vignette (sticker) on the inside of the windscreen of your vehicle as you enter the country. Failure to have one will mean a heavy, on-the-spot fine. You can get a motorway vignette at all major border crossings into Austria and at larger petrol stations.

Not surprisingly Austria is very well prepared when it comes to winter weather, especially snow. All vehicles must be adapted to winter road conditions between 1 November and 15 April. 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.

Finally you should bear in mind that many drivers in Austria are travelling through the country from west to east or vice-versa. So while you might have a good understanding of the road rules in Austria, other road users around you might not.

So we would urge you to drive accordingly, and stay alert in case other drivers are not as aware of driving etiquette as you are.