What is a toll in Austria?
From 2024 in Austria, tolls on autobahns and motorways for vehicles with a technically permissible maximum weight of more than 3.5 t will depend on the route, axle, emission class and CO2 emission level . This mainly applies to trucks and buses, as well as heavy motor homes.
Vehicles with a technically permissible maximum laden weight (tzG) of more than 3.5 t, which do not exceed a maximum permissible gross weight (hzG) of 3.5 t and which were first registered before 11/30/2023, until 1/31/2029. are considered vehicles with tzG up to 3.5 t (i.e. on motorways and roads with a dual carriageway, a vignette in Austria is sufficient ).
Thus, the mileage-based toll liability applies only to towed vehicles or buses with a gross weight of more than 3.5 tonnes. Trailers are only taken into account when calculating the number of axles for trucks.
The obligation to pay for travel applies to all road users, i.e. both residents and non-residents.
How are trucks and buses tolled in Austria?
In approximately 400 places on Austrian motorways and autobahns (between individual exits), posts are installed above the carriageway, which, in combination with a device in the vehicle ( GO-Box ), charge a toll based on the number of kilometers traveled. Thanks to the automatic microwave communication between the vehicle and the toll, there is no need to stop, move into a certain lane or set a certain speed limit.
Vehicles with a gross weight of more than 3.5 t can only use autobahns and motorways if they are equipped with a GO-Box! It must be in the vehicle upon entering Austria.
Fines and prosecution of non-payers and sanctions (enforcement) for trucks and buses in Austria
There are fixed and mobile surveillance systems that take pictures of all trucks and buses. By comparing the data, it is possible to filter out non-payers of road tolls (for example, vehicles without a GO-Box, with the wrong number of axles or no credit). The inspectors charge a replacement toll (€120.00 or €240.00 depending on the violation) or initiate administrative proceedings, which can result in a fine of between €300.00 and €3,000.00. A temporary lien may also be applied, the keys may be seized or a wheel lock may be applied.
Toll system in Austria for trucks and buses
The cost of the toll depends on the distance traveled, the number of axles, the emission class of the engine and the level of CO2 emissions of the engine. Higher tariffs apply on special toll routes.
| Tariff group | Euro emission classes |
|---|---|
| AND | Vehicles with a purely electric drive or with purely hydrogen fuel cells |
| A | Euro 6 |
| B | Euro 5 and EEV * |
| C | Euro 4 |
| D | from Euro 0 to 3 |
EEV (Enhanced Environmentally Friendly Vehicle) is a European emission standard for buses and trucks that exceeds the requirements for vehicles with Euro 5 engines. The Euro 6 engine has even lower emissions.
Classification of CO2 in Austria
From 2024, a vehicle’s CO2 emissions will play a role in tolls. There are different levels of tariffs for different classes of CO2 emissions . Electric/hydrogen vehicles belong to class 5 CO2 emissions . Trucks registered before July 1, 2019 and buses belong to the most expensive CO2 emission class 1. To be assigned to CO2 emission classes from 2 to 5, documents must be submitted to ASFINAG.
Toll rates in Austria for trucks and buses
In 2025, the following toll rates in cents per kilometer (excluding VAT) will apply:
| Two axes | Three axes | From four axes | |
|---|---|---|---|
| E (electric/hydrogen) | 5,38 | 7,41 | 10,97 |
| A (Euro 6) | 22,78 * | 31,77 * | 47,30 * |
| B (Euro 5 and EEV) | 24,08 | 33,77 | 49,90 |
| C (Euro 4) | 25,68 | 35,57 | 52,50 |
| D (Euro 0 to 3) | 27,08 | 37,67 | 55,40 |
* For Euro 6 trucks first registered on or after July 1, 2019, the toll rate may be lower by 0.19-0.37 cents/km (down to 0.8%) if ASFINAG is demonstrated specifically low level of CO2 emissions .
Pay attention
Note: Higher fares apply on special toll routes (A 13 Brenner Autobahn, S 16 Arlberg Tunnel, A 9 Gleinalm and Bosruck Tunnels, A 10 Tauern Tunnel, A 11 Karawanken Tunnel).
Toll increase on the A 13 and A 12 autobahns between Kufstein and Innsbruck
As a contribution to the co-financing of the construction of the Brenner base tunnel, a surcharge of up to 25% of the base kilometer will be charged on the A 13 Brenner and A 12 Inntal autobahns from the state border in Kufstein to the Innsbruck/Amras junction.
GO-Box
The toll is deducted automatically in the amount corresponding to the set number of axles. Surcharges, special tariffs and time-dependent toll differentiation are deducted without any action on the part of the driver.
The GO-Box is tied to a specific license plate set for a specific emission class and is attached to the windshield with adhesive tape. The GO-Box can be collected within minutes at more than 200 distribution points (motorway maintenance stations, subordinated road networks, border areas abroad) on presentation of a certificate of registration and payment of a minimum payment of 80 euros (75 euro credit, 5 euro system fee).
If the GO-Box is returned after traveling in Austria, the unused credit is paid out again, only a €5 system fee is deducted. The credit remains valid for two years.
Payment of road tax in Austria for trucks and buses in Austria
Advance payment procedure : Advance payment of the road loan at points of sale (gas stations, service stations) by topping up GO-Box using cash, credit card or ATM (from 80 to 500 euros).
Post-payment procedure : After registration with ASFINAG , the toll operator in Austria, payment of tolls can be made by credit card, fuel card or direct settlement with ASFINAG via a bank account.
Legal basis
- Federal Road Toll Act 2002 (Bulletin of Federal Laws I 109/2002 as amended 142/2023)
- Decree on tariffs for road tolls of 2023 (Bulletin of Federal Laws II 331/2023)
- Traffic rules ( Traffic rules )