You must have an International Driving Permit to drive in Austria, or, if you're from the United States, you can get an official translation of your U.S. driver's license which can be obtained through one of the Austrian automobile clubs (the OEMTC or ARBOE).

First aid kits and warning triangles are compulsory and parking lights must be left on at night when parked on an unlit street.

Safety Tips

Speeding is common on the autobahn. Be careful.

Austria is one of the countries with a low blood alcohol content law (.05 mg/ml).

The autobahn is a highway system in Austria, with a maximum speed of 160 km/h in only a few places. Generally, the maximum speed is 130 km/h.

You may not turn right on red and keep your headlights on at all times, day and night, no matter if you are in the city or the country.

Take care if you want to travel to an eastern European country from Austria. If your rental contract prohibits entry to those countries, you can be arrested or fined or charged with auto theft.