My understanding is that an international drivers license is required to drive lawfully in this country (a U.S. DL won't suffice). Is this true? The obvious question is if you get caught without one, what is the penalty? Also, are they looking for shinny new BMW's with tourists plates with an eye on enhancing the revenue stream?
What's the skinny??
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| Reply » Driving in Austria? |
Yes, you need one there. Why wouldn't you just get an International Driver's License and avoid the risk? I'd argue it's not worth getting into legal trouble in a foreign country, especially for something so preventable.
"A U.S. driver's license alone is not sufficient to drive in Austria. The U.S. driver's license must be accompanied by an international driver's permit (obtainable in the U.S. from American Automobile Association and the American Automobile Touring Alliance) or by an official translation of the U.S. driver's license, which can be obtained at one of the Austrian automobile clubs (OAMTC or ARBO). This arrangement is only acceptable for the first six months of driving in Austria, after which all drivers must obtain an Austrian license.
Austria requires all vehicles using the autobahn to display a highway tax sticker "Autobahn Vignette" on the inside windshield of the vehicle. The sticker may be purchased at border crossings, gas stations in Austria, as well as small "Tabak" shops located in Austrian towns. Fines for failing to display a valid autobahn vignette on the windshield of your car are usually around $120.00.
Austrian autobahns have a maximum speed limit of 130 km/hr, although drivers often drive much faster and pass aggressively. The use of hand-held cell phones while driving is prohibited. Turning right on red is also prohibited throughout Austria. The legal limit for blood alcohol content in Austria is.05 percent and penalties for driving under the influence tend to be stricter than in many U.S. states."
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| Reply » Driving in Austria? |
An International Driver's License differs emmensely from an International Driver's Permit. The latter being what Austria requires.
The permit is a suppliment to your US license, and can be gotten at any AAA outlet with no testing required. All it is is a document with your pic attached that translates the license text into 11 different laguages. I think it's like $10.
The license is a frequent method of scamming money from people, where the permit works fine. Steer clear from anyplace that mentions a license.
Any UN country allows for the use of the permit, accompanying the State issued license, as valid temporary drivers credentials. If you plan on staying for a longer period of time, you may be better served (and drive safer) to take that country's driver's exam to obtain a foreign country issued license.
Oh, and have fun, Austria is one of my favorite countries that I've been to.
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to get it all taken care of. It is $10.00. You also need a couple of passport size photo's as well.
Thanks.....
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Quote: | Yes, you need one there. Why wouldn't you just get an International Driver's License and avoid the risk? | Oops, my error there, that should have said International Driver's Permit as LarryN says...
Have a great trip!
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| Reply » Driving in Austria? |
and I'm ready to go! Just got the Int"l Drivers PERMIT. I will probably be driving in Austria for a very brief period, but better to be safe, especially due to the fact that the permit is very easy and cheap to obtain.
The board members have made me an informed ED'er and that adds comfort to the whole process.
Many Thanks
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Driving in Austria?