Contents:
Step 1: Preparation
Before purchasing a vignette, have the following information ready:
Vehicle Licence Plate — Exactly as displayed on the vehicle, including the country code for foreign vehicles (e.g. GB-AB12 CDE for UK).
Determine Vehicle Type — Car, motorcycle, or motorhome? The maximum permissible total weight must be under 3.5 tonnes.
Set Travel Dates — When does your trip begin? The vignette start date should match your travel start date.
Choose Vignette Type — 10-day, 2-month, or annual? Use our price comparison table.
Prepare Payment Method — Credit card, debit card, or PayPal for online purchase.
Have Email Address Ready — For the purchase confirmation of the digital vignette.
Steps 2–6: Buying the Digital Vignette Online
Step 2: Visit the official ASFINAG website (shop.asfinag.at). Check the URL carefully — fraudulent copycat sites exist.
Step 3: Select the vignette type (10-day, 2-month, annual) and the start date.
Step 4: Enter the licence plate number. Check the entry carefully — errors cannot be corrected free of charge.
Step 5: Select the payment method and complete the purchase. You will receive a confirmation email.
Step 6: The vignette is active from the chosen start date. Nothing needs to be affixed to the vehicle.
Buying the Sticker Vignette In Person
Find a Sales Point — Petrol stations, tobacconists, ÖAMTC service centres, or border crossings.
Choose the Right Type — Check the colour of the vignette (a different colour each year).
Pay — Cash or card, depending on the sales point.
Affix — Inside the windscreen, top left in the driver's field of vision. Do not affix to tinted film.
Remove Activation Strip — Peel off the protective strip before affixing the vignette.
After Purchase
Digital Vignette:
- Save confirmation email (optional but recommended)
- Check licence plate for accuracy
- Verify start date
- If error: contact ASFINAG immediately
- No printout required
- No further action needed
Sticker Vignette:
- Vignette correctly affixed?
- Fully adhered (no air bubbles)?
- Visible from outside?
- Keep purchase receipt
- If damaged: apply for replacement vignette
- Do not affix to tinted film or other stickers
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| Wrong licence plate entered | Vignette invalid | Double-check plate before purchase |
| Wrong start date selected | Vignette active too early/late | Start date = travel start date |
| Sticker affixed outside | Invalid, fine possible | Always affix inside windscreen |
| Affixed to tinted film | May detach, invalid | Affix to clear glass |
| Expired vignette not replaced | Fine €120 | Note expiry date in calendar |
| Special toll section without payment | Fine + surcharge | Check route in advance |
| Vignette on wrong vehicle | Fine €120 | Each vehicle needs its own vignette |
| Used fraudulent purchase site | Inflated prices, no valid vignette | Only use shop.asfinag.at |
Pre-Departure Checklist
- Valid vignette in place (digital or sticker)?
- Vignette start date correct?
- Licence plate entered correctly for digital vignette?
- Sticker vignette affixed inside windscreen?
- Special toll sections on route identified?
- Sufficient cash/card for special toll sections?
- Vehicle weight under 3.5 tonnes (for vignette requirement)?
- Electric vehicle? (Check exemption status until end of 2025)
- Rental vehicle? (Check vignette status with rental company)
- International trip? (Check vignettes for other countries)
- Travel insurance for breakdown assistance?
- ÖAMTC emergency number: 120 saved?