The physical toll sticker will be discontinued in Austria from 2027
2026. 01. 29. 11:42
In recent years, European toll systems have clearly been moving toward digitalization. Automated control solutions, license plate recognition-based systems, and online sales channels have now become standard expectations in road traffic. Austria's decision also fits into this process, under which the highway vignette system will become fully digital starting in 2027.
The change will not happen overnight: 2026 will be a transitional year, during which both the physical and the digital highway vignettes can still be purchased in parallel. Knowing the exact rules for the coming years is particularly important for both Austrian and foreign drivers, as the absence or invalidity of a vignette can still result in significant surcharges.
This article presents in detail what changes to prepare for from 2026, what the end of the physical highway vignette means in 2027, and how the Austrian digital vignette system works in practice.
Table of contents
- What does the discontinuation of the physical highway vignette mean in Austria?
- Valid rules in 2026 for the Austrian physical vignette
- What physical highway vignettes are available?
- Where can you buy a physical highway vignette in 2026?
- How does the digital highway vignette system work?
- What surcharge can we expect if we don’t have a valid vignette?
- Summary
- FAQ
What does the discontinuation of the physical highway vignette mean in Austria?
The discontinuation of the physical highway vignette means that in the future, there will be no toll sticker affixed to the windshield for using Austrian highways and expressways. The entitlement will not be linked to a tangible object but exclusively to the vehicle’s license plate number, just as it is currently when purchasing a digital vignette.
It is important to emphasize that the scope of toll roads will not change due to the digital transition. A valid vignette will still be required for using highways and expressways — only its form will change: the existing digital vignette system remains the same, but it will become exclusive, as the physical vignette is discontinued.
The advantage of the digital system is that it eliminates problems caused by incorrect placement, damaged stickers, or windshield replacement. At the same time, it requires greater attention to the accuracy of data entered during purchase, especially correct recording of the license plate.
Valid rules in 2026 for the Austrian physical vignette
In the Austrian highway vignette system, the physical, windshield toll sticker will still officially be available in 2026, so the previous rules remain unchanged. However, this will be the last year this form remains in circulation. According to ASFINAG's official information, the physical highway vignette will be permanently discontinued at the end of 2026, and from 2027, only the digital vignette will be valid for using highways and expressways.
2026 as a transitional year: what rules still apply?
In 2026, drivers can still choose between the physical and the digital highway vignette. Both options provide the same entitlement, and the control system accepts both types.
One of the key features of the transitional year is that it will be the last period when the windshield toll sticker is still officially in use. After the expiry of the 2026 vignettes, no new physical vignettes will be issued for subsequent years.
In practice, this means that anyone buying a sticker in 2026 should be aware that from the following year only the digital solution will be available. This may be particularly important for those who regularly use highways but do not renew their toll entitlement annually.
What physical highway vignettes are available?
Not every type of vignette is available in physical form. Physical highway vignettes exist only for the following validity periods:
- 10-day highway vignette
- 2-month highway vignette
- Annual highway vignette
The 1-day highway vignette can only be purchased in digital form; there is no physical version.
The above rules apply equally to passenger cars and motorcycles; the types of physical vignettes are the same regardless of vehicle category.
Where can you buy a physical highway vignette in 2026?
In 2026, the physical highway vignette will still be available through traditional sales channels. These include especially:
- Austrian and border-area gas stations
- Auto clubs (such as ÖAMTC, ARBÖ)
- Certain tobacco shops and stores near the border
- Official foreign resellers
However, 2026 is considered a transitional period: after the expiry of the physical vignettes issued for 2026, no new ones will be issued for future years. This means that from 2027, physical vignette purchase and use will be discontinued.
Rules for using the physical vignette
The physical highway vignette must be placed on the inside of the vehicle’s windshield in a clearly visible location. Improper placement, a damaged sticker, or removal may render it invalid and result in a surcharge.
These practical problems also contributed to Austria’s decision to fully switch to the digital highway vignette system from 2027.
How does the digital highway vignette system work?
The essence of the digital highway vignette is that entitlement is recorded in a central registry based on the vehicle’s license plate number. The control gates and mobile units on highways and expressways automatically verify whether a valid vignette is associated with the given license plate.
The driver does not need any printed proof or digital document. The system operates in real time, and the control process is fully automated.
The advantages of the digital solution include convenient online purchasing, elimination of the risk of loss or damage, and — under specific conditions — easier management of entitlement in case of a license plate change.
Validity of the digital vignette and features of online purchase
Digitally purchased highway vignettes do not always become valid immediately. For certain types, a waiting period applies after purchase, which is related to consumer protection regulations.
This affects the 2-month and annual vignettes, which cannot be purchased with immediate validity in the digital system.
One of the most important practical takeaways from the digital transition is that entitlement must be secured in time before using the highway, especially if planning to buy a long-term vignette.
What surcharge can we expect if we don’t have a valid vignette?
On Austrian highways, toll checks are mainly performed using automated license plate recognition. If the system does not find a valid vignette associated with the given license plate, a surcharge procedure is initiated.
In 2026, the surcharges are as follows:
- Passenger cars (max. 3.5 t): 120€
- Motorcycles: 65€
Summary
Austria’s highway vignette system will undergo a major transformation starting in 2027. The year 2026 will still provide a transitional period between physical and digital solutions, while from 2027 only digital, online-purchased highway vignettes will be usable.
The most important takeaway for drivers is to plan ahead and purchase in time. The digital system offers a convenient and modern solution, but only if the rules are followed precisely.
FAQ
Can a physical highway vignette be used in 2027?
No. From 2027, only the digital highway vignette grants entitlement to use Austrian highways.
Which vignettes are available in physical form?
The 10-day, 2-month, and annual vignettes — in both the passenger car and motorcycle toll categories. The daily vignette is already only available in digital form.
Do I need to print anything for the digital vignette?
No. The entitlement is linked to the license plate number and is verified electronically, but it is advisable to keep the purchase confirmation.
What happens if I enter the wrong license plate when purchasing?
If the license plate is incorrect, the vignette may be considered invalid and a surcharge may be applied.
What surcharge applies if I don’t have a valid highway vignette?
In the case of motorcycles, the fine is 65€, while for passenger cars it is 120€.
