Penalties and consequences

Fines Despite Purchased Vignette on Austria's Highways – How Is That Possible?

When traveling and in the context of increasing mobility, the digital vignette plays an ever-growing role. Especially in Austria, a country known for its scenic highways and the requirement of a vignette to use them, digital technology offers an efficient and user-friendly solution for drivers. However, a recent incident highlights the importance of choosing the right vignette provider and showcases the advantages of our digital vignette.

At the beginning of the year, a case made headlines that drew the attention of many drivers: A man from Lower Austria, who routinely purchased his annual vignette, was confronted with an unexpected fine despite having followed the necessary steps to register his vignette.

The affected driver had purchased his vignette online through an official platform, without realizing that the validity of the annual vignette did not start immediately. It would only have been valid 18 days later. Such a delay in validity can be an unexpected and even costly trap for many who depend on immediate usage. You can’t travel spontaneously, nor can you wait until the last minute to renew your vignette.

Immediate Validity with Our Digital Vignette!

Attention: The following validity applies only with us! At AsfinAG, for example, 2-month and annual vignettes have an 18-day waiting period! With us, they are immediately valid!

The advantage of our digital vignette when you order from us is its immediate validity. For travelers and commuters who rely on flexible and uncomplicated use of the highways, the digital vignette eliminates the risk of misunderstandings and fines due to delayed validity. This makes it an attractive option for those who value convenience and efficiency.

With us, you don’t have to worry about accidentally driving without a valid vignette, as in the example above.

Registered with the vehicle's license plate, it is valid from the moment of registration. During inspections, the digital vignette can be checked quickly and easily, as it is directly linked to the license plate.

To fully enjoy the benefits of the digital vignette, we invite you to discover this convenient and modern option for yourself. By registering your digital vignette on our website, you ensure not only the immediate validity of your vignette but also benefit from a stress-free travel experience on Austria's highways.

Fines & Consequences

Since vignettes are mandatory in Austria and are usually checked automatically, driving without a valid vignette on most Austrian roads (there are a few exceptions without vignette or toll requirements) constitutes a legal violation.

1. Request for Substitute Toll Payment, Even Without a Vignette or Toll Violation

Due to the automatic vignette checks, it often happens that the official letter from ASFiNAG (standard letterhead) related to the violation arrives several months later.

If you’ve received a letter from ASFiNAG requesting a substitute toll payment of EUR 120, even though you’re sure you didn’t violate vignette or toll rules:

You can contact the European Consumer Centre Italy, which cooperates directly with the European Consumer Centre Austria to check whether the payment request can be canceled. Additionally, photo evidence from ASFiNAG can be requested.

2. "Anonymous Fine" (Reduced Administrative Penalty) of EUR 300

If you did not receive a request to pay the substitute toll of EUR 120, you may still apply to pay it.

If you're absolutely sure that you complied with all regulations, you can apply to the local authority for cancellation of the fine (proof of toll payment required).

Warning: Since this is a fine that cannot be appealed under Austrian law, the issuing authority is not obligated to respond to such requests.

3. Received Request for "Disclosure of Driver Information"

If the "anonymous fine" is not paid within 4 weeks, it automatically becomes invalid and is replaced with a new, higher fine.

The competent district administrative authority initiates an administrative penalty procedure and identifies the driver through an inquiry.

The vehicle owner then has two weeks to name the driver of the vehicle.

At this point, the driver must be named to avoid an additional traffic violation and a much higher penalty.

4. Penalty Notice (Between EUR 300 and EUR 3,000)

If the anonymous fine was not paid, a formal administrative penalty (so-called penalty notice) is issued. If there are valid reasons, an appeal may be filed against this fine.

This must be done within two weeks of receiving the penalty notice (no fees, no legal representation required).

Filing an appeal via email is also possible (in German).

The appeal must include the following information:

• It must be clearly stated that it is an appeal
• Identification of the penalty notice being appealed (date and reference number)
• District authority (date and reference number of the penalty notice)

Example: "I appeal the penalty notice BH Bregenz dated 01.08.2023 BHBR/X/042020020607"

Tip

In your appeal, be sure to request a warning and, if applicable, an extraordinary reduction of the penalty. In cases of minor errors (e.g., typo when purchasing the digital vignette or incorrect placement of the sticker vignette), the district authority often shows leniency and issues a warning instead of a fine.

If you have no grounds for an appeal, you should pay the fine.

Act Now

Take this opportunity to leave behind traditional vignettes and discover the digital future of road usage. Register your digital vignette today and experience the comfort and security it offers. Avoid unnecessary fines and enjoy your journey on Austria's roads. Your trip begins with one click – register your digital vignette now and embrace modern mobility.