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VIENNA – Austrian motorists will face changes to the motorway vignette system in 2027, with the annual vignette becoming slightly more expensive and available exclusively in digital form. However, drivers who purchase the 2027 vignette before the end of 2026 will still be able to secure the current price, according to the Ministry of Transport.
The annual vignette, currently priced at €106.80, is expected to rise to around €109 from January 1, 2027. The increase of approximately two percent is lower than the underlying inflation rate of 3.6 percent.
Early Purchase Offers Small Savings
Drivers who buy the 2027 annual vignette before the end of December 2026 can still obtain it for the current price of €106.80. Once the new year begins, the higher rate will apply, resulting in a saving of around €2 for those who purchase early.
The ministry emphasized that this is not a special early-bird discount but rather the result of the new tariff only taking effect at the start of 2027.
As in previous years, sales of the new vignette are expected to begin in mid-November. Motorists are advised to check the exact start date through the Austrian motorway operator ASFINAG before making a purchase.
End of the Traditional Sticker Vignette
A more significant change will take effect in 2027 when Austria fully switches to digital motorway vignettes. The traditional sticker version, which is attached to the windscreen, will no longer be available.
The fire-red 2026 vignette will therefore be the last adhesive vignette issued in Austria.
The transition to a fully digital system was approved in 2025. According to the Ministry of Transport, more than 75 percent of annual vignettes were already being purchased digitally at that time. The digital vignette is linked directly to a vehicle’s registration number, eliminating the need for a physical sticker.
Where to Buy the Digital Vignette
Motorists can purchase the digital vignette through the official ASFINAG toll shop and the ASFINAG mobile app. It will also remain available at petrol stations, tobacco shops, automobile clubs and other authorized sales outlets.
This means that drivers who do not wish to use online services can continue to buy their vignette in person.
When purchasing a digital vignette, motorists should ensure that both the vehicle registration number and the country of registration are entered correctly.
Online Buyers Should Note the 18-Day Waiting Period
One important detail concerns purchases made directly through the ASFINAG online shop or app.
Private customers buying online must generally observe an 18-day waiting period before the vignette can become valid. The delay is linked to consumer protection rules governing withdrawal rights for online purchases.
This waiting period does not apply when purchasing a digital vignette through authorized sales outlets or vending machines. It is also not required for digital one-day or 10-day vignettes.
Validity Period Remains Unchanged
The Austrian annual vignette remains valid from December 1 of the previous year until January 31 of the following year.
For the 2027 vignette, this means validity from December 1, 2026, through January 31, 2028. Purchasing the vignette later in the year does not extend its validity period.
The 2026 annual vignette will remain valid until January 31, 2027.
ARBÖ Welcomes Limited Price Increase
The Austrian motorists’ association ARBÖ has welcomed the modest increase in vignette prices.
ARBÖ Secretary General Gerald Kumnig said motorists are already facing high fuel costs and described the two percent rise as a positive signal. The association also supports the option for drivers to secure the 2027 vignette at the current price before the end of the year.
Motorists are nevertheless advised to verify the final sales conditions and official pricing directly with ASFINAG before purchasing the new vignette.
- source: vienna.at/picture: asfinag.at
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