DriveAustria Info

The distinction between a Vignette and a GO-Box is crucial for understanding Austrian tolling. A Vignette is a time-based permit required for vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes maximum permissible gross weight (MPGW). It allows you to use all Austrian motorways and expressways for a specified period (e.g., 10 days, 2 months, 1 year), irrespective of the distance travelled. It's a flat fee for a period of time.

The GO-Box, on the other hand, is an electronic toll collection device used for vehicles with an MPGW exceeding 3.5 tonnes, including lorries, buses, and heavy motorhomes. It operates on a distance-based tolling system, meaning you pay per kilometre travelled on toll roads. The toll amount is calculated based on several factors, including the number of axles, the emission class of the vehicle, and the specific road segment used.

Therefore, if you're driving a standard car or a light van, you'll need a Vignette. If you're operating a larger commercial vehicle, a GO-Box is mandatory.

Obtaining a GO-Box is a straightforward process, but it requires specific documentation. You can acquire a GO-Box at numerous GO-Box sales outlets located near border crossings and along major transit routes in Austria, as well as in neighbouring countries. You can also order one online in advance, though collection typically still occurs at a sales outlet.

When obtaining a GO-Box, you will need to provide the following information:

• Vehicle registration document: This is essential to verify the vehicle's maximum permissible gross weight (MPGW), registration number, and emission class.
• Proof of emission class: While often stated on the registration document, sometimes a separate certificate (e.g., COC paper) might be required, especially for older vehicles or those from non-EU countries. The emission class significantly impacts the toll rate.
• Number of axles: You will need to declare the number of axles on your vehicle, and if towing a trailer, the combined number of axles. This can be adjusted on the GO-Box itself if the configuration changes (e.g., adding a trailer).

The GO-Box requires a pre-payment (pre-pay system) or can be linked to a post-payment method (post-pay system) using a fuel card or credit card. It's crucial to ensure the GO-Box is correctly configured for your vehicle's specifications to avoid potential fines.

It is imperative to ensure your GO-Box always has sufficient credit and is functioning correctly to avoid penalties. If your GO-Box runs out of credit while on a toll road, or if it malfunctions (e.g., no signal, error message), you are required to stop at the next available GO-Box sales outlet or ASFINAG service point and rectify the situation immediately. Failure to do so can result in substantial fines for unauthorised road use.

The system is designed to detect vehicles without valid toll payment. If you are detected without a functioning or sufficiently funded GO-Box, you will receive a substitute toll. This substitute toll is significantly higher than the standard toll and must be paid promptly. Repeated violations can lead to even more severe penalties.

Always check your GO-Box balance before starting your journey, especially for longer trips. Many sales outlets offer top-up services, and online top-ups are also available for registered users.

Generally, all vehicles exceeding 3.5 tonnes MPGW are subject to weight-based tolling via the GO-Box system on Austrian motorways and expressways. However, there are a few specific exemptions, though these are quite limited and typically apply to highly specialised vehicles or those engaged in specific public services:

• Emergency vehicles: Vehicles used by police, fire departments, emergency medical services, and civil protection organisations.
• Public transport vehicles: Certain vehicles used for scheduled public transport services may have exemptions under specific conditions.
• Vehicles of the federal armed forces: Military vehicles performing official duties.
• Vehicles for winter service or road maintenance: When actively performing their duties on toll roads.

It is important to note that these exemptions are strict and usually require specific markings or official documentation. Standard commercial transport vehicles, even those carrying essential goods, are not exempt from the GO-Box requirement. Always verify current regulations if you believe your vehicle might qualify for an exemption, as rules can occasionally be updated.

The toll for commercial vehicles (over 3.5 tonnes MPGW) in Austria is calculated using a sophisticated distance-based system. The primary factors influencing the toll amount are:

1. Number of axles: The more axles a vehicle (and any attached trailer) has, the higher the toll rate per kilometre. This is declared on the GO-Box.
2. Emission class (EURO emission standard): Vehicles with higher emission standards (e.g., EURO VI) pay lower tolls than older, more polluting vehicles (e.g., EURO 0-III). This incentivises the use of greener vehicles.
3. Distance travelled: The toll is directly proportional to the number of kilometres driven on designated toll roads.
4. Road segment: While not a primary variable, some specific tunnels or mountain passes (known as Sondermautstrecken or special toll routes) may have slightly different base rates or additional charges.

The GO-Box electronically records the distance travelled and applies the appropriate rate based on the vehicle's registered data. It is crucial that the number of axles selected on the GO-Box accurately reflects the vehicle's current configuration, including any trailers, to ensure correct billing and avoid penalties.

No, a single GO-Box is specifically programmed and registered to one particular vehicle's details, including its registration number, MPGW, and emission class. It is strictly prohibited to transfer a GO-Box from one vehicle to another, even if they are of the same type or belong to the same fleet. Each vehicle requiring a GO-Box must have its own dedicated device.

Using a GO-Box registered to a different vehicle will lead to severe penalties, as the system will detect a mismatch between the vehicle's actual characteristics and the data stored in the GO-Box. This is considered unauthorised road use and will incur substantial substitute tolls and fines. Always ensure each vehicle in your fleet is equipped with its own correctly configured GO-Box.

Austria has a rigorous enforcement system for toll compliance. Failure to pay tolls or incorrect GO-Box usage can lead to significant penalties. These typically include:

• Substitute Toll: If you are detected on a toll road without a valid GO-Box, or with an incorrectly configured one (e.g., wrong axle count, insufficient credit), you will be issued a "substitute toll" (Ersatzmaut). This is considerably higher than the regular toll amount and can range from several hundred to over a thousand euros, depending on the severity and frequency of the infringement.
• Administrative Fines: In addition to the substitute toll, administrative fines can be imposed by the authorities. These fines can also be substantial and escalate with repeated offences.
• Legal Proceedings: Persistent or severe non-compliance can lead to legal proceedings, which may involve court appearances and even higher financial penalties.

It is vital to check your GO-Box regularly, ensure it has credit, and that the axle count is correct. Ignorance of the rules is not accepted as a defence. Prompt payment of substitute tolls is essential to avoid further escalation of penalties.

Unlike some other European toll systems, the Austrian GO-Box system for commercial vehicles does not currently implement time-of-day or day-of-week variable tolling. The toll rates are consistent 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The primary factors influencing the toll rate remain the number of axles and the vehicle's emission class, as well as the distance travelled.

However, it is always advisable to consult the official ASFINAG website or reliable sources for the most up-to-date information, as toll policies can occasionally be subject to review or change. For now, commercial vehicle operators should budget for consistent toll rates regardless of when they traverse Austrian toll roads.

'Sondermautstrecken' translates to 'Special Toll Routes' and refers to specific tunnels, mountain passes, or sections of road that incur an additional or separate toll beyond the standard GO-Box motorway toll. These routes often involve significant infrastructure, such as long tunnels or challenging alpine crossings, where the construction and maintenance costs are particularly high.

For commercial vehicle users with a GO-Box, these special tolls are typically processed automatically by the GO-Box when you pass through the dedicated toll plazas for these sections. The GO-Box will emit a signal indicating a successful transaction. The cost for these sections is often higher than a comparable distance on a standard motorway and is charged in addition to your regular kilometre-based toll.

Examples of Sondermautstrecken include the Brenner Motorway (A13), the Tauern Motorway (A10), and the Arlberg Tunnel (S16). It's important for drivers to be aware of these sections and factor the additional costs into their journey planning, as they can significantly impact overall travel expenses. The GO-Box generally handles these seamlessly, provided it is correctly mounted and sufficiently funded.

Managing your GO-Box account and monitoring your balance is crucial for uninterrupted travel. ASFINAG, the Austrian motorway operator, provides several ways to do this:

• Online Portal: If you have registered your GO-Box online (recommended for post-pay customers and fleet managers), you can access a dedicated online portal. Here, you can view your transaction history, check your current balance, top up your account (for pre-pay), manage vehicle details, and download invoices.
• GO-Box Sales Outlets: You can visit any GO-Box sales outlet in Austria or neighbouring countries. Staff can check your balance, process top-ups, and assist with any account queries.
• ASFINAG App: There might be a dedicated mobile application or features within a general ASFINAG app that allow for balance checks and top-ups on the go.
• GO-Box Signals: The GO-Box itself provides audible signals indicating its status: a single beep usually means a successful transaction, while multiple beeps or no beep can indicate an issue (e.g., low balance, error). It's vital to understand these signals.

For pre-pay users, regularly topping up your account is essential. For post-pay users, monitoring your usage and ensuring your linked payment method is valid and has sufficient credit is equally important. Proactive management helps avoid unexpected disruptions and penalties.