Austria on a Chinese Licence 2026: Translation and Vignette

Austria is one of the most rewarding countries in Europe to drive: Alpine passes, lake roads and well-kept surfaces. It front-loads two rules that catch Chinese visitors before the scenery starts.

The licence: a translation, not an IDP

Austrian licence law (FSG §23(6)) says that a licence not written in German must be shown together with an international driving permit or with a translation made by an authorised motoring club or by the issuing state’s embassy. China does not issue international driving permits, so the translation is the practical route; arrange it before you collect the car and carry it with the original licence and your passport.

There is a second point to settle before booking. Austria’s 12-month rule for visitors (FSG §23(5)) is written for licences issued by parties to the Paris 1926, Geneva 1949 or Vienna 1968 conventions, and China has not joined the 1949 or 1968 conventions. Ask the hire company in writing whether it accepts a Chinese licence with a translation. The Driving Permit Checker covers other licences.

The vignette

Every Austrian motorway and expressway is tolled by vignette, and there are no booths. For 2026 a car pays EUR 9.60 for one day (digital only), EUR 12.80 for ten days, EUR 32.00 for two months or EUR 106.80 for a year; 2026 is the last year of the windscreen sticker before the digital version takes over. ASFINAG charges a EUR 200 substitute toll to a car caught without one, and if that is not paid the administrative fine is EUR 300-3,000. The vignette calculator compares periods.

Winter equipment

From 1 November to 15 April, cars need winter tyres (or chains on the driving wheels on a snow-covered road) whenever conditions are wintry. On the passes that can mean October snow or April ice, so check the hire car.

Speeds and alcohol

Austria drives on the right, like China, so there is no side switch. Limits are 130 km/h on motorways, 100 on rural roads and 50 in towns, with dense camera enforcement. The alcohol limit is 0.05% (0.01% for probationary drivers), above China’s 0.02%, but strictly policed. The car must carry a warning triangle, a reflective vest and a first-aid kit. 112 reaches every service. More is on the Austria driving guide.

Sources

• Austria, Führerscheingesetz §23 (5) and (6): licences from convention states for 12 months; IDP or authorised translation for licences not in German: ris.bka.gv.at
• ASFINAG, 2026 vignette prices and the end of the sticker: asfinag.at
• ASFINAG, controls and substitute toll (EUR 200; EUR 300-3,000 administrative fine): asfinag.at
• Austria, Kraftfahrgesetz §102 (equipment, winter tyres): ris.bka.gv.at
• UN Treaty Collection, 1949 and 1968 Conventions on Road Traffic (China not a party to either): treaties.un.org
• WHO Global status report on road safety 2023, Austria profile (50/100/130 km/h; 0.05 and 0.01 g/dl) and China profile (0.02 g/dl): who.int, who.int