Winter in Austria brings snow, ice and early sunsets – and with them a long list of legal obligations for drivers. Winter tyres and careful driving are only part of the story. According to ÖAMTC, many everyday winter habits can lead to hefty fines of up to €10,000 or even liability claims if an accident occurs.
Here are some of the most serious mistakes to avoid on the roads this winter, along with practical advice for de-icing your car without causing damage.
Clear snow and ice properly before driving
Drivers must fully clear snow and ice from all windows, mirrors, headlights, tail lights and the licence plate. Snow on the car roof is also prohibited. If snow falls from your roof onto the road or another vehicle, you may face liability issues and fines, ÖAMTC warned.
Driving with only a small “peephole” scraped into an icy windscreen is illegal. Restricted visibility can be treated as gross negligence, and fines can reach €10,000. The same applies if the side windows or mirrors are not fully cleared.
READ ALSO: EXPLAINED: How to prepare for Austria’s unpredictable winter driving conditions
Do not leave the engine running while stopped
Starting the engine to warm up the car while scraping ice is a typical winter habit – but it’s also illegal. Leaving the engine running while stationary creates noise and exhaust fumes and can lead to penalties of up to €10,000, according to ÖAMTC legal advisor Nikolaus Authried.
The engine must remain off while clearing snow or ice. Even if it is cold outside, drivers are expected to de-ice their vehicles without idling the engine.
Pay attention to snow-covered road signs
Snow-covered signs do not count as an excuse for violating road rules. If the shape of a sign makes its meaning recognisable – for example, stop, give way or no entry – limited visibility does not protect drivers from penalties.
If a driver ignores a generally known sign, even if it is partially covered by snow, they may be assigned contributory negligence after an accident.
No legal right to fully cleared roads
Snowploughs operate around the clock in winter, but during heavy snowfall, it is impossible to keep every road perfectly clear. Drivers have no legal right to completely cleared or gritted roads, ÖAMTC stressed.
Road maintenance authorities are rarely liable for accidents caused by uncleared streets, except on toll roads such as motorways and expressways.
Even then, claims for damages can be difficult to enforce. Drivers must always adjust their speed and behaviour to winter conditions.
READ ALSO: Everything you need to know about driving in Austria in winter
Avoid driving in ski boots
Heading straight from the slopes to the car may be tempting, but driving in ski boots is unsafe and can lead to penalties.
Ski boots severely restrict foot movement and make it difficult to operate pedals accurately. If an accident happens while driving in ski boots, the driver may be held liable.
De-icing your car without causing damage
ÖAMTC has also published guidance on safely clearing ice to avoid damaging your vehicle or violating the law. According to the mobility club, an effective ice scraper is essential, but drivers should avoid scraping the top-right corner of the windscreen, where the mandatory §57a inspection sticker (“Pickerl”) is placed.
Damaging or removing the sticker will require you to purchase a replacement at your own expense and submit your inspection report again.
Driving with an illegible or missing sticker can result in fines.
Sprays can help speed up the de-icing process. For thick ice, a combination of spray and scraper works well, ÖAMTC said.
Protective films prevent the windscreen from freezing and are easy to remove. However, drivers must still clear the rear and side windows before driving.
Clean glass collects less moisture and therefore ices up more slowly, the club explained. Additionally, raising the windscreen wipers overnight prevents the blades from freezing to the glass and helps prolong their lifespan.
READ ALSO: What Austrian drivers should know about winter tyre rule changes in Germany
Key vocabulary
der Eiskratzer – ice scraper
das Pickerl (§57a) – mandatory vehicle inspection sticker
die Sichtbehinderung – obstructed visibility
die Schneeräumung – snow clearance
die Verwarnung – official warning or fine
die Verkehrssicherheit – road safety
Comments