IG-L: What Does the Immission Protection Act-Air Mean for Drivers in Austria

The IG-L (Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft) designation is well known to Austrian drivers. This term refers to speed restrictions, which are known as the “Luft-Hunderter”. IG-L is an Austrian federal law aimed at, among other things, reducing vehicle emissions.

To implement this objective, variable speed limits were introduced on designated sections of motorways and roads. These restrictions come into effect when air pollution increases. This means that the “Luft-Hunderter” limit may be in effect on certain days in a specific section, while not on others.

When do the IG-L speed restrictions take effect?

(Note: The text was already in English, so no translation was necessary.)

Air quality monitoring stations operated by the regions continuously report current air pollution data to ASFINAG (Austrian Motorway and Highway Operator). The measured values are combined with various parameters (traffic data, weather). The IG-L speed limit comes into effect when the algorithms and thresholds defined by the respective region are met.

Note: Since the original text is already in English, no translation was necessary. The block remains exactly the same.

In Tyrol, for example, the road and environment-dependent speed limit for passenger cars was converted to a constant 100 km/h speed limit on the A12 and A13 motorways. This means that this restriction is always in effect, regardless of air pollution data.

This is what it looks like on the motorway when the restriction is active:

Where are IG-L speed restrictions?

(Note: The text was already in English, so no translation was necessary.)

Speed restrictions based on the IG-L are ordered by the regional governor in each province. Currently, they are valid for 400 kilometres on certain sections of motorways and roads in Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, Upper Austria, and Carinthia:

• Upper Austria: A1
• Salzburg: A1, A10
• Styria: A9, A2
• Tyrol (permanent 100 km/h speed limit): A12, A13
• Carinthia: A2
• Vorarlberg: A14

Note: Since this list contains primarily location and highway names which remain the same in English, there are no text translations required.

Exceptions for Electric Vehicles

(Note: The text was already in UK English, so no translation was necessary.)

Since July 1, 2019, purely electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles are exempt from IG-L speed restrictions on motorways and dual carriageways. Vehicles subject to this exemption are not required to comply with these speed limits under certain conditions.

The exception for electric vehicles, adopted in late 2018, serves among other things to encourage the strengthening of electric mobility in Austria. So-called plug-in hybrids must continue to adhere to speed limits.

Note: The text appears to already be in UK English, so no translation was necessary.

The IG-L speed limit exceptions only apply to vehicles with green licence plates. This licence plate has been available for pure electric vehicles since April 2017, but is not mandatory. Those who wish can continue to use the black licence plate on their electric vehicle – in this case, however, they are still required to comply with the specified speed limits like owners of vehicles with internal combustion engines.

Electric vehicles are exempt only on sections where warning signs indicate this. Until these warning signs are placed, speed restrictions ordered under IG-L remain in effect for all vehicles, regardless of their drive type and licence plate.

Note: The only change is “license” to “licence”, which is the standard UK English spelling.

This table indicates when green-plated vehicles are not subject to IG-L restrictions:

Note: The text was already in UK English, so no translation was necessary.

What Penalties Can You Expect for Breaching IG-L Speed Limits?

In 2017, the Austrian Environmental Protection Ministry increased the penalty range for speeding in the IG-L area. Since then, even for exceeding the speed limit by up to 30 km/h, a fine of up to £90 can be imposed.

Important note: If we exceed the speed limit set by IG-L in addition to the speed limit determined by the StVO (road traffic regulations), further penalties may also apply for the latter.

Note: The text appears to already be in UK English, so no translation was necessary.

Vehicle Restrictions and Other Rules Ordered According to IG-L

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Based on IG-L, traffic restrictions for lorries have been imposed in certain areas. The current overview of lorry traffic restrictions in individual provinces can be found on the Austrian Chamber of Commerce website.