Mobile phones, seat belts, helmets and following distances: Austrian road rules in 2026

Several basic rules in Austria apply to every driver, motorcyclist and cyclist. This guide explains the 2026 rules on mobile phone use, seat belts, helmets and following distances, including fines and more serious consequences.

When can you use a mobile phone while driving?

The basic rule is simple: while driving, two things are permitted. You may make or receive calls using a hands-free device (Freisprecheinrichtung), and you may use the phone for navigation if it is secured inside the vehicle.

“Making a call” includes both answering and initiating a call, so both are permitted only with a hands-free device. When making a hands-free call, the phone does not have to be secured. If you use it for navigation, however, it must be secured.

The phone’s own loudspeaker also counts as hands-free use if the device is used only for calling. Voice control, such as Siri, is treated in the same way. The condition is that communication must take place without taking your attention away from traffic. Secure the phone in a holder.

What is prohibited behind the wheel?

While driving, the following activities are expressly prohibited and punishable:

• Writing or reading SMS messages, emails, social media posts and messages in messaging services such as WhatsApp, as well as browsing the internet
• Entering an address into the navigation system; this must be done before setting off or while stopped
• Searching for and selecting songs on the display; listening to music is permitted
• Connecting the phone to a charger
• Saving a telephone number, even when the phone is secured
• Holding the phone between your head and shoulder

You may use traffic, radar, fuel-price or parking-space apps while driving only if the app functions as a navigation system and the phone is secured. If the phone falls down, you may pick it up, but one hand must remain on the steering wheel and you must not look away from the road.

Traffic queues, STOP signs and jams: what counts as driving?

• Stopped at a STOP sign (Stopptafel) or because of traffic: using a phone without hands-free equipment is prohibited.
• “Stop and go” traffic: phone use without hands-free equipment is prohibited, as is all other use.
• A traffic jam in which it is impossible to move: phone use is permitted.
• A car stopped in a parking area, even with the engine running: phone use is permitted.

Anyone who stops because of traffic must be able to continue at any time. This means that, even while stationary, they are still considered to be in “moving traffic”.

What is the fine for using a mobile phone?

Unlawful mobile phone use is subject to an on-the-spot fine (Organmandat) of 100 euros. If you do not pay it, a report follows and a fine of up to 140 euros may be imposed. If this fine cannot be collected, detention for up to 24 hours is also possible.

Who must wear a seat belt?

The seat-belt requirement (Gurtenpflicht) applies to every passenger: the driver, the front-seat passenger and people travelling in the rear, provided that the seat is fitted with a belt.

From the age of 14, each person is personally responsible for wearing a seat belt, and the driver is not legally responsible in that case. The driver is responsible for the proper restraint of passengers under 14. Pregnancy does not provide an exemption from wearing a seat belt.

Who must wear a helmet?

• Moped or motorcycle, with two or three wheels: the driver and passenger must wear a helmet.
• Three-wheeled motor vehicle with an unladen weight of more than 400 kg: a helmet is required.
• Quad with a design speed above 25 km/h: a helmet is required.
• Electric scooter under the age of 16: a helmet is required under the new rule.
• E-bike under the age of 14: a helmet is required under the new rule.
• Any bicycle under the age of 12: a bicycle helmet is required.
• Bicycle riders over the age of 14: no legal requirement, but a helmet is recommended.

A helmet is not required in an enclosed, cabin-like vehicle if an appropriate safety system, such as a special belt, provides protection.

The supervising person is responsible for helmet use by a child under 12. This also applies to a child being carried in a bicycle trailer or on a bicycle.

How much following distance is required?

At every speed, you must keep a sufficient safety distance (Sicherheitsabstand) to stop if the vehicle in front suddenly brakes.

• Between 0.2 and 0.4 seconds: at 130 km/h, this is between 7 and 14 metres. The consequences are a fine and entry in the penalty-point register (Vormerksystem).
• Less than 0.2 seconds: at 130 km/h, this is less than 7 metres. The consequences are a fine and withdrawal of the driving licence for at least 6 months.

Other required distances

• Behind a rail vehicle, when you are not overtaking it: at least 20 m
• Between “long” vehicles, such as lorries and buses, outside built-up areas: at least 50 m
• When overtaking a cyclist or scooter rider: at least 1.5 m to the side inside built-up areas and at least 2 m outside built-up areas. At speeds of 30 km/h or lower, this may be reduced in accordance with what is safe.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make a hands-free call if the phone is on the seat?

Yes. For hands-free calls, the device does not have to be secured. For navigation, it must be secured.

If I am stopped because of traffic, can I check my messages?

No. A vehicle stopped because of traffic is still considered to be in moving traffic, so using the phone without hands-free equipment is prohibited.

Will I be fined if a passenger does not wear a seat belt?

A passenger aged 14 or over is personally responsible. The driver is responsible for restraining passengers under 14.

Do adults need a helmet when cycling?

There is no requirement for people over 14, but wearing a helmet is recommended for every age group.

Practical steps before you travel

1. Secure your phone in a holder before setting off if you intend to use navigation.
2. Enter addresses, choose music and connect the charger before driving.
3. Make sure every passenger is wearing a seat belt, including passengers in the rear.
4. Check the applicable helmet requirements for the vehicle and the rider’s age.
5. Leave enough space to stop safely, and remember the specific distances for rail vehicles, long vehicles and cyclists or scooter riders.
6. Check the latest information from oesterreich.gv.at if you need official guidance. This article is based on information available online and is not legal advice.