Austrian Road Signs You May Not Recognise

Most road signs in Austria are familiar to international drivers, but some have special meanings that can cause confusion. This guide explains the Austrian signs and markings worth knowing in 2026.

Which zone signs can you see in towns and cities?

Several Austrian traffic zones are opened by one sign and ended by another. These signs may also be placed directly on the road surface.

• Pedestrian zone (Fußgängerzone): as a general rule, all vehicle traffic is prohibited. Any exceptions are shown by separate provisions.
• Residential street (Wohnstraße): the special rules end at the sign marking the end of the zone. You must give priority to traffic travelling outside the street.
• Meeting zone (Begegnungszone): the sign normally shows the number “20”. If the maximum permitted speed has been increased to 30 km/h, the sign shows “30”.
• Cycle street (Fahrradstraße) and school street (Schulstraße): both have their own special rules. Their end is shown by a red diagonal line across the sign.

How does alternate-side parking prohibition work?

The alternate-side parking prohibition (Wechselseitiges Parkverbot) applies to the side of the street where the sign stands. One version prohibits parking on odd-numbered days, while the other prohibits parking on even-numbered days.

Unless a different start time is shown, the rule applies from 0:00 to 24:00. If the prohibition does not begin at midnight, a supplementary sign (Zusatztafel) shows the starting time, and the restriction then applies for 24 hours.

The ordinary no-parking sign (Parken verboten) and the no-stopping and no-parking sign (Halten und Parken verboten) also apply only to the side of the street where the sign is installed.

• ANFANG / ENDE: the beginning or end of the restricted section.
• AUSGENOMMEN ZUSTELLDIENSTE: the quick loading and unloading of small quantities of goods is permitted.
• AUSGENOMMEN LADETÄTIGKEIT: loading zone.

What does the short-term parking zone sign mean?

The short-term parking zone (Kurzparkzone) sign, or its supplementary sign, states when the rule applies and the maximum permitted parking time. If payment is required, this is shown by the wording “gebührenpflichtig”. If the sign is on the left-hand side, the rule applies only to that side.

Which unusual hazard signs should you know?

Rural and mountain roads may have signs warning about local conditions:

• Warning, animals (Achtung Tiere): the beginning of an area where unattended grazing animals may be present, especially in alpine regions.
• Crosswind (Seitenwind): a section where strong crosswinds are common. A windsock may show their direction.
• Aircraft operations (Flugbetrieb): low-flying aircraft may be present.
• Oncoming traffic (Achtung Gegenverkehr): oncoming vehicles may exceptionally be present on a road that is otherwise one-way. A separate information sign marks the end of this section.
• Wrong-way driver (Achtung Falschfahrer): a vehicle is travelling against the direction of traffic on a divided carriageway.

A supplementary sign beneath the “other dangers” (Andere Gefahren) sign can specify the risk, such as avalanche danger (Lawinengefahr) or timber extraction (Holzbringung).

How are railway crossings and tunnels marked?

Before a railway crossing, marker boards (Baken) with red diagonal stripes may stand on both sides of the road:

• 3 stripes: approximately 240 m from the crossing.
• 2 stripes: approximately 160 m from the crossing.
• 1 stripe: approximately 80 m from the crossing.

The tunnel sign (Tunnel) is mandatory before the entrance to every tunnel longer than 500 metres. It indicates that the special rules for tunnels apply there.

What do the mandatory signs require?

• Snow chains required (Schneeketten vorgeschrieben): cars must use snow chains on at least two driven wheels.
• Waiting obligation in case of oncoming traffic (Wartepflicht bei Gegenverkehr): the driver travelling in the direction of the red arrow must wait.
• Cycle path without compulsory use (Radweg ohne Benützungspflicht): cyclists may use the cycle path but are not required to do so.

Frequently asked questions

Why is there a separate marking on a lamp post?

This is the sign for lamps that do not remain lit all night. It indicates that the lamp will be switched off while it is still dark.

What does the sign hanging from an overhead wire mean in Vienna?

At a controlled junction, it indicates that a tram may turn in the direction shown by the point of the sign even when the signal is yellow or red.

May I stop in a breakdown bay (Pannenbucht)?

Only in the event of a technical failure, emergency or danger, or for vehicles operated by road and breakdown recovery services.

Practical steps before driving

1. Check whether a zone sign is opening or ending a special traffic area.
2. Read supplementary signs carefully, especially for parking times, payment, loading exceptions and start times.
3. On rural and mountain roads, slow down when you see animal, crosswind, aircraft or other-danger warnings.
4. Count the red diagonal stripes on railway crossing markers to estimate the distance to the crossing.
5. Carry and use snow chains when the “Schneeketten vorgeschrieben” sign requires them on at least two driven wheels.
6. Follow the special rules displayed at tunnel entrances and never use a breakdown bay except for a technical failure, emergency or danger.

For official source material, see ris.bka.gv.at. This article is based on online sources and is not legal advice. Use the information at your own risk and consult a qualified professional if you need specific advice.