Driving in Austria: Licence Validity, Exchanges and Codes

If you drive in Austria with an EU driving licence or exchange it for an Austrian card, it is useful to understand the numbers and codes printed on it. EU driving licences follow a standard system, so the entries are interpreted in Austria in the same way as in the issuing country.

Why is an EU driving licence understood in Austria?

Special entries on a driving licence can only be recorded using number codes that are standardised across the EU and EEA. This allows them to be interpreted correctly in another member state.

For example, a code relating to eyesight requirements has the same meaning during a police check in Austria as it does in the issuing country. The codes are divided into five groups:

• Driver and medical reasons: codes 01 to 03
• Vehicle adaptations: codes 10 to 50
• Restricted use: codes 61 to 69
• Administrative matters: codes 70 to 97
• Codes valid only in Austria: codes 104 to 116

What appears on a replacement or exchanged licence?

When a licence is exchanged (Umtausch), the new licence shows code 70. This records the number of the previous licence and the country that issued it. For example: “70.0123456789. NL” means that a Dutch driving licence was exchanged.

If a card is replaced because it was lost or damaged, code 71 identifies the duplicate (Duplikat). An example is: “71.987654321. HR”.

How long is an Austrian driving licence valid?

Austrian bank-card-format driving licences (Scheckkartenführerschein) issued from 19 January 2013 are valid for 15 years. The relevant details are shown on the front of the card:

• Field 4a: date of issue
• Field 4b: expiry date
• Field 4c: issuing authority
• Field 5: driving licence number

The first fields contain the surname (1), given name (2), and date and place of birth (3). On the back of the card, the start and end of validity are shown for each category, together with the relevant number codes.

Common driving licence codes

• 01.01: glasses
• 01.02: contact lenses
• 01.06: glasses or contact lenses
• 78: automatic-transmission vehicles only
• 96: category B vehicle with a trailer over 750 kg, where the combined maximum authorised mass is over 3500 kg but no more than 4250 kg
• 95: certificate of professional competence, until the stated date
• 68: no alcohol

Glasses and contact lenses

If your licence shows code 01.01, you may not use contact lenses instead of glasses. If you want to wear contact lenses, the code must be changed. Where either glasses or contact lenses is permitted, the relevant code is 01.06.

Codes valid only in Austria

The following codes are entered only on Austrian driving licences:

• 104: the entitlement must be extended subject to medical check-ups.
• 110: extension of the probationary period (Probezeit); 110.01 is the first extension, 110.02 the second and 110.03 the third, until the stated date.
• 111: authorisation to ride a motorcycle under a specified provision of the Austrian Driving Licence Act (FSG).
• 114: category B authorisation to drive a three-wheeled motor vehicle before the 21st birthday.
• 115: with category A2, authorisation to ride any motorcycle with a maximum power of 25 kW and a maximum power-to-weight ratio of 0.16 kW/kg.
• 116: with category A, authorisation to drive a four-wheeled motor vehicle with a maximum unladen mass of 400 kg.

Code 105 was discontinued on 1 November 2008. Codes 112 and 113 ceased to apply on 1 January 2021.

How to recognise an original Austrian card

The Austrian driving licence is made from polycarbonate and includes several security features, including:

• the “A” country mark for Austria,
• a photograph, personal data and signature burned in by laser,
• a tilt image showing either the photograph or the date of birth depending on the viewing angle,
• a kinegram showing either the outline of Austria or a coat of arms depending on the viewing angle,
• ink that changes between green and gold,
• tactile vehicle-shaped patterns on the card.

Frequently asked questions

What does code 70 mean on an Austrian driving licence?

It means that the card was issued by exchanging a previous driving licence. The previous licence number and the issuing country follow the code.

Can I wear contact lenses if my licence shows code 01.01?

No. Code 01.01 means glasses. The code must be changed if you want to use contact lenses. If both options should be permitted, code 01.06 is required.

How long is an Austrian bank-card-format licence valid?

Cards issued from 19 January 2013 are valid for 15 years. The expiry date appears in field 4b.

Do the codes have the same meaning on licences from different EU and EEA countries?

Codes from 01 to 97 are standardised across the EU and EEA. Codes from 104 to 116, however, are used only in Austria.

Practical steps

1. Check the front of your licence, especially fields 4a, 4b, 4c and 5.
2. Read the codes on the back by category and confirm the conditions attached to your driving entitlement.
3. If code 01.01 is listed but you want to use contact lenses, arrange for the code to be changed.
4. If your licence was exchanged or replaced, check the details recorded under code 70 or 71.
5. For an Austrian-only code or a medical restriction, seek clarification from the relevant Austrian authority before driving.

Source: oesterreich.gv.at

This information is based on publicly available sources and does not constitute professional advice. Use it at your own responsibility. If you need specialist advice, contact a lawyer, legal professional, healthcare professional, employment specialist or another relevant expert.