Speeding in Austria: Fines, Licence Withdrawal and Vehicle Seizure in 2026

In Austria, serious speeding can result in more than a financial penalty. Your driving licence may be withdrawn and, in extreme cases, your vehicle may be temporarily seized or confiscated. The following overview explains the main consequences in 2026.

When can speeding lead to licence withdrawal?

Driving licence withdrawal (Führerscheinentzug) is one of the consequences of serious traffic offences in Austria. Speeding is included, but only once the speed limit has been exceeded by a specified amount.

The excess speed must be established using a technical device (technisches Hilfsmittel), such as a laser speed measurement device or a calibrated speed measuring instrument. At these higher speeds, you may not be allowed to continue driving: the police can take your licence temporarily at the roadside, after which a decision is made about the actual withdrawal.

The thresholds depend on whether the offence occurred in a built-up area (Ortsgebiet). A lower excess speed is enough for serious consequences inside a built-up area.

Fines and withdrawal periods for a first offence

The table published by oesterreich.gv.at, last updated on 1 January 2026, gives the following consequences for a first offence:

• More than 40 km/h over the limit in a built-up area, or more than 50 km/h outside a built-up area: a fine of 300-5000 €, and licence withdrawal for 1 month.
• More than 60 km/h over the limit in a built-up area, or more than 70 km/h outside a built-up area: a fine of 500-7500 €, and licence withdrawal for at least 3 months.
• More than 80 km/h over the limit in a built-up area, or more than 90 km/h outside a built-up area: a fine of 500-7500 €, licence withdrawal for at least 6 months, and further training.

Further training (Nachschulung) is a compulsory course that may be ordered alongside licence withdrawal. If you do not complete the required measures, the withdrawal period is extended.

What happens after repeated speeding?

For speeding offences, the relevant observation period is four years. If you commit another speeding offence that carries licence withdrawal during this period, it is treated as a repeat offence. After four years, a new case is treated as a first offence again.

• A further excess of 40-60 km/h in a built-up area or 50-70 km/h outside a built-up area: a fine of 300-5000 € and licence withdrawal for at least 3 months.
• Any other combination, including at least one higher excess: a fine of 300-5000 €; above 60/70 km/h, the fine is 500-7500 €. Licence withdrawal is for at least 6 months.

If at least one of the repeated offences involved exceeding the limit by more than 80/90 km/h, further training is also required. Repeating an excess of more than 80/90 km/h additionally leads to an official medical examination (Amtsarzt) and a traffic-psychological assessment.

There is an additional rule where an entry already exists in the register under the warning-point system (Vormerksystem). If you commit an offence carrying licence withdrawal within two years, the withdrawal period is extended by two weeks for every entry.

When can a vehicle be seized or confiscated?

Since 1 March 2024, extreme speeding (Raserei) can also have consequences for the vehicle. There are two levels:

• More than 60 km/h over the limit in a built-up area, or more than 70 km/h outside a built-up area: the vehicle can be temporarily seized (vorläufige Beschlagnahme) for up to two weeks. Permanent seizure and confiscation (Verfall) may follow if the driving licence was already withdrawn during the previous four years because of speeding above 40/50 km/h or particularly dangerous and reckless driving.
• More than 80 km/h over the limit in a built-up area, or more than 90 km/h outside a built-up area: temporary seizure is possible, and seizure and confiscation can also be considered without a previous licence withdrawal.

During the two-week period, the authorities decide whether the vehicle will remain seized and assess whether confiscation is necessary to deter the offender from committing similar offences in the future.

What if the vehicle belongs to someone else?

The temporary seizure of up to two weeks also applies to a borrowed or rented vehicle. Instead of confiscation, the driver may receive a driving ban (Lenkverbot) for the vehicle used in the offence. This ban applies for an indefinite period and also affects the owner: the owner may no longer lend that vehicle to the person concerned.

A vehicle used in an illegal street race (Straßenrennen) can also be seized if an excess of more than 60/70 km/h is established.

Dangerous situations and other serious offences

The speed alone is not always the only factor. Particularly dangerous driving can include significant speeding near schools, kindergartens, pedestrian crossings (Schutzweg) or cycle crossings, as well as taking part in an illegal street race.

The consequences can include a fine of 36-2180 euros, licence withdrawal for at least 6 months and further training. In a repeat case within 4 years, an official medical examination and a traffic-psychological assessment may also be required.

Frequently asked questions

At what speed over the limit can you lose your licence in Austria?

For a first offence, licence withdrawal can apply when the excess is more than 40 km/h in a built-up area or more than 50 km/h outside a built-up area, provided the speed was measured using a technical device. The initial withdrawal period is 1 month.

What is the highest speeding fine?

For exceeding the limit by more than 60 km/h in a built-up area or more than 70 km/h outside a built-up area, the fine can be between 500 and 7500 euros.

How long does a previous speeding offence count?

Four years. A further speeding offence carrying licence withdrawal during that period is treated as a repeat offence. After four years, the new offence is treated as a first offence.

Can Austrian speeding fines be enforced abroad?

Foreign traffic fines can be enforced if both the state where the offence occurred and the state of residence have adopted the law on cross-border enforcement. Austria and many other EU countries have done so.

Practical steps after a serious speeding offence

1. Check whether the alleged speed was measured with a technical device and whether the relevant built-up-area threshold applies.
2. Do not continue driving if the police have temporarily taken your licence or ordered a vehicle seizure.
3. Check the notice carefully for the fine, withdrawal period, further training and any medical or traffic-psychological assessment.
4. If the vehicle is borrowed or rented, inform the owner or rental company immediately about any seizure or Lenkverbot.
5. Obtain professional legal advice if you face licence withdrawal, vehicle confiscation or a repeat-offence allegation.

This article is based on information available online and does not constitute legal advice. Use the information at your own responsibility. For professional advice, contact a lawyer or other relevant specialist.

Sources: oesterreich.gv.at, bmimi.gv.at