Two Interesting Austrian Traffic Signs

When travelling in Austria, you may often come across the following two signs. What do they mean, and which restrictions apply? This guide explains the rules for the Fußgängerzone and Schulstraße.

Pedestrian zone – Fußgängerzone

All vehicle traffic is prohibited in a pedestrian zone, except for emergency-service vehicles, ambulances, fire engines and police vehicles, including when their blue lights are not switched on. Vehicles used for road maintenance, waste collection and repairs are also exempt.

Driving is also permitted for people identified on a supplementary sign, such as taxi drivers, cyclists or people carrying out loading activities.

If passage is permitted, vehicles must travel through the pedestrian zone at walking speed: 5 km/h. When leaving the pedestrian zone, you must give way to vehicles travelling on the road.

School zone – Schulstraße

Roads or areas in the immediate vicinity of school buildings may be designated as special school zones if this serves the safety, smooth flow and unobstructed movement of traffic. When introducing the measure, the school days and the times at which school starts and ends are taken into account.

Vehicle traffic is restricted, although certain exceptions are permitted. Walking on the road is allowed, but pedestrians must not deliberately obstruct permitted vehicle traffic.

Permitted exceptions

Vehicles are generally prohibited, with exceptions including:

• bicycles;
• ambulance transport;
• vehicles used to transport students;
• waste-collection vehicles;
• public-order and fire-service vehicles;
• operator and public-transport vehicles;
• vehicle-recovery services;
• vehicles providing assistance in the event of a breakdown; and
• cars belonging to local residents who live in the area.

The authorities may be entitled to approve exceptions for the journeys of people living there, such as visiting local residents.

Drivers must not obstruct or endanger pedestrians. For road-safety reasons, they must keep an appropriate lateral distance from objects or facilities beside the road. They may travel only at slow speed.

Persons authorised by the authorities may install mechanical barriers, provided that these do not obstruct permitted vehicle traffic.

Practical steps when you see these signs

1. Check whether a supplementary sign identifies vehicles or activities that are permitted.
2. In a Fußgängerzone, drive only if an exception applies and keep to 5 km/h when passage is permitted.
3. When leaving a pedestrian zone, give way to vehicles on the road.
4. In a Schulstraße, expect restricted vehicle traffic and give pedestrians priority by avoiding obstruction or danger.
5. Drive slowly and maintain an appropriate lateral distance from roadside objects and facilities.