Harsher penalties for speeders in Austria

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Harsher penalties for speeders in Austria
Jorg Kunstle

counselor

traffic & business

Harsher penalties for speeders in Austria

Harsher penalties for speeders in Austria
Higher fines and confiscation

The fine for extreme speeding in Austria will be increased to 5,000 euros. In particularly dangerous cases, the vehicle can be confiscated.


Dina Dervisevic

March 17, 2021

In this article:

  • Upper fine limit more than doubled
  • Earlier and longer driving license withdrawal
  • Confiscation of the vehicle
  • Top speeds in Austria
  • Conclusion

Higher fines, driving license revocation and confiscation of the vehicle – in Austria the penalties for speeders are getting tougher, with the focus on extreme speeders and unteachable repeat offenders.

Upper fine limit more than doubled

For particularly fast driving, the fine is increased from 2,180 euros to 5,000 euros. This upper limit of the fine is only to be feared in very serious cases and in the case of repeat offenders. “If a German speedster is caught in Austria, he should pay immediately, because fines can be enforced across Europe.”, so the advice of the ADAC.

There is no uniform catalog of fines as in Germany in Austria. Only these stand for many offenses “Entry-level”-Fines fixed. The actual amount is then determined by the officials. So far they could impose a fine of up to 2,180 euros for a speed violation of over 50 km / h. From summer 2021, the upper limit is now 5,000 euros.

Earlier and longer driving license withdrawal

Up until now, driving licenses in Austria threatened to be withdrawn too quickly from 40 km / h in urban areas and too quickly outside of urban areas at over 50 km / h. The Austrian government is planning to lower the limit values ​​by 10 km / h each: 30 km / h in urban areas and 40 km / h in rural areas. If the speed limit is exceeded by more than 40 km / h in built-up areas and more than 50 km / h outside built-up areas, the minimum withdrawal period for the driver’s license should also be doubled from two to four weeks.

The ADAC points out that the planned measures to withdraw driving licenses for German drivers generally only have an impact on driving licenses in Austria.

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Confiscation of the vehicle

In particularly dangerous cases of extreme frenzy, the vehicle is to be confiscated in the future. “Specifically, the speed limit in the local area should be 80 km / h, outside at 90 km / h above the permitted value. The package also provides for the withdrawal period to be significantly extended in the event of such violent violations. In the event of repetition, if the speed limit is exceeded, the driver’s license will be gone for three months.”, according to information from the dpa. Non-Austrians can also be affected by this measure.

However, the vehicle seizure regulation will not come into force in summer 2021, but is planned for the end of the year. Legal questions still need to be clarified here, for example how to proceed if the vehicle belongs to a third person.

Top speeds in Austria

The generally permissible maximum speed for vehicles and motorcycles in the local area is 50 km / h, outside the local area 100 km / h and on motorways 130 km / h. Exceptions that prescribe lower speeds are possible.

opinion poll

How effective do you think stricter penalties for speeders are??

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That brings something.

Better than nothing.

Speeders don’t intimidate more severe penalties

Conclusion

The racing discussions in Austria have recently become more heated and emotional. At the latest after the speeder crash in Salzburg, in which a 17-year-old was killed, it was foreseeable that Transport Minister Leonore Gewessler (Greens) would now implement the measures presented in autumn 2020. The majority of Austrians welcomed the new regulations as they focus on extreme speeders.

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