Free digital vignette: This is how people with disabilities benefit!

Free digital vignette: This is how people with disabilities benefit!

A new regulation for issuing free motorway vignettes for people with disabilities has been in effect since December 1, 2019. This measure offers those affected a digital permanent vignette, which can only be applied for through the local registration office. The Ministry of Social Affairs is no longer responsible for the output; instead, data is passed on automatically between the relevant departments in order to make the process easier. Free access to the road network is intended to promote the mobility of people with disabilities who rely on their vehicle.

In order to receive a free digital vignette, various requirements must be met. Applicants need a disability pass that shows either the unreasonable use of public transport or blindness. In addition, the motor vehicle for which the vignette is requested must be registered exclusively to the person with the disability pass and must have a technically permissible total mass of a maximum of 3.5 tons. Only one free digital vignette for a vehicle license plate can be applied for per person, but several vehicles with interchangeable license plates are covered by this regulation.

Details on how to apply

The application for the digital vignette can either be submitted directly to the registration office or is done automatically for vehicles that are exempt from motor-related insurance tax. If the check is positive, the license plate will be registered in the ASFINAG toll system free of charge. This registration must be done before the next use of toll routes that require a vignette. It is recommended to check the validity of the digital vignette at least once a year in January.

Another aspect is the reimbursement of the vignette costs. If a vignette was purchased in advance, reimbursement of costs can be requested from ASFINAG. For this refund, documents such as a copy of the registration certificate and the disability pass as well as the invoice or product ID of the digital annual vignette are required. ASFINAG can also request that further evidence be submitted.

Changes and Deadlines

From December 1, 2023, there will be an automated option to discount a multi-trip ticket for those eligible. This discount applies to multi-lane motor vehicles and is relevant for people with a disability card who meet the relevant conditions. Regarding the motor-related insurance tax, applicants should note that electric vehicles will no longer be exempt from this tax from April 1, 2025. This regulation is part of the Budget Restructuring Measures Act 2025.

It is important to note that as of December 1, 2019, a parking permit (§ 29b StVO) is no longer recognized as proof of exemption from motor-related insurance tax. The registration office checks all applications thoroughly to ensure that the vehicles meet the required criteria and that the disability pass is valid.

ASFINAG is informed about changes to the vehicle license plate and re-registration is free of charge. If a vehicle is deregistered, the license plate will be deleted from the toll system. In summary, these regulations make it easier for those affected to access an important part of the transport network and contribute to the independence of people with disabilities.

Further information on the digital free vignette and the corresponding regulations can be found at OEAMTC, BMF and ASFINAG can be accessed.