Vacationing by car: You should definitely follow these rules!

Vacationing by car: You should definitely follow these rules!

Planning a vacation by car is very popular among Austrians. According to a survey by ARBÖ, almost 45% of respondents want to go on vacation by car. The most popular travel destinations are Germany, Italy and Croatia. But before the trip starts, vacationers should find out about various important points in order to avoid unpleasant surprises.

A central aspect when traveling abroad is knowing the legal regulations, which can differ greatly from the Austrian regulations depending on the country. In Austria, for example, drivers can extend the “Pickerl”, the §57a assessment, by up to four months. However, this approach is not permitted abroad, which could catch many travelers unprepared. Furthermore, the red license plates for wheel and rear racks, which are widespread in Austria, are not recognized everywhere abroad.

Driving license regulations and carrying requirements

Another important point is the driver's license. The digital driving license is widespread in Austria, but an analog driving license is required abroad. The driving license classes should also be taken into account: The “Code 111” in the driving license allows you to drive motorcycles up to 125 cc, but the validity requirements vary considerably in other countries. In Italy and Latvia it is recognized without restrictions, while in Portugal the minimum age is 25 years. In the Czech Republic the code is only valid for automatic vehicles, while in Spain three years of Class B ownership is required.

Holidaymakers should also find out about local requirements such as fire extinguishers or spare lamps to avoid penalties. This is particularly important as the regulations here can vary greatly.

Winter tires and snow chains are mandatory

When traveling in the winter season, winter tires are also important. In Austria there is no general obligation to equip winter tires in the winter months, but drivers must install appropriate tires in wintry road conditions such as slush or icy roads. Winter tires must then be fitted to all wheels, while snow chains can be used on the drive wheels if the road is almost entirely covered with snow or ice. The markings permitted for winter tires include “M+S”, “M&S” and the Alpine symbol, with a minimum tread depth of 4mm for radial tires and 5mm for bias-ply tires.
These requirements apply in a time frame between November 1st and April 15th.

Particularly for vehicles over 3.5 tons, such as motorhomes, it is important that at least the wheels on the drive axle are equipped with winter tires. Many countries also stipulate that snow chains must be carried, especially when there are appropriate traffic signs. These must be fitted on all wheels of the driven axles and on 4WD vehicles this is required as per the manufacturer's recommendation.

Drivers traveling in winter should always pay close attention to the rules regarding winter tires and snow chains in order to avoid fines and accidents. In Austria, for example, there are fines of up to 5,000 euros if you endanger other road users.

In summary, careful preparation is essential to make your car vacation safe and enjoyable. From the specific road traffic regulations to the right tires – the better informed you are, the more relaxing your trip will be.