Last updated: 15.01.2024, 14:23 PM
By: Romina Kunze
CommentsPrint Share
Reckless driving is dangerous, that's for sure. Nevertheless, serious accidents occur again and again. In the future, Austria will tackle the problem at its roots.
Vienna – Hardly any other topic is as polarizing in Germany as driving. A general speed limit is being discussed particularly heatedly. Proponents see this as a relief for the environment and a measure to protect road users. Opponents, on the other hand, primarily advocate a policy of prohibition.
However, statistics show that speeding has been one of the main causes of serious accidents for years. Not only in Germany, but also throughout the EU. Neighbouring Austria is now taking tough action against speeders.
New speeding law in Austria from March 2024: If you drive too fast, you will soon not only be rid of the rag
The Alpine republic has made it its mission to drastically reduce the number of accidents by 2030. To this end, numerous mandatory measures have been introduced for 2024, including appropriate assistance systems. In the future, Austria will have absolutely no mercy for speeders – this is where the country is tightening the reins.
Anyone who drives significantly too fast and recklessly in Austria from 1 March 2024 will face severe penalties. In addition to a hefty fine and driver's license revocation, the car can be impounded in the event of an extreme speeding violation and subsequently auctioned. Even in the case of a single speeding violation, there is a risk of confiscation, as OE24, among others, reports. The corresponding amendment to the law prescribes the following action against speeders:
- Anyone driving at 60 km/h above the permitted limit in built-up areas is at risk of having their vehicle confiscated. The same applies to those who drive at 70 km/h faster than permitted outside built-up areas.
- If the speed exceeds 80 km/h in built-up areas and 90 km/h in rural areas, the car or motorcycle is also gone – but then a first offence is enough to permanently lose one's vehicle.
Until now, car and motorcycle drivers had to surrender their driver's licenses for a fine if they drove 40 km/h too much in urban areas and more than 50 km/h outside. As in Germany, a maximum speed of 50 km/h may be driven in built-up areas in Austria. On Austrian motorways, on the other hand, the speed limit is generally 130 km/h, and on some only 110 km/h are allowed.
Confiscated and auctioned: Austria takes action against speeders – punishment can also affect Germans
If the vehicle is permanently accepted due to particularly negligent and recklessly fast driving, it should then go under the hammer, according to OE24. 70 percent of the auctioned proceeds would benefit road safety funds, the rest would go into the coffers of the respective cities and municipalities, it is said.
My news
Five exchange students suddenly disappear – police are facing riddles
Eerie apparition at the marathon: Photo of sportswoman shows mysterious figure in bushes
Student revolt against statue of Greta Thunberg: University reaction is followed by sheer mockery
Flight staff reveals secret codes: If you are called "Philip" on the plane, you are in a bad wayread
Tragedy in Tyrol: Avalanche sweeps Munich to death
According to Eurojackpot statistics, these are the most common winning numbers.
Austria wants to confiscate vehicles belonging to speeders: What happens to cars that do not belong to the speeder?
Critics of the new regulation complain that the measures could bypass many speed offenders. For example, if the speeder is travelling in someone else's car, or for example in the case of rental and leasing vehicles. According to the change in the law, these could be confiscated, but not auctioned. In such cases, the amendment provides for a lifelong driving ban for the respective vehicle, which is to be entered in the respective vehicle documents.
The Brenner motorway is a motorway that runs from Innsbruck in Austria ( Brenner Autobahn, A 13 ) over the Brenner Pass to Modena in Italy ( Autostrada A22 ). © IMAGO/Manngold
According to the ADAC, foreign holidaymakers and thus also Germans are also affected by the new regulation in Austria - and thus have to fear for their vehicle in the event of extreme violations. Drivers from Germany should stick to the speed limits as much as possible and pay fines immediately, the automobile club recommends. Anyone who has ever driven on the motorway in Austria without a corresponding vignette should know this. As a rule, a fine notice follows a few weeks later.
Austria wants to reduce traffic accidents – from March 2024 confiscation of vehicles after speeding possible
In order to minimise traffic accidents, Austria had already tightened the rules for speeders in 2021, increasing fines to 5000 euros and extending driving bans. However, the deterrent measures have apparently not borne fruit. Now a further tightening from March 2024 has been decided. Experts estimate that 445 traffic offenders will be affected by the new rules every year, based on the previous speed violations.
In addition, the number of accidents has stagnated in recent years. The Ministry of Transport counted 396 traffic fatalities in 2023, with speeding being the second most common cause of fatal accidents (25.6 percent) after carelessness (27.3). Just before the turn of the year, two people died because the young novice driver had lost control of his high-horsepower Audi. "About 90 percent of all traffic accidents occur due to human error and misconduct," says David Nosé of the ÖAMTC.
"So there is still a lot of work to be done to further improve road safety," says Nosé on behalf of the automobile club, which generally welcomes the regulations of the Green Ministry of Transport led by Leonore Gewessler. However, minimal violations should not be lumped in with turf. And: the measures should be evidence-based on exact accident analyses, according to the ÖAMTC. (rku)