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Driving in Austria vs. China: Key Differences Explained

Discover the fascinating contrasts between driving regulations in Austria and China. From lane usage and speed limits to alcohol consumption guidelines, this comparison reveals essential variations that affect road safety. While Austria mandates reflective vests, China showcases distinct traffic signals. Familiarize yourself with these crucial distinctions to ensure a secure driving experience abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
austria:
Used primarily near tram lines or in temporary roadworks.
china:
Separates directions on multi-lane roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
austria:
Marks temporary lane changes or works in progress.
china:
Marks centerline on two-way roads; passing permitted when safe.
Overtaking: On Right
austria:
Allowed only in certain situations such as when the vehicle ahead is signaling a left turn.
china:
Allowed in certain cases; check local rules.
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas
austria:
List length: 5
china:
List length: 4
Overtaking: Prohibited Areas[ Index 3]
austria:
Pedestrian crossings
china:
Railroad crossings
Lane Usage: Slow Vehicles
austria:
Use rightmost lane.
china:
Use rightmost lane if possible.
Bus Lanes: Usage
austria:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes bicycles.
china:
Reserved for buses; other vehicles during off-peak hours in some places.
Bus Lanes: Markings
austria:
Labeled 'BUS' or 'BUS ONLY'; often with road signs.
china:
Labeled with lane signs and often painted lanes.
Cycle Lanes: Usage
austria:
Exclusive for bicycles.
china:
Exclusive for bicycles and electric bikes.
Cycle Lanes: Markings
austria:
Bicycle symbols and colored pavement.
china:
Bicycle symbols and sometimes different texture or color.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Presence
austria:
No
china:
Yes
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
austria:
N/A
china:
Usually for vehicles with two or more occupants

Speeds Limits

Urban Areas: Standard
austria:
50 km/h
china:
40-60 km/h
Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
100 km/h
china:
70-90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
austria:
80-100 km/h
china:
70-80 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
70-80 km/h
china:
60-80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
130 km/h
china:
100-120 km/h
Highways: Buses And Vans
austria:
100 km/h
china:
90-100 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
austria:
Common; fines may also be mailed.
china:
Yes, especially in urban areas

Signals

Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
austria:
Indicates upcoming green light; prepare to move.
china:
Not used in China
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
austria:
Signal when entering and exiting
china:
Signal when exiting
Horn Usage: Prohibited Times
austria:
Unnecessary use discouraged; local ordinances may apply
china:
Restricted in some urban areas to reduce noise pollution
Traffic Signs: Language
austria:
German; symbols are standard
china:
Chinese; symbols also used
Traffic Signs: Warning
austria:
Triangular with red border
china:
Triangular shape with red borders

Turns

Right Turn On Red
austria:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign or traffic light
china:
Allowed unless prohibited by a sign; varies by locality
U- Turns Allowed
austria:
Prohibited in urban areas unless a sign permits it
china:
Allowed unless prohibition is indicated by road signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Requirement
austria:
Valid driver's license required
china:
Valid Chinese driver's license required
Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
austria:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not needed
china:
International Driving Permit required for short visits
Driver's License: Foreign: Non- E U
austria:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
china:
International Driving Permit and temporary Chinese license usually required
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
austria:
Yes, proof may be required
china:
Yes, periodic inspection required for vehicles
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
austria:
Displayed on license plate
china:
Displayed on windshield
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
austria:
Mandatory
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Road Etiquette

Use Of Horn: Cultural Norm
austria:
Less frequent use compared to some countries
china:
Frequent use in cities such as Beijing and Shanghai
Emergency Vehicles: Protocol
austria:
Pull over to the right and stop if necessary
china:
Pull over to the side and stop if necessary

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
austria:
0.05%
china:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
austria:
0.01%
china:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
austria:
0.01%
china:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
austria:
Common
china:
Common, especially near bars and clubs
Enforcement: Fines
austria:
Substantial; varies by offense
china:
Severe fines, license suspension possible
Test Refusal
austria:
Can result in license suspension
china:
Can result in license suspension and legal penalties

Roundabouts

Lane Usage: Right
austria:
Use for first exit or straight
china:
Use for first exit or straight ahead

Emergency Services

Contact: General Emergency
austria:
112
china:
110
Contact: Traffic Police
austria:
133
china:
Same as general emergency; 110
Contact: Roadside Assistance
austria:
120 (ÖAMTC) or 123 (ARBÖ)
china:
Check with your insurance provider
Emergency Equipment: Reflective Vest
austria:
Mandatory
china:
Not mandatory, but recommended

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
austria:
Varies; €30 to €2,180, points on license
china:
Varies; ¥200 to ¥2,000, points on license
Common Fines: Seat Belts
austria:
Fines apply
china:
¥50 to ¥200
Common Fines: Phone Use
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
china:
Fines and points on license
Common Fines: Traffic Light Violation
austria:
Fines apply, points on license
china:
Fines and points on license
Payment: On The Spot
austria:
Common
china:
Possible; fines often paid online or at banks
Payment: Deadline
austria:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
china:
Varies; typically 15 to 30 days to pay