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Driving Safety: Austria vs Estonia - Key Differences

Driving in Austria and Estonia presents unique challenges and regulations that every traveler should understand. Key distinctions include speed limits, lane markings, and alcohol tolerance levels, with Austria allowing higher speeds and a more lenient alcohol limit compared to Estonia's stricter standards. Familiarizing yourself with these variations can significantly enhance your journey and ensure safer travels abroad.

Lanes

Markings: Solid Yellow Line
austria:
Used primarily near tram lines or in temporary roadworks.
estonia:
Marks the left edge on divided roads.
Markings: Dashed Yellow Line
austria:
Marks temporary lane changes or works in progress.
estonia:
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.
estonia:
Allowed on multi-lane roads or when the vehicle ahead is turning left.
Bus Lanes: Usage
austria:
Reserved for buses, taxis, and sometimes bicycles.
estonia:
Reserved for buses and sometimes taxis.
High- Occupancy Lanes: Requirements
austria:
N/A
estonia:
N/A

Speeds Limits

Rural Areas: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
100 km/h
estonia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Buses And Vans
austria:
80-100 km/h
estonia:
90 km/h
Rural Areas: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
70-80 km/h
estonia:
80 km/h
Highways: Cars And Motorcycles
austria:
130 km/h
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
Highways: Buses And Vans
austria:
100 km/h
estonia:
110 km/h (summer period: May to October)
Highways: Trucks And Trailers
austria:
80-100 km/h
estonia:
80-90 km/h
Enforcement: On-the- Spot Fines
austria:
Common; fines may also be mailed.
estonia:
Yes

Signals

Traffic Lights: Standard Sequence[ Index 1]
austria:
Amber
estonia:
Yellow
Traffic Lights: Red And Amber Together
austria:
Indicates upcoming green light; prepare to move.
estonia:
Not used in Estonia
Use Of Indicators: Roundabouts
austria:
Signal when entering and exiting
estonia:
Signal when exiting
Traffic Signs: Language
austria:
German; symbols are standard
estonia:
Estonian; symbols are standard
Traffic Signs: Warning
austria:
Triangular with red border
estonia:
Diamond-shaped with yellow background

Turns

Right Turn On Red
austria:
Not allowed unless indicated by a sign or traffic light
estonia:
Prohibited unless indicated by a sign
U- Turns Allowed
austria:
Prohibited in urban areas unless a sign permits it
estonia:
Allowed unless prohibited by signs

Documentation

Driver's License: Foreign: E U/ E E A
austria:
Accepted; International Driving Permit not needed
estonia:
Accepted for short visits; International Driving Permit recommended
Vehicle Inspection: Requirement
austria:
Yes, proof may be required
estonia:
Required every year; proof must be carried
Vehicle Inspection: Sticker
austria:
Displayed on license plate
estonia:
Displayed on the windshield

Alcohol

Limits: General Drivers
austria:
0.05%
estonia:
0.02%
Limits: Professional Drivers
austria:
0.01%
estonia:
0.00%
Limits: Underage Drivers
austria:
0.01%
estonia:
0.00%; zero tolerance
Enforcement: Random Checks
austria:
Common
estonia:
Common; checkpoints used
Enforcement: Fines
austria:
Substantial; varies by offense
estonia:
Varies; can be substantial

Emergency Services

Contact: Traffic Police
austria:
133
estonia:
112
Contact: Roadside Assistance
austria:
120 (ÖAMTC) or 123 (ARBÖ)
estonia:
Check with your insurance provider

Penalties And Fines

Common Fines: Speeding
austria:
Varies; €30 to €2,180, points on license
estonia:
Varies; substantial fines apply
Common Fines: Seat Belts
austria:
Fines apply
estonia:
Fines apply, points on license
Payment: On The Spot
austria:
Common
estonia:
Yes
Payment: Deadline
austria:
Varies; typically 14 days to pay
estonia:
Varies; typically must pay within specified period to avoid additional penalties