fine
Mobile phone at the wheel: Austria collects more
Using your cell phone while driving is prohibited. photo
© Melissa Erichsen/dpa
Travelers should not only heed the traffic rules for safety reasons: the country has adjusted the catalog of fines and now charges twice as much money for some violations as before.
As of today, anyone who makes a phone call and is caught behind the wheel without a hands-free system has to pay a significantly higher fine. With the change in the catalog of fines on May 1st, 100 instead of 50 euros will be due. Falling into a speed trap with a mobile phone can cost up to 140 euros instead of the previous 72 euros.
According to the authorities, more than 130,000 drivers with cell phones in their hands and without hands-free kits were fined in Austria last year. Driving a car without a seat belt or riding a motorcycle or moped without a safety helmet will cost you 50 instead of 35 euros if you are caught on the spot, and up to 100 euros if you report it.