# Austrian Ersatzmaut letter: EUR 200 in 2026, the 4-week rule and what follows

> The Austrian replacement toll (Ersatzmaut) for driving without a valid vignette: EUR 200 since 2026, 4 weeks from the issue date, penalties if unpaid, plate typos and the 18-day rule.

- Web page: https://finecheck.neatfix.app/guides/austria-ersatzmaut-vignette-letter
- Facts checked: 14 November 2026 (2026-11-14)
- Other languages: [Deutsch](https://finecheck.neatfix.app/de/guides/oesterreich-ersatzmaut.md), [Polski](https://finecheck.neatfix.app/pl/guides/austria-ersatzmaut-winieta.md)
- FineCheck is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. We provide general information and self-help documents that you complete, sign and send yourself. We do not represent you, we do not contact authorities for you, we never collect fines, and we cannot promise any result.

## What it is

If ASFINAG finds no valid vignette for your plate, it offers you to settle with the **Ersatzmaut** instead of a penalty. For cars it is **EUR 200 since 1 January 2026** (before: EUR 120). It must be paid within **4 weeks of the date the letter was issued** – not from delivery.

## If you do not pay

The case goes to the district authority: an *Anonymverfügung* of up to EUR 365 (no appeal), then a *Strafverfügung* of EUR 300–3,000 (objection within 2 weeks). Austria can enforce in Germany from EUR 25 and at roadside checks on later trips.

## Common traps

- Typos in the plate or country (AT instead of DE, hyphen in the wrong place) count as no vignette.
- Online-bought 2-month and annual digital vignettes are valid only from the **18th day** after purchase.

## What to do

If you had no valid vignette, paying the EUR 200 within 4 weeks is usually the cheapest outcome. If you had one (keep the confirmation), ask ASFINAG to review. Fake e-mails asking for card details "within 24 hours" are scams.

## Official links

- ASFINAG (official operator): https://www.asfinag.at/
- EVZ – vignette offences in Austria (31 Mar 2026): https://www.evz.de/reisen-verkehr/auto/bussgelder-aus-ausland/vignettenverstoss-oesterreich.html

## Sources

- EVZ – Vignettenverstoß Österreich (31 Mar 2026): https://www.evz.de/reisen-verkehr/auto/bussgelder-aus-ausland/vignettenverstoss-oesterreich.html
- oesterreich.gv.at – Vignette: https://www.oesterreich.gv.at/themen/mobilitaet/kfz/10/Vignette-und-Maut/Vignette-fuer-Fahrzeuge-bis-3,5-t

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