Hiring A Car In Austria With Winter Tyres

Austria attracts over 20 million tourists annually, whether that is to visit the old castles and palaces or to hit the slopes. Although a lot of people visit Austria in the summer, there is a large amount who visit in the Winter season. With ski resorts and other places of interest a considerable distance from the airport, a lot of tourists choose to hire a car for their holiday.

If you are travelling in Winter, there is a lot you need to know. Luckily for you, we have done all the research for you and compiled it into one blog. All the information you need related to winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks in Austria is in this blog.

is It A Legal Requirement To Have Winter Tyres In Austria?

Yes, if you travel between the 1st November and the 15th April you must have winter tyres equipped on your car. The good news for you is that the cost of Winter tyres is included in the cost of your rental and are fit as standard.

do I Need Snow Chains In Austria?

Yes, in some areas, in particular mountainous regions, you will be required to use snow chains. Although it is possible to travel in Austria and not use snow chains once, it is always best to have them just in case. Failure to use snow chains in the required areas can result in a hefty fine. On top of that, if you have an accident and you should have used snow chains but didn’t, it is automatically considered to be your fault. Snow chains can be requested with your supplier for around £40 for 1 week.

what Else Should I Consider?

If you are planning to use your hire car for a ski trip, you may need a ski rack, these are available from the supplier, but will incur an extra cost of around £40 per week. Please be aware that the ski racks are made to hold a maximum of 2 sets of skis, if you are travelling as a family this may not be suitable. Alternatively, it might work better to hire a larger car in order to fit the skis in.

If you plan on going across the border with cross border car hire, you need to research the legal requirements of the countries you intend to visit. If any of the countries you plan to visit by law require you to have snow chains, winter tyres or anything else specific, this must be arranged when booking the hire car. Failure to meet these laws can void your insurance and get you in trouble with the local law enforcement. Always check local driving laws before you travel to avoid any problems.

When hiring a car, we always recommend that you call us, especially when you have specific requirements. Our dedicated team of specialists can answer any questions you have and ensure you have a stress-free car hire. Contact our team today!

Having worked in the car rental industry for over 15 years, he really knows his stuff. Rob heads up our marketing department and as a keen traveller, always has a new location to talk about. Particularly if there is a golf course nearby.