19-Year-Old Without a License at 158 km/h Through an 80-Zone on Vienna's Südosttangente

Course of the Pursuit

Drugs were also seized during the operation. In addition, two noise measurements were carried out. The car was also provisionally confiscated in accordance with the provisions of the Road Traffic Act. A clinical examination by the medical officer confirmed the suspicion of drug impairment; the license was confiscated. Alternatively, according to police, a license confiscation was documented after refusal to submit to the medical officer based on the suspicion of drug impairment.

Extensive checks were carried out during the special operation: a total of 24 breathalyzer tests were administered. 14 on-the-spot penalty notices ("Organmandate") were issued. In addition, 38 reports were filed under the Road Traffic Act, the Driving License Act, and the Motor Vehicle Act.

The 19-year-old was reported multiple times and now must answer for several offenses. The amount of the expected fines as well as the duration of a possible withdrawal of driving privileges will be examined in further proceedings.

Consequences and Charges

The Südosttangente (A 23) is one of the most heavily used motorway sections in Vienna and is restricted to 80 km/h in some areas for noise protection reasons. Speed violations of this magnitude significantly increase the risk of serious accidents, particularly in the evening and nighttime hours, when traffic volume decreases but reaction time to unexpected obstacles remains crucial.

Vienna Police announced that such special operations on the Südosttangente and in adjacent urban areas would continue. The goal is to consistently remove both speeders and individuals without valid driving licenses from traffic, as the authority stated on Friday. The issuance of 14 on-the-spot penalty notices during the current operation also underscores the enforcement pressure.

The case also illustrates the risks of consuming intoxicating substances in road traffic. Since a clinical examination by the medical officer confirmed the suspicion of drug impairment, the 19-year-old faces separate proceedings under drug law in addition to speeding and license violations.

Background of the Special Operation

A total of 38 reports were filed under the Road Traffic Act, the Driving License Act, and the Motor Vehicle Act. This puts the number of reports in the current operation well above the average for comparable special operations, according to police sources.

The incident was reported by the news agency APA on July 24, 2026. The car was provisionally confiscated on the spot and is now being held for further criminal prosecution. The exact timing of any possible return depends on the outcome of the proceedings.