Higher Penalties for Speeders: Austria Aims to Standardize Traffic Fines by 2027

Specifically, penalties for serious speeding offenses are to be raised. Those driving more than 30 km/h over the limit will in future face 200 to 5,000 euros instead of the previous 150 to 5,000 euros. For exceeding the limit by more than 40 km/h in built-up areas or more than 50 km/h outside built-up areas, the penalty range is to rise from the previous 300 to 5,000 euros to 400 to 6,000 euros.

Hanke cited accident statistics as the reason. In 2025, the number of traffic accidents with injuries and fatalities in Austria rose significantly. While in 2024 around 14 percent of all accidents with injuries were attributable to inappropriate speed, this share was already over 16 percent in 2025. Hanke described the rise in serious traffic accidents as a result of excessive speed as "particularly alarming" ("besonders besorgniserregend").

Justification: Rise in Serious Accidents

"Consistent and uniform nationwide regulations make an important contribution to preventing serious accidents," emphasized Mobility Minister Peter Hanke (SPÖ) on Wednesday. Every fatal traffic accident is one too many, and this must finally come to an end, Hanke continued. From 2027, the penalties are to be uniform throughout Austria, according to the Ministry of Transport.

In addition to the higher penalties for speeders, a standardization is also planned for offenses without a direct connection to road safety. For certain parking violations, the penalty level is to be raised nationwide to the highest existing level in the respective state.

Criticism from the Opposition

However, the planned measures do not meet with approval everywhere. The FPÖ sharply criticized the plans. "The losing coalition has evidently discovered a new business model to finance its catastrophic debt policy," said FPÖ General Secretary Christian Hafenecker. From the opposition came the accusation that, under the guise of road safety, "an unprecedented raid on the wallets of Austrians is being launched."

The amendment to the Road Traffic Act provides that the new penalty ranges and nationwide standardization are to take effect from 2027. Until then, the parliamentary review is ongoing, during which statements from the states, interest groups, and motoring clubs will be obtained.

Outlook: Review and Entry into Force in 2027

The reform is also set against the background of a broader debate on the enforcement of traffic rules in Austria. Auctions of speeders' cars, which had brought in around 45,580 euros last year, are seen as an example of the fact that the existing sanction mechanisms have only limited financial effects. The government is now relying on higher penalties and more prevention to reduce the number of serious accidents.

It remains unclear how the higher penalties will affect actual driving behavior. Supporters point to studies showing that an increase in fines can measurably improve compliance with speed limits. Critics counter that above all education, the density of controls, and the expansion of safe infrastructure are decisive for road safety.

The next steps will take place within the framework of the review, the results of which are to be incorporated into the final version of the amendment. Entry into force of the new regulations is expected from 2027 – subject to the parliamentary process.