Austria boasts one of the most outstanding highway networks in Europe. Drivers who evade the motorway fee face strict penalties, as numerous cameras monitor the roads across various parts of the country.
In June 2023, a Romanian driver from Focșani did not pay the motorway fee in Austria and thought there would be no consequences. However, the license plate of his car was recorded by a camera system near Sankt Pölten, which he passed on June 27. The resulting fine amounted to 400 euros. Despite the Austrian authorities sending him several notices, he did not pay. Therefore, an Austrian court requested the Focșani Court to recognize and enforce the penalty imposed on him. According to Article 292 of Law 302/2004, the enforcement of a fine imposed due to violations by individuals or legal entities is mandatory if the penalty exceeds at least 70 euros or its equivalent in lei, and a final decision obliges the payer.
Last week, the Focșani Court recognized the 400 euro fine imposed by the Austrian authorities, which became final with an Austrian court decision in April 2024. The Romanian driver, affected by the Austrian penalty and who has not settled the fine for nearly a year and a half, can exercise his right to appeal within 10 days. To use Austrian roads, it is mandatory to purchase an e-vignette, the daily fee of which starts from 8.60 euros. Additionally, seven highway sections in Austria require a separate toll, with daily fees starting from 13.5 euros. This fee can be paid online or on-site when the driver enters the respective road section. The Romanian driver now faces a high fine because he thought he could avoid paying the motorway fee without consequences.
