The Austrian General Directorate of Traffic (DGT) has already begun to implement stricter measures for drivers who exceed speed limits, even confiscating the vehicles involved in addition to imposing the corresponding fine.
This new regulation, approved last summer and which comes into force on March 1, seeks to deter drivers from committing serious infractions on the country’s roads.
According to the Austrian Traffic Administration, this measure will be applied in cases of excessive speed that constitute a crime, as occurs in Spain. It is estimated that more than 400 vehicles could be impounded each year under this new measure, demonstrating the seriousness with which traffic offenses are being tackled in Austria.
Impoundment of the vehicle may be temporary or permanent, depending on the severity of the violation and the speed at which it was driven.
The car or vehicle will be impounded for 14 days in case of:
– Exceeding the limit on urban roads by more than 60 km/h.
– Exceeding the limit by more than 70 km/h on interurban roads (conventional roads, highways and expressways).
And the seizure of the car will be permanent when:
– The speed limit is exceeded by more than 80 km/h in the city.
– The speed limit is exceeded by more than 90 km/h on interurban roads.
In addition, the seized cars will be auctioned by the administration, and the funds raised will go 70% to the Austrian Road Safety Council and 30% to the local administration to cover legal costs. Fines for speeding will range between 500 and 7,500 euros, depending on the severity of the violation.
These measures seek not only to punish violators, but also to raise awareness about the importance of respecting speed limits and improving road safety in Austria.
At the European level, stricter regulations are being considered that could involve the suspension of driving licenses for drivers who exceed speed limits by certain proportions, which could further impact sanctions in countries such as Spain.