Frequently Asked Questions
The following questions address the most common enquiries we receive about our service, Austrian road regulations, and practical driving information. If your question is not answered here, please contact us.
What exactly does your service do?
DriveAssist Austria is an online information and coordination desk. We provide road information for Austria and Germany and help coordinate connections with local roadside service providers. We do not operate our own fleet of vehicles.
Are you an emergency service?
No. We are not an emergency service. If you are involved in an accident, have injuries, or face a life-threatening situation, call 112 immediately. For roadside breakdown in Austria, ÖAMTC (120) and ARBÖ (123) operate 24/7.
Do I need an Austrian motorway vignette?
Yes, if you drive on ASFINAG-managed motorways and expressways in Austria, you must display a valid vignette. Options include a 10-day, 2-month, or annual vignette. Some routes (e.g., Brenner, Tauern) also require separate section tolls.
Are winter tyres mandatory in Austria?
Austria does not have a blanket mandatory winter tyre law, but drivers must use tyres appropriate for winter conditions when snow, ice, or slush is present. In practice, winter tyres (or all-season tyres marked M+S) are strongly recommended from October to April, especially in alpine regions.
How long does it take to get a response?
We aim to acknowledge all enquiries within a few hours during business hours (Monday–Friday, 08:00–18:00 CET). A substantive response is typically provided within 1–2 working days. We cannot guarantee response times from third-party service providers.
What information should I provide when requesting assistance?
Please include: your exact location (road, kilometre marker, nearest town), vehicle details (make, model, registration), description of the issue, your contact email, and any relevant context (e.g., travelling with children, medical equipment in vehicle).
Can you help with cross-border breakdowns?
We can provide information and attempt to coordinate assistance for breakdowns near the Austrian border with Germany, Italy, Slovenia, Hungary, Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Cross-border coordination is more complex and may take longer.
Do you cover German motorways?
Our primary coverage is Austria. We provide information about major German motorway corridors relevant to Austria–Germany travel (A8, A93, A3, A96, A9) and can attempt coordination for breakdowns on these routes, subject to partner availability.
What happens if a service provider doesn't arrive?
If a confirmed service provider fails to arrive within the agreed timeframe, contact us immediately. We will attempt to arrange an alternative. However, we cannot be held responsible for the conduct of third-party providers.
How do I make a complaint?
Email us at [email protected] with the subject 'Complaint'. Include your name, the date of your enquiry, a description of the issue, and your desired outcome. We aim to respond within 10 working days.
Is my personal data safe?
We take data protection seriously. We do not use tracking cookies, do not sell your data, and retain contact information for a maximum of 24 months. See our Privacy Policy for full details.
Can I use this service from outside Austria?
Yes. You can contact us from anywhere. Our service is primarily designed for drivers who are in Austria or Germany, or who are planning to travel there.