Austria is tightening the penalties for speeders. Anyone who drives faster than 80 kilometers per hour (km/h) in urban areas and faster than 90 km/h outside of urban areas must expect that their car will be confiscated and auctioned off. If you have a previous conviction or are a repeat traffic offender, your car can be impounded at speeds of more than 60 km/h in urban areas and more than 70 km/h outside of urban areas, as reported by the Austrian Automobile Club and the ADAC. If the vehicle does not belong to the driver, temporary confiscation is permitted for 14 days. This also applies to leasing or rental cars.
Vacationers should know this important rule. Because the new tough law also applies to them.
The smallest speeding offense becomes expensive
Three years ago, Austria significantly increased fines for speeding. Since then, anyone who drives 30 km/h too fast has to pay at least 150 euros. In particularly serious cases and for repeat offenders, the fine can rise to up to 5,000 euros.
In addition, if you exceed the speed limit by more than 40 km/h in urban areas and more than 50 km/h outside of urban areas, your driving license will be revoked for four weeks. For holidaymakers, the driving ban then only applies in Austria.
FOCUS Online recommends strictly adhering to the posted speed limits. This not only serves your own safety, but also that of other road users. Also, always drive with foresight and concentration. Unpredictable road traffic events often require quick reactions, and a high level of alertness can be crucial to avoid accidents.
Another important aspect is to completely avoid alcohol and other drugs before and during the journey. Even small amounts can significantly impair the ability to react and judge and increase the risk of serious traffic accidents.
Not an isolated case! Cars are also confiscated in Italy and Switzerland
In Italy, too, the police can confiscate the car and auction it off. This applies, for example, if you drove with more than 1.5 per mille or under the influence of drugs. The fine also increases to up to 6,000 euros and a driving ban for several years then applies in Italy.
Motorcyclists face confiscation if they do not wear a helmet or ride one-handed. The motorcycle can then be parked in the police yard or garage for up to 90 days. The parking fees and a fine of 85 euros must also be borne by the owner.
In Switzerland, courts decide whether a car should be auctioned off or scrapped after a serious traffic violation. This can be the case, for example, if you are racing through a 30 speed zone at 100 km/h or through a 50 speed zone at 200 km/h.
Poland is examining towing regulations for drunk driving
An upcoming change to the Criminal Code in Poland will also allow drivers to have their driving license revoked and their vehicle forfeited. So far there has only been talk of confiscation. The rule is intended to apply if drivers are caught driving at over 1.5 per mille or cause an accident at 0.5 per mille.