AK-SERVICE-TIP

What drivers should look out for on vacation

Bettina Schrittwieser from the Styrian Chamber of Labor gives tips on what to look out for when paying tolls when driving abroad.

(Bild: Krone KREATIV/AK Stmk, Expa)

In the anticipation of their vacation, drivers often forget to find out about toll charges in advance. This can lead to unpleasant surprises. Consumer protection expert Bettina Schrittwieser from AK Steiermark provides important tips. 

If you are going on vacation by car, you should find out in advance about the toll and parking fees in your vacation destination. If a digital vignette can be purchased, make sure that the license plate number is entered correctly.

If the barrier is open on the highway, as is the case in Italy, fees will still be charged. In this case, it is advisable to visit a contact person at the toll station or drive off at the next exit and announce that no ticket could be taken.

Caution with open barriers
If the barrier at a toll station is still open at the exit or opens even though nothing has been paid, the toll must still be paid. There is usually a time limit of 24 hours.

There are also a few things to bear in mind with regard to parking fees abroad: If you park without a valid parking ticket, you can expect to be charged an additional fee, but this can only be claimed several years later.

The limitation period can be several years. Anyone who has bought a parking ticket should therefore keep it. The same applies to toll charges. In Italy, the limitation period is ten years, in France and Spain even 15 years.