Headlight requirement for drivers in Austria

Drivers heading to Austria for a ski holiday are currently being unsettled. The requirement to switch on headlights during the day is still in force. At least for now.

Road safety in Austria

The number of accidents in Austria rose sharply in 2007. As a result, many drivers, experts and politicians are questioning the requirement to use headlights during daytime journeys. However, the law has not yet been amended. The requirement to use headlights in darkness and poor visibility remains unchanged. This rule is reportedly due to be repealed from January 2008.

Date: 30/09/2026

Headlight requirement in Austria

Many studies confirm that requiring headlights to be used has a positive effect on road safety. The European Union therefore intends to introduce a uniform regulation for all member states. Some EU countries are already leading the way: Denmark – Estonia – Finland (outside built-up areas) – Iceland – Italy (outside built-up areas)– Latvia – Lithuania (from 1.9.-7.9. and 1.11.-1.3.) – Norway – Romania – Sweden – Slovenia, Hungary (parking lights in good visibility), the Czech Republic until the end of March, Poland until the end of February.

Environmentally and safety-conscious drivers

Of course, there are also opposing views because of the higher energy consumption. But there are solutions for environmentally and safety-conscious drivers. Special daytime running lights are available from specialist retailers. They can be retrofitted to any passenger car. The additional energy consumption of 5 watts per lamp is barely measurable. In addition, these lights (mostly diodes) need replacing less often.

In Germany, France and Switzerland, there are so far only recommendations to use headlights during the day. So no fines are to be expected either. Fog lights are not permitted during the day.

In Austria, headlights should also be switched on during the day on the drive to your ski holiday