RoadworksAustria

An introduction to the traffic rules and road signs of Austria. Learn about driving, road safety and much more in our illustrated book, with answers to frequently asked questions.

For informational purposes only. Always follow official regulations. Some content and images were created with AI assistance.


31. Roadworks

Roadworks are construction, maintenance, repair or inspection activities carried out on or beside a road. They may temporarily change the road layout, lane widths, speed limits, priority, permitted directions and facilities for pedestrians or cyclists.

Drivers must follow the temporary signs, traffic lights, barriers, road markings and instructions from authorised personnel. They should reduce speed, increase their following distance and remain prepared for narrow lanes, stopped traffic, workers, machinery and sudden changes in the route.

Roadworks
Roadworks warning sign on Dachsteinhöhlenstraße. (Obertraun, Austria)
Wikimedia.org • Thisisbossi • CC BY-SA
What should you watch for when approaching roadworks in Austria?

Look for temporary warnings, cones, barriers, narrow lanes and construction vehicles. Road layouts can change temporarily, including lane shifts, traffic-light control and short one-way sections. Expect workers and slow or stationary traffic near the worksite.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 43–55, 97

Is a temporary speed limit at roadworks binding in Austria?

Where an authorised temporary regulatory speed limit is in force, you must obey it. A roadworks warning alone should not be mistaken for a new numerical limit, but conditions may require driving more slowly.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 43–55, 97

What if only one lane remains open through roadworks in Austria?

Follow the temporary signals, stop/go instructions, lane arrows and priority signs. Do not enter an opposing traffic lane until permitted, and give vulnerable road users and road workers extra room.

🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 43–55, 97

Warning for roadworks. Warning for roadworks.

English • Traffic sign StVO § 50 Z 9 • Roadworks. The sign indicates work on or beside the road and the dangers usually associated with it, such as a dirty road surface, loose chippings, trench covers and similar hazards.

Deutsch • StVO § 50 Z 9 • BAUSTELLE. Dieses Zeichen zeigt Arbeiten auf oder neben der Straße sowie damit üblicherweise verbundene Gefahren (wie Straßenverunreinigungen, Rollsplitt, Künettenabdeckungen und dgl.) an.

Sources

🔗 Commons.wikimedia.org
🔗 Ris.bka.gv.at • StVO § 50 Z 9

SVG source: 3247 • Public domain • Original revision 2006-08-27. Wikimedia original unmodified.

1 Austria 2 Motorway 3 Expressway 4 Residential area 5 Zone 6 Speed limit 7 Footpath 8 Bike path 9 Shared-use path 10 Tunnel 11 Cycling street 12 Pedestrian zone 13 One-way traffic 14 Quay 15 Slope 16 Bus lane 17 Bus stop 18 Dead end 19 Stop sign 20 Give way 21 Roundabout 22 Priority road 23 Give way to oncoming traffic 24 Railway crossing 25 Mandatory direction 26 Turn prohibition 27 School area 28 Overtaking 29 Crossing animals 30 Wrong-way driving 31 Roadworks 32 Height limit 33 Width limit 34 Weight limit 35 Priority at the next junction 36 Traffic lights 37 Pedestrian lights 38 Speed feedback 39 Driving licence 40 Location marker 41 Traffic mirror 42 Emergency telephone 43 International border 44 Cycling route 45 Parking 46 No parking 47 No stopping 48 Disabled parking 49 Reversing 50 Uncontrolled crossroad 51 Road surface 52 Provisional licence 53 Runaway truck ramp 54 City limit 55 Cyclist crossing 56 Horn 57 Licence plate 58 Charging station 59 Dangers 60 Cyclist 61 Bus 62 Police 63 Ambulance 64 Police signals 65 European emission standard 66 Pothole 67 Private property 68 Path 69 Particulates 70 Air pollution 71 Rush hour 72 Road code 73 Street gutter 74 Cargo bike 75 Forestry vehicle 76 Construction vehicle 77 Semi-trailer truck 78 Trolleybus 79 Speed pedelec 80 Delivery vehicle 81 Idling 82 Tow truck 83 Four-wheel drive 84 No vehicles 85 Bicycle 86 Motorcycle equipment 87 Tram 88 Rail track 89 Caravan 90 Trailer 91 Tow hitch 92 Fire truck 93 Siren 94 Convoy 95 Emergency vehicle lighting 96 Agricultural machinery 97 Electric bicycle 98 Electric vehicle 99 Pedelec 100 Quadricycle ...