Slippery roadAustria
Traffic rules
Austria
1. Slippery road
A slippery road has reduced tyre grip and can make steering, braking and acceleration less effective. Roads may become slippery because of rain, ice, snow, mud, oil, loose material or other substances on the surface. Drivers should reduce speed, increase their following distance and avoid sudden steering, braking or acceleration. Extra caution is needed in bends, on bridges and wherever the road surface changes unexpectedly.
What can make roads slippery in Austria?
Be prepared for snow, ice and black ice on Alpine passes and winter roads. A surface can become slippery even if it looks clear, and different parts of the road may have very different grip.
🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 22, 50; 15–16 for overtaking
How should you drive on a slippery road in Austria?
Reduce speed early, increase the gap to the vehicle ahead and use smooth steering, braking and acceleration. Do not rely on the posted maximum as a safe target when grip is poor.
🔗 ris.bka.gv.at • Austrian RIS, StVO — sections 20, 22, 50; 15–16 for overtaking
Are special winter tyres or equipment required in Austria?
In Austria, winter tyres are required for light vehicles from 1 November to 15 April when wintry conditions exist, subject to the statutory alternatives and exceptions. The driver must still adapt speed to actual conditions.
🔗 oesterreich.gv.at • Austrian Government — conditional winter-equipment duty, 1 November–15 April
