Austria BKF C95 key terms

Austrian driving licence category covering motor vehicles up to 3,500 kg maximum permissible mass with no more than eight seats besides the driver; it also permits towing light trailers within set limits.

The legal authorisation to drive a specific category of vehicle in Austria, granted after passing the theory and practical tests and subject to conditions such as probationary periods or restrictions.

A trailer whose maximum permissible mass does not exceed 750 kilograms; with a category B licence it may generally be towed without an additional entitlement, provided the combination stays within legal limits.

The maximum permissible total mass of a vehicle including payload, as recorded in the registration documents; exceeding it is an offence and affects handling, braking and tyre loading.

The set of statutory rules deciding which road user may proceed first at an intersection, including priority roads, right-hand priority and traffic light or police signals.

The default Austrian priority rule at intersections without signs or signals: the vehicle approaching from the right has priority, so drivers must slow down and be ready to yield.

A red octagonal sign reading STOP that obliges the driver to halt completely at the marked line, check for traffic and give way before entering the intersection.

A circular junction where traffic already inside the roundabout normally has priority unless signs state otherwise; entering drivers yield and must not obstruct circulating vehicles.

A marked pedestrian crossing where pedestrians have priority once they show intent to cross; drivers must approach at reduced speed and stop if necessary.

The distance a vehicle travels during the driver's reaction time before braking begins; at higher speeds it grows substantially and adds directly to the stopping distance.

The distance needed to stop from the moment braking starts; it increases with the square of speed and depends heavily on road surface, tyre condition and vehicle load.

The total distance required to stop a vehicle, being the sum of the reaction distance and the braking distance; a key figure for safe following distance and hazard anticipation.

The outward apparent force experienced in a curve, growing with speed squared and inversely with curve radius; excessive speed in bends can cause loss of grip or overturning.

A handling condition where the front wheels lose grip and the vehicle fails to follow the intended curve, often caused by excessive entry speed or abrupt steering on slippery roads.

Electronic stability programme that detects skidding by comparing driver input with actual vehicle motion and selectively brakes individual wheels to help restore stability.

Anti-lock braking system that prevents wheel lock-up during hard braking, preserving steering control; the driver should keep firm pressure on the pedal and may feel pulsing.

The legal and practical requirement to secure loads against sliding, tipping and falling using straps, nets or restraints, protecting other road users and preserving vehicle stability.

The air pressure inside tyres, which must be checked when cold and kept at the manufacturer's specification; wrong pressure worsens grip, wear and fuel consumption.

The depth of tread remaining on a tyre; Austrian law requires a minimum of 1.6 mm, though more is recommended for safe grip on wet roads.

The Austrian rule requiring winter tyres or snow chains on vehicles during wintry conditions such as snow, slush or ice, regardless of the calendar date.

The routine pre-drive inspection of lights, tyres, brakes, fluids and mirrors that keeps a vehicle roadworthy and helps prevent breakdowns and accidents.

The legal blood alcohol limit for drivers in Austria, generally 0.5 per mille, with stricter limits for novice and professional drivers; exceeding it brings severe penalties.

A calibrated breath alcohol testing device used by police; a reading above the legal limit constitutes an offence and refusal to be tested carries its own sanctions.

A state in which a driver is unable to control a vehicle safely because of alcohol, drugs, illness, exhaustion or medication; driving in this state is prohibited.

Fatigue that impairs attention, reaction time and judgement; the only effective remedy is stopping for rest, as fresh air or coffee merely delay the problem.

The requirement to take regular breaks on long journeys, commonly a short stop every two hours, to maintain concentration and reduce the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.

The gap kept to the vehicle ahead, often estimated by the two-second rule; it must increase with speed, poor weather, heavy load or reduced visibility.

Passing another road user; permitted only when the road is clear, visibility is sufficient and no prohibition applies, and the overtaking vehicle must not endanger or obstruct others.

A sign or road marking forbidding overtaking, typically on narrow, winding or low-visibility sections where passing would be dangerous.

A posted or statutory maximum speed for a road or vehicle class; drivers must also slow below it when conditions such as weather, traffic or visibility demand.

The advisory maximum speed of 130 km/h on Austrian motorways; exceeding it is not automatically an offence but can affect liability in the event of a crash.

A controlled-access motorway for fast motor traffic, with special rules on entry, exit, stopping and minimum speeds; pedestrians, bicycles and slow vehicles are excluded.

A rule or sign prohibiting stopping or parking at a location, for example near crossings, junctions, bus stops or fire hydrants, to keep sight lines and traffic flow clear.

A restriction forbidding parking in a defined area, indicated by signs or markings; unlike a stopping ban, brief stopping to pick up or set down may sometimes remain allowed.

A ticket or voucher purchased from a machine or app that authorises parking for a limited period in a short-stay zone and must be displayed or registered as required.

The scene of a breakdown or accident; drivers must secure it with hazard lights and a warning triangle, wear high-visibility clothing and keep themselves and others off the carriageway.

A high-visibility vest that must be carried in the vehicle and worn when leaving it at a breakdown or accident scene outside built-up areas.

A reflective warning triangle placed on the road behind a broken-down or crashed vehicle to alert approaching traffic, at a distance suited to the road type and visibility.

The emergency call, in Austria reachable on 112 or 133, used to summon police, ambulance or fire service and to report the location, injuries and hazards clearly.

Immediate basic assistance given to injured persons before professional help arrives, including securing the scene, checking breathing and applying pressure to bleeding wounds.

A driving style using early gear changes, steady speed, anticipation and avoidance of unnecessary idling to cut fuel use, emissions and wear.

The amount of fuel a vehicle uses per distance travelled; it rises with aggressive acceleration, high speed, roof loads, low tyre pressure and neglected maintenance.

Compulsory motor third-party liability insurance covering damage a vehicle causes to others; driving without valid cover is an offence and can lead to severe penalties.

The vehicle registration document listing owner, technical data and licence plate; it must be carried or available when driving and kept updated after ownership changes.

The colloquial Austrian name for the periodic roadworthiness inspection sticker and test; a valid inspection is required to keep a vehicle legally on the road.