IG-L: What Does the Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft Mean for Drivers in Austria?

The IG-L (Immissionsschutzgesetz-Luft) label is well known to Austrian drivers. This term refers to speed limits known as “Luft-Hunderter.” The IG-L is an Austrian federal law aimed at reducing vehicle emissions, among other objectives.

To achieve this goal, variable speed limits have been introduced on designated sections of highways and motorways. These restrictions come into effect when air pollution levels rise. This means that on a given section, the “Luft-Hunderter” limit may be in effect on some days, while not on others.

When do IG-L speed limits take effect?

The air quality monitoring stations operated by the provinces continuously provide current air pollution data to ASFINAG (Austria’s Highway and Motorway Operator). The measured values are combined with various parameters (traffic data, weather). The IG-L speed limit is activated when the algorithms and thresholds defined by the province are met.

In Tyrol, for example, road- and environment-dependent speed limits for passenger vehicles have been converted into a permanent 100 km/h speed limit on the A12 and A13 motorways. This means that the restriction is always in effect, regardless of air pollution data.

This is what it looks like on the motorway when the restriction is active:

Where are IG-L speed limits in effect?

Speed limits under the IG-L are ordered by the provincial governor in individual provinces. Currently, they apply over 400 kilometers of highways and motorways in Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, Upper Austria, and Carinthia.

Province	Affected Motorways
Upper Austria	A1
Salzburg	A1, A10
Styria	A9, A2
Tyrol (permanent 100 km/h limit)	A12, A13
Carinthia	A2
Vorarlberg	A14

Exceptions for electric vehicles

Since July 1, 2019, purely electric vehicles and hydrogen-powered vehicles are exempt from IG-L speed limits on highways and motorways. These vehicles are not required to comply with these speed restrictions under certain conditions.

The exception for electric vehicles, adopted in late 2018, is intended to encourage the strengthening of electric mobility in Austria. Plug-in hybrids are still required to adhere to the speed limits.

The IG-L speed limit exemptions only apply to vehicles with a green license plate. This plate has been available for purely electric vehicles since April 2017 but is not mandatory. Anyone who wishes may continue to use the traditional black license plate, in which case they must comply with the designated speed limits, just like vehicles with internal combustion engines.

The exemptions for electric vehicles are only valid on sections where warning signs indicate this. Until these warning signs are installed, the IG-L speed limits remain in effect for all vehicles, regardless of their propulsion system or license plate type.

This sign indicates that the IG-L restriction does not apply to vehicles with green license plates:

What are the penalties for violating IG-L speed limits?

In 2017, the Austrian Ministry of Environment increased the penalty framework for exceeding speed limits in IG-L areas. Since then, a fine of up to 90 euros can be imposed for exceeding the speed limit by up to 30 km/h.

Note: If the IG-L speed limit is exceeded in addition to the speed limit set by the StVO (Road Traffic Regulations), an additional penalty may apply for the latter.

Traffic bans and other rules under the IG-L

Traffic bans for certain types of vehicles have been imposed in some areas under the IG-L. The current overview of truck traffic bans in the individual provinces can be found on the website of the Austrian Chamber of Commerce.

Frequently Asked Questions about IG-L in Austria